The FFA Jacket: A Global Effort (2024)

FAQs

What is a fact about the FFA jacket? ›

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.

No more than three medals should be worn on the jacket. These should represent 1.) the highest degree earned, 2.) the highest office held and 3.)

The iconic FFA blue jacket is a beacon of community and pride. As a part of the FFA Official Dress, it is important that students gain the full experience and benefit of being an FFA member. Through the support of sponsors and donors, FFA has been able to provide blue jackets to deserving members.

The jacket is made of 100 percent domestic cotton, national blue corduroy with a concealed zipper, slash welt pockets, adjustable brass buckle tab waist, inside pockets and double-needle stitching for durability. Matching embroidered emblems are on the front and back in national blue and corn gold.

How will the FFA jacket help you make an impact? “My FFA jacket will not only help me to make an impact, but will also give me a great sense of pride as I display my FFA chapter's name. With my jacket I will be able to reach my full potential in FFA and devote much of my time to my chapter.”

Its 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 and had his chapter's name stitched on the back of the jackets with gold thread.

The FFA jacket should be worn only by members. To ensure uniformity, the jacket zipper should be fastened to the top, the collar should be turned down and the cuffs buttoned.

All fabric is made of 100 percent U.S. cotton and is either assembled domestically at Universal Lettering Company or with our agent overseas. All jackets are inventoried and lettered at Universal Lettering Company and are pulled randomly from stock.

Who can only wear the FFA jacket? ›

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 official FFA jacket can only be ordered and worn by current FFA members.

Black skirt or black dress pants. Skirt is to be at least knee length, hemmed evenly across the bottom, with a slit no longer than 2 inches above the knee, excluding the kick pleat. Black slacks may be appropriate for traveling and outdoor activities.

The Tallywhacker is an "inside joke" told by students when their jacket zipper is hanging out. We would always say stick your tallywhacker in and proceed to push their zipper inside their jacket. One of the most secretive metaphors in FFA. Humor and Metaphors: The FFA Tallywhacker.

Jackets can NOT be worn without ALL parts of official dress (ex: you are not allowed to wear your jacket with jeans or at any event that is NOT an FFA event).

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 FFA motto includes 12 short words: “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” Jan Eberly became the first female National FFA President in 1982. Today, 34% of FFA members are female and more than 50% of state leadership positions are held by women.

FFA was organized nationally in 1928 in Kansas City, Mo. In 1950, Congress granted FFA a federal charter, making it an integral part of public agricultural instruction under the National Vocational Education Act. FFA receives no federal funding.