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.

50 Years of Women in FFA Icon

Lesson Plan

Toolkit

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Women in FFA: The Motion That Launched a Career

Bev Flatt2019-06-06T15:51:46-04:00

Little did Bill Sarpalius know his first public vote to extend FFA membership to women would lead to a lifelong career as a political servant and advocate for agriculture.

50 Years of Membership and Marriage

Bev Flatt2022-02-15T16:24:53-05:00

Roses are red. FFA jackets are blue. 50+ years later, women wear them too.

Women in FFA: The Woman Who Started It All

Bev Flatt2019-06-06T16:00:00-04:00

Gay Erickson, an FFA member from New York, was one of many women who paved the way for women in FFA.

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VIDEOS

Historical Timeline of Women in FFA

1954

1954 - Chapter Sweethearts

Prior to full membership, women were selected as “Chapter Sweethearts.” Here are Texas FFA sweetheart Martha Banks and Texas FFA president David Risinger in 1954.
1970

1970 - First Female Delegates

New York’s Anita Decker and New Jersey’s Patricia Krowicki become the first two female delegates to the national convention.
1971

Sharon Staley of the White River FFA Chapter in Washington models the first official girl’s FFA jacket.
1973

1973 - American Farmer Degrees

First American Farmer Degrees are awarded to women in 1973.
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.
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).
1979

1979-80 - National Officers Included Elin Duckworth, Arizona

The 1979-80 national officers included Elin Duckworth of Arizona (back row, left).
1979

1979

Christe Peterson from Wisconsin wins the first Extemporaneous Public Speaking Event.
1980

1980 - Horticulture Demonstration

Women members participate in a horticulture demonstration.
1982

1982 - First Female National FFA President

Jan Eberly from California becomes the first female national FFA president.
1988

1988 - 3 Millionth FFA Jacket

Evadale, Texas, member Chrystal McDaniel poses with the 3 millionth FFA jacket.
2002

2002 - Karlene Lindow, Named the American Star Farmer

Karlene 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.
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.