All timeline stories.
1981
Melanie Burgess became a national FFA vice president in 1981.
1980
The National FFA Foundation raises $1 million in one year for the first time.
1979
Christe Peterson from Wisconsin wins the first Extemporaneous Public Speaking Event.
1979
The 1979-80 national officers included Elin Duckworth of Arizona (back row, left).
1978
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.
1977
The 1977-78 national officers included Peg Armstrong of Iowa (back row, left).
1976
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.
1976
Julie Smiley from Washington is elected national FFA vice president and is the first female to hold a national FFA office.
1975
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.
1974
President Gerald Ford speaks at the National FFA Convention. The speech is carried live on network television.
