FFA History

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

Melanie Burgess became a national FFA vice president in 1981.

The National FFA Foundation raises $1 million in one year for the first time.

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

President Jimmy Carter speaks at the 51st National FFA Convention again, this time as a U.S. president. The commemorative marker noting the site of the organization’s founding is unveiled in Kansas City, Mo.

Julie Smiley from Washington is elected national FFA vice president and is the first female to hold a national FFA office. Alaska becomes the last of the 50 states to obtain a national charter.

Food for America program launches. Jimmy Carter, former Georgia governor and a former member of the Plains (Ga.) FFA Chapter, speaks at the National FFA Convention. Carter was elected U.S. president the following year. First FFA Student Handbook is published.

President Gerald Ford speaks at the National FFA Convention. The speech is carried live on network television.

FFA Official Dress standards are created. National FFA Secretary Fred McClure from Texas is the first African American elected to a national FFA office.

The National FFA Alumni Association is established. The Building Our American Communities (BOAC) program begins.