History of the FFA Jacket (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of the FFA jacket? ›

The blue jacket's origin dates to 1933 when FFA advisor Gus Linter saw a blue corduroy jacket in the window of a hardware store in Fredericktown, Ohio. He connected with the jacket supplier, Universal Uniform Company, and had his chapter's name stitched on the back of the jackets with gold thread.

The first FFA jacket cost $5.50. The millionth FFA jacket was sold in 1964, and by 1976, two million jackets had been distributed to FFA members around the nation. According to the National FFA website, some 80,000 FFA jackets are now sold annually. Today, a brand new FFA jacket costs $60.

The blue corduroy jacket was first introduced in 1933 at the FFA National Convention by the delegates from the Fredericktown, Ohio FFA Chapter, led by Dr. Gus Lintner. It proved such a hit that it was quickly adopted as the new uniform.

Beyond its place in Official Dress, an FFA corduroy jacket is an article of faith, honor and pride. The jacket unifies members in a long-standing tradition and reminds them that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

It all started when agriculture educator J.H. (Gus) Lintner from Ohio commissioned a jacket for members of the local FFA chapter to wear to the 1933 National FFA Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, as part of their FFA band uniform.

Colors - As the blue field of our nation's flag and the golden fields of ripened corn unify our country, the FFA colors of national blue and corn gold give unity to the organization.

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket

The jacket is to be worn only by members. The jacket should be kept clean and neat. The back of the jacket should have only a large official FFA emblem, the name of the state association and the name of the local chapter, region, district or area.

The jacket should be worn by members and officers on all official FFA occasions, as well as other occasions where the chapter or state association is represented. It may be worn to school and other appropriate places. The jacket should only be worn to places that are appropriate for members to visit.

Here are some fast facts about the official FFA jacket: The fabric is made of U.S. cotton. The raw cotton is shipped to China, where it is woven and dyed. The finished cotton is moved to two manufacturing facilities – one in Vietnam and the other in Ohio, where the jackets are cut and sewn, and emblems are attached.

FFA jackets are built and personalized in Van Wert, Ohio. See how at FFA.org/FFAJacket.

What was the FFA uniform before the jacket? ›

The first National FFA Convention took place in 1929 Kansas City. During this time, national blue and corn gold were adopted as official FFA colours. It was a year later when the first Official Dress uniform was adopted: members were to wear a dark blue shirt, blue or white pants, a blue cap, and yellow tie.

Based upon Official FFA Jacket policy, FFA jackets are sold to and are to be used by active constitutional FFA members only. If a jacket is given or sold to a nonmember, the emblems and lettering must be removed.

The FFA blue jacket symbolizes the importance of the leadership skills its members hold to their communities. For years the blue corduroy jacket has served as a symbol of the National FFA Organization, agriculture education, and the motto — living to serve.

While the current emblem features five icons representing the history, goals and ambition of the National FFA Organization, other symbols were considered throughout the years and could have changed everything from the patches on FFA jackets to the words spoken during opening ceremonies.

This jacket was worn by Mary Louise Reynnells as the Pacific High School FFA chapter sweetheart in San Bernadino, California in 1977. Prior to 1969, the Future Farmers of America excluded females from membership, and being a chapter sweetheart was the only way for women to be involved.

“Future Farmers of America” was founded by a group of young farmers in 1928. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. They taught us that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting – it's a science, it's a business and it's an art.