Timeline Stories

The first International Exchange Program for FFA members begins with Young Farmers Club of Great Britain.

The delegate body of the National FFA Convention establishes the alumni class of membership as part of the National FFA Constitution.

The 81st U.S. Congress passes a bill that grants a federal charter to Future Farmers of America. President Harry S. Truman signs the bill on Aug. 30, and it becomes Public Law 81-740. The Rhode Island FFA Association, with five chapters and 82 members, is chartered—FFA is in all 48 states, plus then Territory of Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

The advancement in agricultural education since the Smith – Hughes Act has bettered the quality of life not just for America’s rural and farm families but for everyone across the globe who is fed and clothed by the American Farmer. As with every great journey, it started with that first step. 2017 was the centennial celebration of the Smith – Hughes Act, America’s first step in transforming education.

The FFA Code of Ethics is adopted. First issue of The National Future Farmer magazine is published.

Virginia Tech agricultural education teacher educators Henry Groseclose, Harry Sanders, Walter S. Newman and Edmund C. Magill organized the Future Farmers of Virginia for boys in agriculture classes. The FFV served as the model for the Future Farmers of America.

The U.S. Post Office Department issues a special 3-cent postage stamp—the cost of mailing a first-class letter then—to celebrate the 25th anniversary of FFA. The first stamps are released in Kansas City, Mo., during the National FFA Convention. President Dwight D. Eisenhower speaks at the National FFA Convention — the first U.S. president to do so — and receives an Honorary American Farmer Degree. FFA membership reaches 363,369 members.

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.

FFA celebrates 50 years of female membership in the organization. H.R. 439, the National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act (also known as Public Law 116-7), becomes law. Dr. Steve Brown retires as National FFA advisor and board of directors chair. Washington Leadership Conference celebrates its 50th anniversary. The National FFA Delegates amend and the National FFA Board of Directors ratifies the National FFA Constitution and Bylaws. The National Council for Agricultural Education names Dr. James Woodard the board of directors chair and national advisor. The National FFA Board of Directors names Cheryl Zimmerman executive secretary of the National FFA. The National FFA Foundation celebrates its 75th anniversary. The National FFA Foundation receives a record $23.4 million in support for FFA. The estate of Emmaline S. Eichelberger donates more than $2.5 million to the National FFA Organization, the largest single unrestricted donation in the organization’s history.