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In 1917, Congress passed the National Vocational Education Act, which
established agriculture classes in high schools. Arkansas’ agriculture
teachers began forming “clubs” soon thereafter (Corn Club, Farm Boys). Just
as Arkansas started organizing on the state level, the call came from the
national level to charter a formal organization. Thirty-three delegates met
at the Baltimore Hotel in
Kansas City
Nov. 20, 1928, to launch the Future Farmers of America. Arkansas was the
second association chartered. Since its beginning, Arkansas has been
involved at the national level of the FFA. The first Star Farmer, Mr.
Carlton Patton, was from Arkansas; several National FFA officers have hailed from Arkansas; and the
Arkansas state staff has been involved with the National Board, the Board of
Trustees, and other leadership positions. The Arkansas FFA started as an
organization dedicated to preparing young men for a future in farming; it
has evolved into an organization dedicated to preparing all students for
careers in agriculture and leadership. |
