Future Farmers of America. Coats Chapter.

Future Farmers of America, later known as the National FFA Organization, was founded in 1928. The organization brings together students, teachers and agribusiness to solidify support for agricultural education in middle and high schools where members are engaged in a wide range of curriculum and FFA activities leading to career opportunities in agriculture.

The letters FFA stand for Future Farmers of America; however, in 1988 the official name of the organization was changed from Future Farmers of America to National FFA Organization to reflect the growing diversity of agriculture, including future farmers, biologists, chemists, veterinarians, engineers and entrepreneurs.

FFA is structured on three levels: local, state and national. At the national level, FFA is led by a board of directors and six student national officers. The programs are funded through sponsorships and private donations at the local, state and national level. National dues for each member are $5 per year.

The National FFA Convention is held each October where members participate in general sessions, competitive events, educational tours, leadership workshops, a career show and expo, volunteer activities and much more.

There was an active chapter of Future Farmers of America in at Coats High School in Harnett County, North Carolina, during the time when Murry O. Phillips taught vocational agriculture there.

From the guide to the Future Farmers of America Scrapbooks, 1959-1962, (Special Collections Research Center)