1. FFA History and Benefits
Mrs. Halkiades
Smyrna High School

2. What does FFA stand for?
1928 – FFA stands for Future Farmers of America
1988 – FFA changes to National FFA Organization
To represent the growing diversity of agriculture

3. What is FFA?
FFA – a dynamic youth organization within agricultural education that changes lives and prepares students for Premier Leadership, Personal Growth and Career Success.

4. FFA Benefits
Make new friends!
Have fun!
Make positive choices

5. FFA Benefits Cont. Become a leader Travel Outstanding conferences and
conventions

6. FFA Benefits Cont. Be part of a team Serve your community
Earn $$ and awards

7. How to Become an FFA Member
Be enrolled in at least 1 agricultural education course during the school year
Show an interest
Attend meetings
Strive for degrees in membership
Participate in activities
Pay dues
Display proper conduct

8. Degree Requirements
Official FFA Manual
Page 24

9. 1917-Smith-Hughes Act passed
FFA History
1917-Smith-Hughes Act passed
Allowing vocational agriculture to be taught to high school males
1925-Future Farmers of Virginia
FFV serves as model for FFA

10. History Cont. 1928 – FFA established in Kansas City, MO
1st National FFA Convention held in Kansas City
1929 – National Blue and Corn Gold
Adopted as official colors

11. History Cont. 1930 – Official FFA Creed adopted 1933 – Blue corduroy
1930 – Official FFA Creed adopted
Written by E.M. Tiffany (3rd)
Revised at 38th and 63rd National Convention
“I believe…”
1933 – Blue corduroy
jacket adopted as official
dress

12. History Cont. 1935 – New Farmers of America (NFA)
Agricultural student organization for African-American students

13. History Cont. 1947 – National FFA Week established
in February (week of GW’s birthday)

14. History Cont. 1952 – 1st issue of The National Future Farmer
Magazine was
published

15. History Cont.
1965 – NFA merges with FFA

16. History Cont.
1969 – FFA opens membership to girls

17. History Cont. 1973 – FFA Official Dress standards created
1989 – The National Future Farmer magazine changes name to FFA New Horizons

18. History Cont. 1996 – FFA website debuts
1998 – National convention is held in Kansas City for the last time
Moved to Louisville, KY
Then to Indianapolis, IN
Now in Louisville, KY again
Today - 557,318 FFA members

19. Any questions so far?