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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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”

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

8. 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.

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

10. 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

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

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

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

14. The FFA Emblem
next is the rising sun
symbolizes progress

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

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

17. 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”

18. 3 Parts of the Ag Ed Program
Classroom/Laboratory Instruction
FFA
SAE
Classroom/
Lab
FFA
SAE