About FFA
Quick Facts
Organization Name: The National FFA Organization
Year Founded: 1928
Number of Chapters: 7,429 in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
2008 FFA Membership: 506,199
Largest Annual Event: The National FFA Convention
2009 National FFA Convention Attendance: 53,473
What is FFA?
FFA is a dynamic youth organization that is a part of agricultural education programs at middle and high schools. Founded as the Future Farmers of America, the name was changed in 1988 to reflect the growing diversity of agriculture. Today, student members are engaged in a wide range of curriculum and FFA activities, leading to over 300 career opportunities in agriculture. FFA is structured on three levels: local, state and national. The National FFA Organization is led by a board of directors and six student national officers.
FFA & Agricultural Education
FFA members are part of a total agricultural education program that connects students to exciting careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. FFA is only one of the three essential components of this system, all of which work together to provide members with leadership, academic and career experiences essential for success.
Where is National FFA Located?
The National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation are located at the National FFA Center in Indianapolis, IN. Headquarters Opersations are located in Alexandria, VA.
FFA Official Dress
As FFA members, we have the opportunity to impact many people who may or may not be familiar with the organization: Community residents, businessmen and women, FFA sponsors, guests, parents, etc.
Therefore, first impressions are crucial, and that involves the way we dress. ALL FFA members are required to wear official dress while participating in official activities
The National FFA Board of Directors strongly encourages all advisors to ensure that ALL FFA members who attend the national FFA convention follow the standards of official dress as outlined in the Official FFA Manual on page 10.
Remember to check the following to ensure that you are adhering to official dress:
- Official FFA jacket zipped to the top Official FFA tie or scarf
- Correct number of pins displayed
- Skirts of appropriate length
- Appropriate footwear
- Remember, it's an honor to wear the blue corduroy jacket and official dress representing the legacy of FFA. Wear it properly - and with pride.
The official FFA jacket was established by the Delegates at the 1933 National Convention. FFA Official Dress Standards were created by the Delegates at the 1973 National Convention and most recently revised by the Delegates at the 2002 National FFA Convention.
Female Official Dress
- Black skirt - Skirt is to be at least knee length, hemmed evenly across the bottom, with a slit no longer than 2 inches above the knee, excluding the kick pleat
- White collared blouse & Official FFA blue scarf
- Black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe (no boots, sandals, open-toed shoes, tennis shoes, )
- Black nylon hosiery
- Official FFA jacket zipped to the top.
- Black Slacks may be appropriate for traveling and outdoor activities.
Male Official Dress
- Black dress pants (no jeans - blue or black, leather, pleather, etc.)
- White dress shirt & Official FFA tie
- Black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe. (no boots, sandals, open-toed shoes, tennis shoes, )
- Black socks
- Official FFA jacket zipped to the top
How to Wear Awards
- Chapter degree, officer and award medals should be worn beneath the name of the right side of the jacket.
- State FFA Degree or American Degree key should be worn above the name or attached to a standard key chain.
- No more than 3 medals should be worn on the jacket. These should represent highest degree earned, highest office held and the highest award earned.
FFA Creed
I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds - achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.
I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.
I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.
I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so--for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.
I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.
The creed was written by E. M. Tiffany, and adopted at the 3rd National Convention of the FFA. It was revised at the 38th Convention and the 63rd Convention.
