History, Benefits, and Mission Introduction to FFA History, Benefits, and Mission

How did it start? In 1917, Congress passed the “Smith Hughes” Act creating agriculture classes actual name of the legislation was the National Vocational Education Act

The Founding of the FFA Henry Groseclose is known as the “Father of FFA” for beginning the Future Farmers of Virginia Club which inspired other states to start clubs too In 1928, the Future Farmers of America was founded in Kansas City, Missouri Dues were 10 cents

FFA in the Southern States In the South, the New Farmers of America was established for African- American boys in agriculture classes The NFA merged with the FFA in 1965

Other Key Information E.M. Tiffany wrote the FFA Creed which was adopted in 1930 Girls were allowed membership in 1969 In 1988, the Future Farmers of America changed its name to The National FFA Organization The National FFA Convention is now held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Discovery Degree first available for middle school members in 2001

FFA Pride The FFA is the largest youth organization in America. The official jacket is a nationally recognized symbol of the FFA. Students wear it to show unity and pride in the organization and it should always be worn zipped all the way up. The ‘uniform’ of the FFA is called “official dress”

Official Colors National Blue: represents our nation’s flag Corn Gold: corn is the only crop grown in all 50 states

The FFA Mission FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The FFA Motto Learning to Do Doing to Learn Earning to Live Living to Serve

Why Join the FFA? Become a Leader Serve Your Community Travel Earn Money Be Part of the Team Have Fun Be a Winner Serve Your Community Make Positive Choices Learn in the Real World Target Career Success

The FFA Emblem made up of six symbols each has significant meaning for the FFA

The FFA Emblem the base of the emblem is a cross- section of an ear of corn symbolizes unity

The FFA Emblem at the top of the emblem is the eagle symbolizes national pride and freedom

The FFA Emblem next is the rising sun symbolizes progress

The FFA Emblem then the plow symbolizes labor and tillage of the soil

The FFA Emblem sitting on the plow is the owl symbolizes knowledge and wisdom

The FFA Emblem inside the emblem are the words symbolizes FFA is a part of agriculture education because the words “agriculture education” surround the letters “FFA”

3 Parts of the Ag Ed Program Classroom/Laboratory Instruction FFA SAE Classroom/ Lab FFA SAE