The original idea for the organization was fostered after the Smith-Hughes National Vocational Agriculture Act of 1917.  The Future Farmers of America was established in 1928.  The first national president was Leslie Applegate. Ohio FFA was chartered in 1929.

 

In 1950, congress granted the FFA a federal charter.  The first Future Farmer magazine was printed.  The New Farmers of America and The Future Farmers of America merged, allowing African-Americans into the FFA.

 

In 1969, girls were permitted to join the FFA.  The National FFA Alumni was started in 1971.  The name "Future Farmers of America" was changed to the "National FFA Organization."  The magazines name was changed to FFA New Horizons.  In 1999, the National FFA Headquaters moved to Indianapolis, Indiana.

 

---

 

The History of Minford High School FFA 

The first Minford Vocational Agriculture class was established in August of 1975.  On August 25, 1976, the Minford FFA was chartered.

Mr. Carroll VanMeter was Vocational Agriculture teacher and the advisor of the FFA for 24 years until his retirement in June of 1999.  The next FFA Advisor was Mr. David High.  The first FFA members are pictured below:

Row 1 - D. Fremont, D. Mullins, R. Bender, P. Blackburn, B. Duckson, T. Coriell, S. Wheeler

Row 2 - G. Reed, D. Gilliland, R. Will, L. Foster, B. Fremont, B. Cordle, M. Cook, S. Burchett, F. Boyer, R. Gyor

Row 3 - C. Van Meter, M. Lewis, J. Veach, M. Smith, N. Bennett, D. Burgett, R. Brannon, J. Cordle, D. Vaught, D. Williams, J. Buckler, K. Cronin

Photo from the 1976 Falcon Yearbook.