Celebrating 50 Years of Women in FFA
It’s been 50 years since the 1969 National FFA Convention when women gained full, national membership in FFA.
In 1969 women were officially allowed membership into the National FFA Organization. In the 50 years since the formal acceptance of female membership, women have become an integral part of the organization. Women have achieved significant milestones, and they continue to shape the future of agricultural education and the industry of agriculture.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Women in FFA: From Communications to Chickens
After earning a degree in ag communications, Hannah Borg returned to the family farm to raise chickens and continue her family legacy.
Celebrating 3 Generations of Women in FFA
Three generations of Baker women have influenced FFA in many impactful ways.
From Opponent to Advocate: Empowering Women in FFA
When opportunity knocked, Dr. Jim Knight didn’t answer. Later, he would become one of the strongest advocates for inclusion.
VIDEOS
Historical Timeline of Women in FFA
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1954
1954 - Chapter SweetheartsPrior to full membership, women were selected as “Chapter Sweethearts.” Here are Texas FFA sweetheart Martha Banks and Texas FFA president David Risinger in 1954.
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1970
1970 - First Female DelegatesNew York’s Anita Decker and New Jersey’s Patricia Krowicki become the first two female delegates to the national convention.
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1971
Sharon Staley of the White River FFA Chapter in Washington models the first official girl’s FFA jacket.
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1976
1976 - Julie Smiley, Washington is elected national FFA vice president and is the first female to hold a national FFA office.Julie Smiley from Washington is elected national FFA vice president and is the first female to hold a national FFA office.
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1977
1977-78 - National Officers Including Peg Armstrong, Iowa (back row, left)The 1977-78 national officers included Peg Armstrong of Iowa (back row, left).
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1979
1979-80 - National Officers Included Elin Duckworth, ArizonaThe 1979-80 national officers included Elin Duckworth of Arizona (back row, left).
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1982
1982 - First Female National FFA PresidentJan Eberly from California becomes the first female national FFA president.
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1988
1988 - 3 Millionth FFA JacketEvadale, Texas, member Chrystal McDaniel poses with the 3 millionth FFA jacket.
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2002
2002 - Karlene Lindow, Named the American Star FarmerKarlene Lindow shattered another glass ceiling for women in FFA in 2002 when she was named the American Star Farmer. She raised hogs in Chili, Wis., and her jacket now hangs in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
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2017
2017 - Breanna Holbert from California is the first African-American female to be elected national FFA president.- Convention delegate recommendations to alter Official Dress and the opening ceremony get approval from the National FFA Board of Directors.
- Breanna Holbert from California is the first African-American female to be elected national FFA president.
