One of the many things that makes FFA special is its 96 years of history and tradition. Throughout our organization’s nearly century-long history, several key moments have continued to positively impact members, advisors, alumni, supporters and more.
As FFA continues to evolve this year (and beyond!), let’s celebrate these four monumental anniversaries.
1. Ninety-five years of national blue and corn gold as the official FFA colors.
Since 1929, these two colors have instilled a sense of uniformity and pride within our organization. The blue was taken from our nation’s flag, while gold is a nod to agriculture and represents golden fields of ripened corn.
For nearly a century, national blue and corn gold have signified and strengthened the FFA brand.
2. The first National FFA Center was dedicated 65 years ago in Alexandria, Va.
The land on which the first National FFA Center was established was part of George Washington’s estate. It had been owned by FFA since 1939 and previously served as a camp. During the center’s dedication in 1959, members who attended the first National Leadership Conference for State Officers placed a handful of soil from each state around the flagpole.
Now located at 6060 FFA Drive in Indianapolis, Ind., the National FFA Center serves as a meeting point for the past, present and future of our organization.
3. Fifty-five years ago, in 1969, national convention delegates established an alumni class of FFA membership.
This new opportunity made it possible for FFA to continue equipping future generations of leaders in agriculture after they finish high school. Today, National FFA encourages Alumni and Supporters to give back to local chapters through sharing their time, talents and resources.
After retiring your FFA jacket, continue your involvement by joining an Alumni and Supporters chapter.
4. The Give the Gift of Blue program began in 2014 and has provided more than 17,000 jackets throughout the past 10 years.
Generous donors have made the first decade of this program a resounding success by giving more than $1.5 million and donating FFA jackets to members who would not otherwise be able to own one. In addition to being part of FFA Official Dress, the blue and gold corduroy jackets unify members and reminds them they’re part of something bigger than themselves.
In 2020, Allison Burns (left), a then sophomore North Miami County FFA member, received the 10,000th FFA jacket awarded through the Give the Gift of Blue program.
This is only a glimpse at our organization’s storied history. Here’s a full timeline of milestones and moments that have shaped FFA into what it is today.
