FFA timeline

  • Smith-Hughes act

    Smith-Hughes vocational education act passed by U.S. congress, provided funding for vocational agricultural classes
  • First national FFA convention

    First national FFA convention held in Kansas. First sectional gathering of New Farmers state associations.
  • National blue and corn gold adopted as official FFA colors

    First star farmer is Carlton Patton from Arkansas. First National chapter contest launched.
  • First official uniform

    Official creed, written by E.M. Tiffany, adopted.
    Edward Drace won first National FFA Public speaking contest.
    Boys only delegates.
    First official FFA manual.
  • Bill passed, granted a federal charter to FFA

    Rhode Island FFA Association with 5 chapters and 82 members, chartered. FFA in all 48 states, plus Hawaii and Puerto Rico
  • New Farmers of America merged with FFA

    Delegates voted to increase FFA membership dues drop 10¢ to 50¢, allowing members to receive the official FFA magazine.
  • FFA membership to girls

    Ken Dunagan from Arizona named first national star in agribusiness.
    First FFA Washington conference held.
  • FFA opened membership to 7th and 8th graders.

    Future Farmers of America changed its name to FFA organization to show growing diversity.
    Agriscience student recognition program introduced.
    President Ronald Reagan spoke at a national convention.
  • The National Future Farmer magazine changed its name to FFA New Horizons.

  • FFA chapters in the Virgin Islands and Guam, along with 5 chapters in Micronesia, chartered.

  • First Agri-entrepreneurship awards presented