NFA's first national convention would be in 1935. During this first annual convention, Leslie Applegate of Freehold, N.J., is elected president and dues are set at 10 cents annually. The national convention was held in Kansas City 1928-1998. The creed has been amended three times but still retains its original basic tenants. At the 3 rd National FFA Convention, the membership issue was clarified when the all-member, male delegation amended the constitution restricting membership to boys only under Article III, Section B. 1933 Fredericktown, Ohio, FFA members arrive at the national convention in crisp, blue corduroy jackets with the FFA emblem on the back.
Official delegates vote to adopt the jacket as the organization's official dress.
More than 50,000 are manufactured each year. 1933 Members across the country celebrate the first national FFA Day. In 1948 this would be changed to FFA Week and celebrated during George Washington's birthday to recognize his pioneering contributions to American agriculture. All states except Rhode Island and Alaska have chartered associations. Rhode Island would charter an association in 1950 and Alaska in 1976.