Ag 101: Intro to FFA

Whether you are new to FFA or an experienced member, there is always more to learn about our organization. Here is an entry-level course in all things FFA.

FFA Motto
“Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.”

FFA Mission
“FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.”

FFA Vision
“Growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world.”

Emblem
The official insignia is the FFA Emblem, which displays the official FFA colors of National Blue and Corn Gold. It consists of these key symbols:

• The cross section of an ear of corn
• A plow
• A rising sun
• An eagle
• An owl
• The words “Agricultural Education” and “FFA”

Organizational Model

FFA is structured into three levels:

• Local chapters
• State associations
• National FFA Organization

Agriculture education is structured into three components:

• Classroom/laboratory instruction
• Experiential learning through Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs)
• Leadership development through FFA

Opportunities in FFA
FFA is more than an organization; it’s an experience! Here are some important awards, competitive events, conferences and programs that can maximize your membership.

• AgExplorer
• Career and Leadership Development Event (CDEs and LDEs)
• Grants & Scholarships
• Literacy & Advocacy
• Living to Serve
• National FFA Convention & Expo
• National FFA Week
• Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs)

Key Moments in FFA History

• 1917: Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act is adopted.
• 1928: Future Farmers of America is formed.
• 1930: E.M. Tiffany’s “FFA Creed” is adopted.
• 1933: Blue corduroy jacket becomes Official Dress.
• 1935: New Farmers of America (NFA) is formed.
• 1952: First issue of The National Future Farmer magazine is published.
• 1965: NFA and FFA merge.
• 1969: Women are granted FFA membership.
• 1971: National FFA Alumni Association is formed.
• 1973: Fred McClure becomes the first African American to serve as a national FFA officer.
• 1976: Julie Smiley becomes the first woman to serve as a national officer.
• 1982: Jan Eberly becomes the first female national FFA president.
• 1988: “Future Farmers of America” is changed to the “National FFA Organization.”
• 1994: Corey Flournoy becomes the first African American national FFA president.
• 2003: “FFA Live!” first airs on RFD-TV.
• 2014: Five historic FFA jackets are donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
• 2024: Student membership hits an all-time high with 1,027,273 members in 9,235 chapters; Alumni membership reaches 760,152 members in 2,033 chapters.