Future Farmers of America

(The National FFA Center located in Indianapolis, Indiana)

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---this is the main goal of the National FFA Organization. For more than 71 years, the FFA has continued to be an integral part of agricultural instruction by making classroom lessons come to life through realistic applications.

From its beginnings, in 1928, with 33 delegates at the first national convention, it has grown to encompass 447,880 members in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam and Rota .

The History of FFA

The original idea for the organization was fostered after courses in vocational agriculture were established by the Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act in 1917.

In the early 1920's, Virginia formed a Future Farmers club for boys in agriculture classes. This innovation caught fire across the country and the national organization was established in 1928 at the Baltimore Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. National dues to the Future Farmers of America were set at 10 cents per member.

 

The FFA Emblem

The National FFA emblem, consisting of five symbols, is representative of the history, goals and future of the organization. As a whole, the emblem covers the broad spectrum of FFA and agriculture. Each element within the emblem has unique significance.

• The Rising Sun signifies progress and holds a promise that tommorrow will bring a new day glowing with opportunity.
• The Plow signifies labor and tillage of the soil, the backbone of agriculture, and the historic foundation of our country's strength.
• The Eagle is a national symbol, which serves as a reminder of our freedom and ability to explore new horizons for the future of agriculture.
• The Owl, long recognized for its wisdom, symbolizes the knowledgerequired to be successful in the industry of agriculture.
• The words "Agriculture Education" and "FFA" are emblazoned in the center to signify the combination of learning and leadership necessary for progressive agriculture.

 

 

Motto

The FFA Motto gives members twelve shortwords to live by as they expreience the opportunities in the organization.

 

 

Salute

The Pledge of Allegiance is the official salute of the FFA organization. To properly conduct the salute, face the United States flag, place the right hand over the left part of te chest, and holding it there, repeat the following pledge:

 

"I Pledge allegiance to the flag of the

United States of America and to

the Republic for which it stands, one

Nation under God, indivisible, with

liberty and justice for all."

 

 

Official Dress

The uniform worn by FFA members at local, state and national functions is called official dress. It provides identity and gives a distintive and recognizable image to the organization.

Female members are to wear a black skirt, white blouse with official FFA blue scarf, black shoes and official jacket zipped to the top. Black slacks may be worn for traveling and outdoor activities such as judging contests and camping.

Official dress for male members is black slacks, white shirt, official FFA tie, black shoes, black socks and official jacket zipped to the top.