FFA Since 1928: :
FFA Since 1928: Since 1928 members have been joining the FFA organization and the total number has grown to more than 490,000. In 1917 the Smith-Hughes act was established, this allowed high schools that had vocational education classes to receive funds. Through this act the organization grew very rapidly over the next few years. And in 1928 the national organization of the FFA was formed. Eighteen states were represented by 33 delegates who decided that the dues would be 10 cents per member per year.
The Organization Takes Off :
The Organization Takes Off In 1929 the official colors for the organization were selected as national blue, and corn gold, which are still in effect today. And just one year later, in 1930, the official FFA Creed was written by E.M. Tiffany, and was adopted that same year. But by 1934 the organization grew so much that every state, except Rhode Island and Alaska, had chartered associations.
Girls and NFA join the FFA :
Girls and NFA join the FFA By 1965 their were 58,000 members that had merged from the New Farmers of America, which was an organization made up of all African Americans. They were forced to merge with the FFA because of an act passed by congress prohibiting segregation in public schools. Just a few years later at the 1969 national convention the delegates decided to let girls join the FFA.
A new convention center and location :
A new convention center and location The new national FFA center was dedicated in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 20th, 1998. After it was held for 70 years in Kansas City, Mo. The 71st national convention move to Louisville, Kentucky, where it only stayed for 7 years. In 2006 was the first year the convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Showing seeds for future success :
Showing seeds for future success Before FFA was established several men laid the foundation on which the FFA would be built upon:
Charles Homer Lane who was the author of the FFA motto.
Henry C. Gloseclose who helped start FFA in many states.
Harry Oscar Sampson who was one of the first high school Agriculture instructors.
Harvey Owen Sargent who started the NFA.
New Farmers of America1935-1965 :
New Farmers of America1935-1965 Trying to make the merge a smooth transition, the NFA and the FFA had workshops set up to inform the NFA members of the FFA standards. In 1973 Fred McClure from Texas was the first African American to be elected into national office. Though he stated that he was elected for his leadership skills not the color of his skin.