FFA Moment: 1966

Although early national FFA conventions were influential and offered leadership meetings, student competitions and agricultural education discussions designed to prepare future generations of farmers, they were relatively small — nothing compared to what the National FFA Convention & Expo has become. There wasn’t a formal expo either — just basic displays of farming tools, livestock and student projects.

As agriculture modernized, companies and colleges began attending national FFA conventions to showcase new farm equipment and technology, and to recruit students into ag careers. In 1966 — 60 years ago — the first FFA National Agricultural Career Show was formally held at the national FFA convention in Kansas City to highlight educational and career opportunities in agriculture. Looking back, that first career show was a pivotal moment in expanding the focus of ag education beyond traditional farming.

Today, the National FFA Convention & Expo is one of the largest shows for students in the country, with exhibitors including agriculture companies, colleges and universities and government agencies with interests and opportunities across all areas of agriculture.