National FFA Week
The FFA is a youth organization designed to prepare its members for leadership, career success, and personal growth through agricultural education. This organization helps members achieve their potential and develop their talent through interactive experiences. Members of this organization will become veterinarians, chemists, bankers, government officials, and teachers in the future.
Every year, over 700,000 FFA members celebrate National FFA Week. This week occurs on the Saturday of the week of George Washington’s birthday and continues to the following Saturday. It is a week for members to share agriculture with their communities and fellow members.
The History of National FFA Week
In 1928, the Future Farmers of America was established in Kansas City, Missouri. The first National FFA Convention was also held in that city shortly thereafter. It featured 33 delegates from 18 different U.S. states, and Leslie Applegate from New Jersey was elected as the first president of the organization.
In 1929, national blue and corn gold were adopted as the organization’s official colors, and in 1931, the National FFA Radio Program was launched on NBC’s platform. In 1948, National FFA Week was established in recognition of the U.S.
President George Washington’s legacy as a farmer and agriculturist. Now, the week is used for more than just recognizing Washington’s accomplishments as a farmer. It is now a time for FFA members to share their agricultural knowledge, but more importantly, with their communities.
Observing National FFA Week
During this week, chapters across the country are visited by national officers. This is also a time when sponsors and alumni advocate for agricultural education. In the middle of this week is Give FFA Day—a campaign that encourages the public to support various projects that affect FFA members.
Members will also wear national blue and corn gold, which are the organization’s official colors. And let’s not forget that social media is used by members on this day to spread information about the goals of the FFA. This is done using the hashtag #FFAWeek on various social media platforms.