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National FFA Brings Student and Industry Voices to Capitol Hill
https://www.ffa.org/press-releases/national-ffa-brings-student-and-industry-voices-to-capitol-hill/
National FFA hosted a panel discussion in our nation’s capital on Wednesday, July 22, focused on the importance of agricultural education and career and technical education in preparing the next generation.
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New Century Farmer Conference Explores Innovation
https://www.ffa.org/press-releases/new-century-farmer-conference-explores-innovation/
The National FFA Organization recently hosted the 2026 New Century Farmer Conference in Indianapolis, July 18-22. The conference brought together 45 elite FFA alumni from 23 states to advance their leadership and career skills while learning about working in the industry of agriculture.
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National FFA Announces New Membership Numbers
https://www.ffa.org/press-releases/national-ffa-announces-new-membership-numbers/
National FFA Organization continues its record-setting growth with yet another increase in membership over last year.
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National FFA Announces Chapter Connect Participants
https://www.ffa.org/press-releases/national-ffa-announces-chapter-connect-participants/
The National FFA Organization is proud to announce the latest cohort for the Chapter Connect program for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, which includes 32 chapters from 26 states, including Washington, D.C. This will be the second year of the program, incorporating 30 new chapters and two returning chapters.
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1970
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1970/
New York’s Anita Decker and New Jersey’s Patricia Krowicki become the first two female delegates to the national convention.
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1971
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1971-2/
Sharon Staley of the White River FFA Chapter in Washington models the first official girl’s FFA jacket.
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1971
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1971/
The National FFA Alumni Association is established. The Building Our American Communities (BOAC) program begins.
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1973
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1973-2/
First American Farmer Degrees are awarded to women in 1973.
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1973
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1973/
FFA Official Dress standards are created. National FFA Secretary Fred McClure from Texas is the first African American elected to a national FFA office.
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1974
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1974/
President Gerald Ford speaks at the National FFA Convention. The speech is carried live on network television.
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1975
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1975/
Food for America program launches. Jimmy Carter, former Georgia governor and a former member of the Plains (Ga.) FFA Chapter, speaks at the National FFA Convention. Carter was elected U.S. president the following year. First FFA Student Handbook is published.
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1976
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1976/
Julie Smiley from Washington is elected national FFA vice president and is the first female to hold a national FFA office.
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1976
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1976-2/
Julie Smiley from Washington is elected national FFA vice president and is the first female to hold a national FFA office. Alaska becomes the last of the 50 states to obtain a national charter.
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1977
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1977/
The 1977-78 national officers included Peg Armstrong of Iowa (back row, left).
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1978
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1978/
President Jimmy Carter speaks at the 51st National FFA Convention again, this time as a U.S. president. The commemorative marker noting the site of the organization’s founding is unveiled in Kansas City, Mo.
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1979
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1979-2/
The 1979-80 national officers included Elin Duckworth of Arizona (back row, left).
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1979
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1979/
Christe Peterson from Wisconsin wins the first Extemporaneous Public Speaking Event.
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1980
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1980/
The National FFA Foundation raises $1 million in one year for the first time.
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1981
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1981/
Melanie Burgess became a national FFA vice president in 1981.
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1982
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1982/
Jan Eberly from California becomes the first female national FFA president.
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1983
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1983/
The Ag Ed Network, the organization’s computerized information service, launches.
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1984
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1984/
The first FFA TV public service announcements air.
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1986
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1986/
The first Agriscience Teacher of the Year Award is presented to Steven McKay from Boonville, Calif.
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1987
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1987/
The first national television satellite broadcast of the National FFA Convention airs. Vice President George H.W. Bush speaks at the National FFA Convention. Bush is elected U.S. president the following year.
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1988
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1988/
The Future Farmers of America changes its name to the National FFA Organization to reflect the growing diversity in agriculture. Seventh and eighth grade students are permitted to become FFA members. The Agriscience Student Recognition Program is introduced. President Ronald Reagan speaks at the National FFA Convention via a prerecorded message. Evadale, Texas, member Chrystal McDaniel poses with the 3 millionth FFA jacket.
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