Each year, thousands of FFA Chapters across the country celebrate National FFA Week. The tradition began in 1948 when the National FFA Board of Directors designated the week of George Washington’s birthday as National FFA Week in recognition of his legacy as an agriculturist and farmer.
National FFA Week did not start out as a week-long event. According to the 1933 National FFA Convention proceedings records the commencement of FFA Day began with a simple suggestion. The records read “Stewart of Montana requested the floor at this time to present a matter of general interest. He suggested the idea of having a special Future Farmer Day some time during 1934, preferably on one of the regular national FFA broadcasting days. It was pointed out that the various state associations could perhaps plan special state broadcasts also on that day and that chapters might plan their father and son banquets on the date specified. The idea seemed to meet with general delegate approval and after some discussion it was moved by Stewart that the Board of Trustees arrange for such a day; motion passed."
Following the 1949 decision to extend the tradition into a week-long event, FFA Week has transformed into an opportunity for FFA members to advocate for agricultural education and FFA. This year National FFA Week is February 15-22, 2014. It is time to share what FFA is all about.
FFA Week activity ideas:
- Ag Olympics! Make up your own events based on your school’s interests and resources (sack races, roping contests, etc).
- Visit schools that don’t have agriculture education programs or FFA chapters.
- Hold a food drive, clothing drive, shoe drive or collect school supplies for the needy.
- Produce an “I am FFA” video and post it social media.
- Blue and Gold Day! FFA members wear official dress and the rest of the school can wear blue and gold.
- Have each FFA member identify one former FFA member in the community. Contact that person to wish them a Happy FFA Week.
- Host a children’s barnyard for elementary students.
- Toss FFA T-shirts into the crowd at a school basketball game.
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