National FFA Week runs February 20–27, 2027, when students in blue corduroy jackets show off what agricultural education has taught them.
The Week of Washington’s Birthday
Every year in February, from one Saturday to the next, eight days in all, framing George Washington’s birthday on February 22. The 2027 week runs February 20 to 27.
The group’s board of trustees started it, voting in July 1947 to hold the first national week in 1948. Chapters across the country organize the events.
Future dates are already set. The 2028 week runs February 19 to 26, and 2029 falls on February 17 to 24.
Some days carry their own names. In 2027, Alumni Day is Tuesday, February 23. Give FFA Day follows on Thursday, and National Wear Blue Day lands on Friday, February 26.
From a Single Day to a Week
A single day came first. At the 1933 national convention, delegates approved a special Future Farmer Day for the following year.
FFA’s first national day came on March 11, 1935, with a radio broadcast. In 1936 it fell on April 13, marking five years on NBC’s Farm and Home Hour.
Publicity was part of the plan. In 1941, a guide suggested chapters use the day for local news, and 29 California newspapers ran nearly identical stories that October.
Momentum built after World War II. Minnesota proclaimed a Future Farmer Week in February 1947.
That July, the board voted that “the week of Washington’s birthday be designated as National F.F.A. Week starting in 1948.” A Fresno newspaper noted it replaced “a single day of observance.”
Chapters leaned into the theme that first year. The Evergreen chapter produced a radio program called “George Washington and the FFA.”
Washington was a natural pick. FFA leaders saw him as “an integral part of the FFA” for his role in leadership and farming.
Why Chapters Celebrate
Membership is at a record. FFA counted 1,053,847 student members in the 2025–2026 school year, up 1.1%.
They belong to 9,591 chapters in every state, plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Texas has the most members, followed by California, Georgia, Florida and North Carolina.
Alumni stay involved too. Another 840,865 people belong to 2,147 alumni chapters.
Founded in 1928 as Future Farmers of America, the group keeps growing. CEO Scott Stump says its growth shows “students everywhere are looking for opportunities to lead.”
Growth isn’t limited to big farm states. New York, Puerto Rico and Maine posted the biggest percentage gains in members in 2025–2026.
Ways to Take Part
Most events happen at the chapter level, so check with your local high school’s agriculture program.
- Wear blue to work or school on National Wear Blue Day, Friday of FFA Week.
- Thank an agriculture teacher or FFA advisor in your community, perhaps with notes from the students they’ve coached.
- Donate to a local chapter on Give FFA Day.
- Attend a chapter breakfast or open house if your school hosts one, and bring a neighbor.
- Reconnect with your old chapter on Alumni Day if you were a member.
- Follow the national organization’s posts to see how chapters in other states celebrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National FFA Week the same every year?
The anchor is. It always surrounds Washington’s birthday, so the exact dates shift.
What does FFA stand for now?
Just FFA. The group dropped the full Future Farmers name but kept the letters.
Does FFA Week close schools?
No. Chapters plan their events around normal classes.
Did Black students have their own group?
Yes. The New Farmers of America held NFA Day on April 5, Booker T. Washington’s birthday.