Born at Virginia Tech
In September 1925, four Virginia Tech agricultural educators — Walter Newman, Edmund Magill, Harry Sanders, and Henry Groseclose — planted the seeds of what would become the largest student-led youth organization in the nation. Their vision, the Future Farmers of Virginia (FFV), was more than a club. It was a way to empower rural students with confidence, leadership, and agricultural pride.
The idea quickly took hold. At the first statewide rally in 1926, members voted to create a state organization. By 1927, Virginia had elected its first state officer team and chartered the first official chapter at Weyers Cave High School.
The following year, Virginia’s model became a national movement. In 1928, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) was founded in Kansas City, drawing heavily on the FFV’s framework of ceremonies, degrees, and emblems. Virginia proudly received the first national charter.
Today, there are 1,042,245 FFA members in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands — including over 14,000 in Virginia.
This summer, the Virginia FFA will celebrate its founding during the 100th state convention, June 8–11, 2026, on Virginia Tech’s campus. Follow Virginia FFA on Facebook and Instagram to see centennial highlights and student stories throughout the year.
