1940s-1950s: WWII and Boom Times

FFA members collecting farm implement scrap for the war effort

1940-46

National Conventions were held throughout the World War II years despite the absence of many FFA members.  FFA members took up the fight at home by selling liberty bonds and collecting scrap metal.  

1944

The National FFA Foundation, Inc. was established in Washington D.C., to raise money for FFA programs and activities from business, industry, government, individuals, and foundation sponsors. 

Planning work for the student exchange with Young Farmers

1946

FFA members participate in the organization's first international exchange program with the Young Farmers Club of Great Britain.  This exchange launched a major international program that included internships for students and the establishment of future farmer organizations worldwide. 

First FFA Band marching in a parade, 1947

1947

The National FFA Band, directed by Henry Brunner makes its debut at the National FFA Convention.  

1950

The U.S. Congress passes Public Law 81-740, which grants the FFA a Federal Charter and stipulates that a U.S. Department of Education staff member be the National FFA Advisor. 

1951

Hear the "Sights and Sounds" of the 1951 National Convention!

1952

The first issue of the National Future Farmer (now called FFA’s New Horizons) is published.

Explore the documents:

All the back issues of FFA magazine are digitized and available online

Sheet of FFA Stamps

1953

In honor of the FFA’s 25th birthday, the United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp to mark the occasion.  The stamp’s first day of issue was October 13, 1953 during the National Convention.    

National FFA staff standing in front of headquarters, c. 1980

1959

The FFA headquarters is established in Alexandria, Virginia, on land which was part of George Washington's estate.  The FFA had owned the land since 1939 and used it as a national camp.