Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAEP)
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History |
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1917 - The Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act establishes Vocational Agriculture Courses 1926 - Now known as the Father of the FFA, Henry Groseclose, an Agriculture Teacher Trainer and former Ag-Ed Instructor, helped to organize the Future Farmers of Virginia for Boys in Ag Classes. Shortly after, other similar groups started across the country. The FFV was used as a model to create the FFA in 1928. 1926 - The American Royal Livestock Show invites Vocational Agriculture students to participate in the National Livestock Judging Contests in Kansas City, MO. 1928 - During the National Livestock Judging Contests, 33 Students from 18 States established the Future Farmers of America to provide leadership training for high school students of vocational agriculture. During the first annual convention, Leslie Applegate of Freehold, NJ was elected as President and dues were set at 10 Cents annually. The National Convention was held in Kansas City from 1928 - 1998. 1929 - The Official Colors of Corn Gold and National Blue were adopted. 1930 - At the 3rd National FFA Convention, the membership issue is clarified when the all member, male delegation amend the Constitution restricting membership to boys only under Article III, Section B. The Official Creed is adopted. 1933 - Fredericktown, Ohio, FFA members arrive at the National Convention in crisp, blue corduroy jackets with the FFA Emblem on the back. Official delegates vote to adopt the jacket as the organization's official dress. The original idea for the jackets came from this group's advisor, Dr. Gus Lintner. Members still wear the jackets today, and over 50,000 of them are manufactured every year. 1933 - Members across the country celebrate the first National FFA Day. In 1948, this would be changed to FFA Week and celebrated during George Washington's birthday to recognize his pioneering contributions to American agriculture. 1934 - All States except Rhode Island and Alaska have chartered associations. Rhode Island would charter in 1950, with Alaska following in 1976. 1935 - New Farmers of America (NFA), an organization for African - American Boys interested in agriculture is formed, and eventually includes 13 states. It is patterned after the New Farmers of Virginia formed in 1927. 1944 - The National FFA Foundation Inc., was established in Washington, DC, to raise money for FFA programs and activities from business, industry, government, individuals and foundation sponsors. Today, the Foundation is located in Indianapolis, IN, and raises more than $7.3 million annually. 1948 - FFA Members participate in the organization's first international exchange program with the Young Farmers Club of Great Britain. By 1996, the FFA would send more than 350 students to more than 25 countries annually. 1950 - The US Congress passes Public Law 81-740, which grants the FFA a Federal Charter and stipulates that a US Department of Education staff member be the National FFA Advisor. Today FFA continues to be recognized by Congress as an extracurricular part of the educational program. 1952 - The Official Magazine of the National FFA was first published. It was called The National Future Farmer for 37 years until 1989 when it changed to FFA New Horizons. 1953 - FFA celebrates its silver anniversary. President Dwight D. Eisenhower is the first president to address a National FFA Convention. Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George Bush, and Ronald Reagan would address the FFA in the future. The US Post Office issues a special stamp to commemorate the founding of the FFA. 1959 - The FFA Headquarters is established in Alexandria, VA, on land that was part of George Washington's estate . The FFA had owned the land since 1939 and used it for national camps. During the dedication, members participating in the first National Leadership Conference for State Officers place a hand full of soil from each state around the flagpole. 1965 - The New Farmers of America (NFA), the organization for African - American agricultural education students, merges with the FFA, adding 50,000 members. 1966 - The FFA National Agricultural Career Show, a trade show especially for students, exposes National Convention attendees to educational and career opportunities in agriculture. By 1999, 350 participated and occupied 400,000 square feet. 1969 - Women are allowed national membership, which made it possible for them to hold office and participate in competitive events at the regional and national level. Prior to this amendment women were permitted membership only at the local and state level. 1969 - The National FFA Foundation hires its first full-time staff member in the Madison, WI office, the Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture Donald McDowell. 1971 - The National FFA Alumni Association is founded, providing opportunities for former FFA members and other supporters to become involved with their local student chapters. Today, the Alumni Association has 42,000 members. 1974 - Fred McClure of Texas is elected Western Region Vice President, becoming the nation's first African-American national officer. He would later serve on President George Bush's Staff in Washington DC. 1988 - Delegates of the National FFA Convention change "Future Farmers of America" to the "National FFA Organization" to recognize the growth of agriculture and agricultural education to encompass the more than 300 careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. Delegates also open FFA Membership to middle school students. 1991 - The Virgin Islands and Guam are granted association charters and five chapters from Micronesia are granted affiliate chapter charters. 1994 - Corey Flournoy of Chicago, IL, is elected National FFA President becoming the organization's first African-American President and first Urban Student Leader. 1996 - FFA announces its move of the National Convention from Kansas City, MO to Louisville, KY. 1996 - The FFA Website, National FFA Online, goes live. Today, there are over 35,000 visitors per month. 1998 - The National Convention was held in Kansas City for the last time in November 1998 setting an attendance record of 49,240 members, guests, and supporters. 1998 - The National FFA Center was moved from Alexandria, VA to Indianapolis, IN. The National FFA Center houses the National FFA Organization, the National FFA Foundation and the National Alumni Association. Approximately 1,000 guests attended the dedication ceremonies on July 20, 1998. Much like the 1959 dedication, members participating in the State Presidents' Conference placed a cup full of soil from their respective state at the base of the flagpole. 1999 - The National FFA Convention is held in Louisville, KY for the first time and will stay through 2005. 2000 - One new Career Development Event and two Demonstration Events are added at the National Convention. The National FFA Archives, located at IUPUI in Indianapolis, officially opens. 2006- The National Convention moves from Louisville, KY to Indianapolis, IN |
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Information obtained from the National FFA Organization Links to Other FFA Topics - History - Facts - The FFA Emblem - Colors, Motto, Salute, and Mission Statement - The FFA Creed - FFA Official Dress - FFA Code of Ethics - FFA Degrees and Membership Opportunities - National Convention - Benefits of Being an FFA Member |
