FFA History

NFA is founded as a national organization at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. David Simmons of Alabama is elected as the first national NFA president. Active FFA membership exceeds 100,000 members.

During the National FFA Convention, action is taken to establish a national FFA camp and leadership training school in Washington, D.C.

28.5 acres of land is purchased near Alexandria, Va., for the first FFA-owned national headquarters; the land was once part of George Washington’s estate. Identical twins Albert and Arthur Lacy from Hondo, Texas, become the only members ever to share the title of Star Farmer of America. The H.O. Sargent Trophy Award is created to honor H.O. Sargent’s commitment to helping NFA members achieve success and leadership in agriculture.

FFA members join in the war effort. Three former FFA members—Robert Gray from Texas, Travis Hoover from California and Melvin Jordan from Oklahoma—serve with then Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle and participate in the famous air raid on Tokyo. During World War II, delegates revise FFA membership rules so time served in the armed forces will not count in determining a member’s period of eligibility. During the war years, national conventions are streamlined events, attended only by delegates and award winners. In 1942, just 217 people attend the convention.

The Future Farmers of America Foundation is formed in Washington, D.C., to raise money for FFA programs and activities. 138,548 FFA members serve in the Armed Services in World War II. The first National FFA Agriculture Proficiency Award is presented for agricultural mechanics.

National blue and corn gold are adopted as official FFA colors. Carlton Patton from Arkansas is named the first Star Farmer of America. This is one of the first awards created by FFA, and it was sponsored until 1949 by the Kansas City Star. First National Chapter Contest is launched and sponsored by Farm Journal magazine. At the Second National FFA Convention in November, 33 states are represented by 64 delegates. Thirty-five state associations with approximately 1,500 chapters and 30,000 members are affiliated with the national organization.

The first National FFA Band performs at the National FFA Convention. National FFA Officers go on the first Goodwill Tour, visiting business and industrial firms and organizations.

The first FFA Chorus and National FFA Talent program is held at the National FFA Convention. National FFA Supply Service begins operation. Record jump in membership from 238,269 in 1947 to 260,300 in 1948. So many members (10,000) attend the 20th National FFA Convention that a folding-cot hotel is set up in the basement of the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. First FFA Week is celebrated during the week of George Washington’s birthday.

Convention delegate recommendation to revise the terminology of official FFA ceremonies, adding the option of officer position (Last Name) in addition to Mr./Madame, gets approval from the board of directors.

Student membership hits an all-time high with 850,823 members in 8,995 chapters. Dr. Travis Park is named director of agricultural education, FFA board chair and national advisor. The board of directors ratified the approved constitutional amendment by the delegates to include fifth and sixth grade students as FFA members. The 15,000th jacket is gifted through the Give the Gift of Blue program. FFA members earn a record 4,305 American FFA Degrees. Alumni and supporters membership hits an all-time high with 704,297 members in 2,550 chapters.

FFA celebrates 50 years of alumni membership. National FFA Board of Directors grants the U.S. Virgin Islands a new charter. National delegates pass and the National FFA Board of Directors ratify the FFA Value Statements. Vice President Kamala Harris gives videotaped greetings at the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo.

Student membership hits an all-time high with 760,113 members in 8,739 chapters. The National FFA Convention & Expo is held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Forever Blue Network is launched. For the first time in 50 years, the Washington Leadership Conference is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.