Why FFA changed its name, and why it still matters today

It’s rare to see anything negative posted regarding the National FFA Organization or its state and local chapters. What is far more common, however, is to see the organization still referred to as Future Farmers of America, a name that was officially changed in 1988 — 37 years ago. While this may seem like a minor detail that many of us hashed out while earning our Greenhand Degree, the name change was intentional, meant to reflect the broadening scope of FFA that goes beyond traditional farming.

The shift from Future Farmers of America to National FFA Organization was a recognition of the evolving agricultural industry. Agriculture has long outgrown the idea that it is only about plows and livestock. Modern agricultural careers include agriculture technology, agribusiness, environmental science, biotechnology, and food production, among others. The name change aimed to be more inclusive of these industries and to appeal to students interested in agriculture-related careers that don’t necessarily involve traditional farming.

Still, the original name carries nostalgia. Many older generations, media outlets (like here and here), and even a school district continue to use “Future Farmers of America” out of habit, misunderstanding, or a simple lack of awareness of why the change was made. It is much like when 4-H is miswritten as “4H” — not out of malice but more out of habit or an honest mistake. However, for FFA, the name update was about reflecting its modern mission: preparing students for leadership and careers in a variety of agricultural fields, not just farming.

FFA has come a long way since its founding in 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri. Initially, it was an organization focused solely on boys in rural farming communities. In 1950, Congress granted FFA a federal charter, making it an integral part of agricultural education in public schools under the National Vocational Education Act. Despite its official status, the organization did not receive federal funding.

One of the most significant milestones in FFA’s history was the decision to allow girls to become members in 1969. Before this, girls were permitted to only participate in certain state-level contests and activities, but they were not officially recognized as members. When FFA finally opened its doors to female students, it paved the way for more inclusive leadership and opportunities. Today, females make up 45 percent of FFA membership and hold more than half of the leadership positions at the national level.

Around the same time, the organization welcomed minorities and other underrepresented groups into the fold. The New Farmers of America, an organization for African American agricultural students, was merged into FFA in 1965. Before this, FFA had been an all-White organization due to segregation policies, and NFA served as a parallel program for Black students in agriculture. The merger was an essential move toward racial integration in agricultural education, allowing students of all backgrounds to participate in FFA on an equal footing.

Since these early changes, FFA has continued to evolve, making room for students from urban areas, diverse cultural backgrounds, and non-traditional agricultural pathways. Today’s membership includes students from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, totaling more than 850,000 members across nearly 9,000 local chapters.

FFA has remained relevant by adapting to the changing landscape of agriculture and education. In recent decades, several significant developments have taken place:

• Middle school students (grades 7-8) were officially allowed to join
• The Agriscience Student Recognition Program was introduced, highlighting research and innovation in agricultural sciences
• The National FFA Center moved from Alexandria, Virginia, to Indianapolis, Indiana to accommodate a growing national presence
• The Agricultural Education National Headquarters was established, providing support and resources for agricultural educators across the country

FFA’s mission remains clear: to make a positive difference in students’ lives by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The three-component model of classroom education, hands-on supervised agricultural experiences, and FFA leadership opportunities provide students with a well-rounded and practical approach to learning.

Today, students in FFA prepare for careers in agribusiness, agrimarketing, food science, animal science, communications, education, natural resources, forestry, and much more. The organization has successfully moved beyond the stereotype of “just farmers” and embraced a much broader vision of agricultural leadership.

Despite all these advancements, the misconception that FFA is still just for “future farmers” persists. While traditional agriculture remains a core part of FFA, the reality is that many members will not find their career on a farm. Instead, they find opportunities in technology, policy, research, and business — all critical components of the modern agricultural industry.

As FFA continues to evolve, the organization remains committed to its foundational values of leadership, education, and agricultural advocacy. Whether a student dreams of working in animal science, food production, sustainability, or agricultural marketing, FFA provides the tools and resources to help them succeed.

So, while the name Future Farmers of America still holds a place in history, the National FFA Organization represents a more comprehensive, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to agricultural education. The change wasn’t just about branding — it was about embracing a future where agriculture continues to evolve, extending into innovation, technology, and global sustainability.

Heidi Crnkovic, is the Associate Editor for AGDAILY. She is a New Mexico native with deep-seated roots in the Southwest and a passion for all things agriculture.