The National FFA Organization

Introduction to World Agriculture

Objectives Understand the importance of the National FFA

Organization. List the official FFA colors. Recite the FFA motto. Identify important dates in FFA history. Describe the parts and their meanings of the

FFA emblem. List the FFA officers. Demonstrate opening and closing ceremonies. Understand the key components of agriculture

education (SAE, FFA, and classroom).

Agriculture Education

MottoLearning to DoDoing to LearnEarning to LiveLiving to Serve

History 1917

Smith-Hughes National Vocational Act established vocational agriculture courses

1925 Virginia Tech agricultural education teachers

organize the Future Farmers of Virginia for boys in agriculture classes Served as model for Future Farmers of America

History 1928

Future Farmers of America is established in Kansas City, MO.

First National FFA Convention held in Kansas City There were 33 delegates from 18 states present

First sectional gathering of New Farmers of America members held.

History 1929

National blue and corn gold adpoted as official colors Carlton Patton of AR named first American Star Farmer

1930 Official FFA creed adopted First official dress uniform was adopted

Dark blue shirt, blue or white pants, blue cap, yellow tie Membership restricted to boys only

1933 Blue corduroy jacket adopted as official dress A group of FFA officers and members made a pilgrimage

to D.C. where they were greeted on the White House lawn by President FDR.

History 1935

New Farmers of America founded in Tuskegee, AL Active FFA members exceeded 100,000 members.

1937 During national convention, action was taken to establish a

national FFA camp and leadership training school in Washington D.C.

1939 28.5 acres of land was purchased for the first FFA-owned national

headquarters The land was part of George Washington’s estate.

1948 First FFA week was established

1952 First issue of The National Future Farmer magazine was pulished.

History 1965

New Farmers of America merges with Future Farmers of America.

1969 FFA opens membership to girls.

1973 FFA official dress standards created.

1988 Future Farmers of America changes its name to National

FFA Organization to reflect the growing diversity in the industry of agriculture.

Seventh and Eigth grade students permitted to become members.

Colors National Blue Corn Gold

Emblem Cross section of the ear of corn

Emblem Rising sun

Emblem Plow

Emblem Owl

Emblem Eagle

Emblem The words “Agricultural Education” and “FFA”

Official Dress Males

Black slacks White collared shirt Official FFA tie Black dress shoes Black socks An official FFA jacket zipped to the top

Females Black skirt White collared blouse Official FFA scarf Black dress shoes Black nylons An official FFA jacket zipped to the top

Officers President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Sentinel Junior Advisor Reporter

SAE Supervised Agricultural Experience Year-round program made up of projects or

enterprises where you apply agricultural skills and knowledge taught in the classroom

4 types: Entrepreneurship Placement Agriscience Research and Experimentation Exploratory

CDE Career Development Event Leadership

Creed Speaking Extemporaneous Speaking Prepared Public Speaking Parlimentary Procedure

Degrees Discovery FFA Degree Greenhand FFA Degree Chapter FFA Degree State FFA Degree American FFA Degree

Opening and Closing Ceremonies Vote on officers. Demonstrate O & C.

Star Awards Star Greenhand Chapter Star Farmer State Star Farmer American Star Farmer

FFA member with the top production agriculture program