Founded in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America, FFA is a dynamic youth organization that prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.  To reflect the growing diversity in its members and in the field of agriculture, FFA changed its name in 1988 to simply “The National FFA Organization.” Today, FFA prepares students for more than 300 careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

During the past 82 years, agricultural education has evolved from a purely vocational endeavor to one that reinforces math, science, workforce and leadership skills through the vehicle of agricultural education. The organization has evolved as well, merging with the New Farmers of America (a related organization for African American students in the segregated South), and admitting women as members in the 1960s.

FFA celebrated a notable milestone this year – marking the 40th anniversary of women in FFA.  In October 2009, Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska sponsored a senate resolution honoring the significance of this event.

In 1969, FFA convention delegates voted to accept women as members of the organization. In 1970, Patricia Krowicki and Anita Decker became the first two young women to serve as national FFA convention delegates at the 43rd National FFA Convention. Not long after, in 1976, Julie Smiley became the first woman to serve as a national FFA officer. And in 1982, Jan Eberley made history by becoming the first woman national FFA president. More than 20 years passed before FFA named Karlene Lindow its first woman star farmer in 2005.

Today, the National FFA Organization boasts 506,199 members in more than 7,400 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The iconic blue corduroy jacket proudly worn by FFA members embodies years of history and tradition in agricultural education.