February 19, 2019 • Page 10 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com History of the FFA The roots of FFA originate from a time when boys were losing interest and leaving the farm. Walter S. Newman, who in September 1925 became the Virginia State Supervisor of Agricultural Education, sought a solution to the problem with Edmund C. MaGill, Harry W. Sanders and Henry C. Groseclose, staff members of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute Agricultural Education Department. Newman proposed forming an organization that offered farm boys "a greater opportunity for self-expression and for the development of leadership. In this way they will develop confidence in their own ability and pride in the fact that they are farm boys." In 1928, 33 students from 18 states gathered in Kansas City, Mo., to form the Future Farmers of America Groseclose immediately began work on a constitution and bylaws for the new organization, and J.O. Hoge later suggested a name: Future Farmers of Virginia. The idea was presented during an annual vocational rally in the state in April 1926, where it was met positively. The Future Farmers of Virginia was born. Two years later, the idea reached the national stage during the American Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City, Mo. That's when 33 young students from 18 states gathered at the Hotel Baltimore to establish the Future Farmers of America. The group elected Leslie Applegate of Freehold, N.J., as its first president and adopted the national emblem – a mark similar to that of the original Virginia emblem – during the new organization's first convention. In 1929, national blue and corn gold became the official colors of FFA. A year later, delegates adopted the official FFA Creed and by 1933 the familiar Official Dress of blue corduroy jackets was adopted after convention delegates were enthralled by the jackets worn to Kansas City by members of the Fredericktown, Ohio, FFA chapter. Official Dress of blue corduroy jackets adopted after the convention. The FFA Creed The Creed was written by E.M. Tiffany. It was adopted at the third National Convention of the FFA and revised at the 38th and 63rd conventions to reflect changes in FFA members and the agricultural industry. "I believe in the future of agriculture with a faith born not of words but of deedsachievments won by the present and past generations of agriculturalists; in the promise of better days through better ways,even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us through the struggles of former years. I believe that to live and work on a good farm or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits is pleasent as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement I can not deny. I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly with such knowledge and skill as I can secure and in the ability of progressive agriculturalists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil. I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so-for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me. I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task." Schuurmans Farm Supply Residential • Commercial • Lawn Equipment Proud to Support FFA Proud to Support Our Future Farmers! 406 W. Hwy 50, Tyndall, SD 605-589-3441 www.tyndallmotors.com 5 miles West of Tyndall on Hwy. 50 Corner of Hwys. 50 and 37 www.schuurmansfarmsupply.com Supplying High Quality Work Boots to America’s Farmers boston shoes to boots footwear experts since 1915 312 W 3rd Street | Yankton, SD | 605.665.9092 THE FOR OVER Locally Owned and Operated Since 1972 Yankton, SD: (800) 526-8095 Wagner, SD: (800) 693-1990 Or visit us at: www.marksinc.com Proudly Supporting FFA Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders, We Support Our Local FFA! 2409 Broadway, Yankton 605-665-9651 We Support FFA HOXENG CROP INSURANCE LLC For Your Crop Insurance Needs FOR ALL YOUR AUTOMOTIVE, TRUCK AND TRACTOR PARTS COME TO: “Get the good stuff!” COX AUTO SUPPLY 1007 Broadway • Yankton • 605-665-4494 1987 • 2018 MPCI & Crop Hail 37 Years Of Crop Insurance Experience We Proudly Support FFA Dave Hoxeng 44867 303rd St., Volin, SD 57072 Office: 605-267-2767 Cell: 605-661-1136 Tyler Hoxeng Cell: 605-661-7241 We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer 319 Walnut Street, Yankton SD 605-665-5884 • missourivalleyshopper.com FFA Proud!