The National FFA Organization - History
Founded in 1928, the Future Farmers of America brought together students, teachers and agribusiness to solidify support for agricultural education. In Kansas City's Baltimore Hotel, 33 young farmboys charted a course for the future. They could not have foreseen how the organization would grow and thrive.
Since 1928, millions of agriculture students - no one knows exactly how many - have donned the official FFA jacket and championed the FFA creed. FFA has opened its doors and its arms to minorities and women, ensuring that all students could reap the benefits of agricultural education.
Today, the National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Now, the organization is expanding the nation's view of "traditional" agriculture and finding new ways to infuse agriculture into the classroom.
Quick Facts
Organizational Name: National FFA Organization;
Changed in 1988 from Future Farmers of America to reflect the expanding career field of Agricultural Education.Founded: 1928
Current Membership: 507,763
Number of Chapters:7,439
Largest Annual Event: National FFA Convention 2008 Attendance: 54,731
Agricultural Education Mission
Agricultural Education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.
Public Law 105-225
(formerly Public Law 81-740) 105th Congress Passed Aug. 12, 1998 - [H.R. 1085]In 1950, the 81st Congress of the United States, recognizing the importance of the FFA as an integral part of the program of vocational agriculture, granted a Federal Charter to the FFA. In 1998, the 105th Congress of the United States reviewed and passed technical amendments. This shows through the revisions as Public Law 105-225.
Editors' Note: Public Law 105-225 is a revision of Public Law 81-740 which reflects technical changes. The essential elements of Public Law 105-225 have been reprinted here to provide local chapters with background information on the chartering of FFA through Congress. For legal purposes, the full text of the Law (including historical notes and reference to the Code) should be requested from the National FFA Advisor or refer to Title 36 of the United States Code.
National FFA Organization Public Law 105-225
Online History Resources
1978 Official FFA Golden Anniversary Calendar (photos)
Music Archives
Explore FFA
FFA Award Programs & Scholarships
