The Future Farmers of America is the national organization of boys studying vocational agriculture in public secondary schools under the provisions of the National Vocational Education Acts. The primary purpose of the Future Farmers of America organization is the development of agricultural leadership, cooperation, citizenship and patriotism. The Future Farmers of America organization of voluntary membership took its place with other agencies interested in the upbuilding of agriculture and the improvement of rural life.
National headquarters of Future Farmers of America are located in the Office of Education, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Washington 25, D. Future Farmers of America Twenty-Eighth National Convention convened in the Main Arena of the Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri, at eight o'clock . The results of the competition were announced and prizes awarded on behalf of Future Farmers.
The first session of the convention was called to order at nine o'clock with the opening ceremony, President Gunter presiding. The delegate credentials report was called and Student Secretary Brouillette reported 100 official delegates present from 50 chartered associations. Calls for holding and placing delegates followed.
12 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
14 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 15
16 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION The Honorary American Farmer Degree was conferred upon
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 17 Jack Presley, RFD 2, Meigs
18 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 19 Gerald Dwight Simmons, Box 140,
20 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
1955 STAR FARMERS
22 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 23
24 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION President Gunter appointed committees and the meeting then
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 25 Student Secretary Brouillette read the suggested policies. It was
26 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION Jim Hogan of Oklahoma presented the report of the Proceedings
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 27
JULY 1, 1955 THROUGH JUNE 30, 1956 Anticipated Revenue
American Farmer Keys 3,800.00
1955-56 NATIONAL FFA OFFICERS
28 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION Wendt of Illinois moved that the annual FFA dues remain at
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 29
30 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION Our recommendations are as follows
That the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Emblem Awards be awarded on the following basis
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 31
W. RUNKLES, Maryland
32 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION Report of the National FFA Magazine Committee
Welcome suggestions for improvement in the form of letters
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 33
34 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 35
SUPERVISED FARMING
36 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA
COOPERATION
TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
111. COMMUNITY SERVICE
LEADERSHIP
40 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
EARNINGS AND SAVINGS
42 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
CONDUCT OF MEETINGS
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 43 Item
RECREATION
GENERAL
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 45
46 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
The Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the American Royal Association
Davis, Chairman of the Sponsorship Committee of the FFA Foundation, Inc., for his tireless efforts on behalf of the Foundation and for the inspiration he provided through participation in this convention. The Honorable Ezra TaftBenson, Secretary of Agriculture, for his inspiring message to the FFA Convention and his tireless efforts to promote agriculture. Stassen, Special Assistant to the President of the United States, for his belief in the value of FFA and his dedicated interest in promoting world peace.
Herschel Newsom, Master of the National Grange, for his belief that the Future Farmers of America is the future farm.
The "Coke Time" Program and Eddie Fisher
48 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION Agricultural Education Branch particularly, for their support and
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 49
ROE BARTLE
EZRA TAFT BENSON
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 51
HERSCHEL D. NEWSOM
52 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION despair can follow a course of looking backward. Only frustration
HAROLD E. STASSEN
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 53 It is tremendously important that not only do we have a sense
F. DAVIS
I am truly pleased to bring you greetings from the donors to the Future Farmers of America Foundation, Inc. I think the sponsors or donors can take a special and special pride in their fees for the sea prizes given tonight, which provide an incentive to help develop the latent abilities of some 383,000 members of the Future Farmers of America. I first became acquainted with the Future Farmers when I attended the national convention at Kansas City about seven or eight years ago and I became very enthusiastic about their work, their hopes, ambition and ideals.
Since then I have attended every national convention and God willing I will continue to do so. I have said many times that FFA is the greatest youth organization in the world, not only for creating better farmers, but also for creating better citizens.
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 55
56 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION Early the following morning, my plane landed in Tallahassee,
Minister of Agriculture, who serves as host; and a luncheon at the Capitol hosted by Florida Senators Holland and Smathers, which included Vice President Richard Nixon, former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Oveta Culp Hobby and the senators from the officers' home states. the commemorative experiences of the week. February 2, our last day in Washington, will always be remembered as one of the most exciting days of my life, for at that time your National Officers visited the White House for a conference with the President of the United States. It was inspiring to hear President Eisenhower recall his partnership with our organization at the Silver Anniversary Convention he addressed two years ago.
Tenney and your officers boarded a train north to begin three weeks of visiting with FFA friends in business and industry. Each year, this Goodwill Tour offers leaders of business, industry and national organizations the opportunity to become better acquainted with our organization. At the same time, it gives national officers a direct view of the groups' activities.
Soon we were busy following the intensive schedule of the day, which included a conference with officials from Esso Standard Oil. On February 4th we visited the offices of the Dairymen's League Cooperative, lunched with representatives of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and other prominent business leaders, and discussed the importance of chemicals in agriculture at a meeting with executives of Allied Chemicaland Thighs.
58 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 59 the American Farm Bureau Federation. Excellent visits and worth-
This stop was made en route to Memphis, Tennessee, site of the Southern Regional Conference of Vocational Agriculture Supervisors and Teacher Trainers, March 27-31. In Memphis I felt it an opportunity to broaden my understanding of the activities and problems of the men who give us, as Future Farmers, unlimited amounts of valuable help. Just twelve hours after leaving Tennessee, I arrived in the southeast Texastown of Livingston, where I enjoyed a whole week.
On the morning of the 22nd, I rushed to Columbia, Missouri to catch up with eager FFA members from that state who had already begun a full schedule of convention activities. The business meetings there were particularly interesting to follow, as the delegates actively participated in the discussions. Much credit goes to President John Hanes and his team of officers for an excellent program.
After various local appearances, a visit to the state office and a short visit to Illinois that added to an already enjoyable stay, I traveled to Kansas State College for the Kansas FFA. Dean Peter and his fellow state officers were extremely busy during these days conducting interesting delegate sessions and educational judging and leadership competitions. From the Sunflower State, my schedule took me west, through the rugged Rocky Mountains, to Las Vegas, Nevada, where.
In the days that followed, Jay and I were guests of Bob Peterson, California Farm Bureau Young People's.
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 61 Vice President, in a tour along the state's scenic coastal route,
62 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 63 Atlantic Regional Public Speaking Contest and a special recognition
64 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
WILLIAM D. GUNTER, JR
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 65
Top Left—National FFA Band leads the American Royal Parade, Top Center—District V Minnesota Swing Band, Top Right—Scene from Patriotism and FFA, Center—Scene from Patriotism and FFA,. Lower Left—Eddie Fisher with National FFA Chorus, Lower Center- Plant City, Florida String Band, Lower Right—Scene from Patriotism.
68 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 69
JAY WRIGHT
70 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 71 Farmers there. Jerry Moss conducted a very smooth convention of
72 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION The time between the last of the North Carolina convention
ROBERT H. FUTRELLE
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 73
74 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION along with the other State Officers of the Iowa Association are to
AMERICA'S FUTURE FARMERS 75 Mr. Urton, my State Supervisor, I would like to thank Mr. Urton, my State Supervisor, for the leadership training and much needed advice he has provided. I will never be able to repay you for the work you did and the help you gave me while I was away. I will always be grateful for the love and encouragement my wife, Helen, has given me this past year.
LOWELL GISSELBECK
In March I attended the New York State Rural Youth Conference at Watkins Glen and later participated in "The Farm Forum of the Air". Later in April, I flew to Wilmington, Delaware, to attend the annual convention of the Future Farmers of Delaware. On June 1, I left home to attend a series of conferences that would last the entire month of June.
I was inspired and inspired by Neil Milner and his officers when they ran their Ohio Convention at Ohio State University. I then headed to New Jersey where Roger Locandro and his fellow officers were holding their convention at the beautiful scenic Camp Pahaquarra. I then spent an evening at the home of Paul Cooper, former State President of the New Jersey Association, before attending mine.
I left the West Virginia Convention to go to Washington to attend the annual July meeting of the National Board of Governors and the Council of Student Officers.
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 77 certainly paying off as the conventions I attended were conducted
78 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION hope and determination to be not only better farmers but farm
CHARLES W. ANKEN
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 79 On June 29-30 I flew to my third State convention at the Uni-
PHILIP BROUILLETTE
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 81
W. Tenney
- COMMUNITY SERVICE
82 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 83 Item
SCHOLARSHIP
OFFICER TRAVEL
STATE CONVENTIONS
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
84 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
CAMP AND OLD MILL
NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARD PROGRAM
PRIZES AND AWARDS
FUTURE FARMERS SUPPLY SERVICE
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 85 If you have any questions about the Supply Service, or items sold by
THE NATIONAL FUTURE FARMER
SUMMARY
ORGANIZATION
86 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION Number of chapters engaging in organized livestock
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 87
88 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION Number of members attending State camps 20,509
WE LOOK TO THE FUTURE
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 89
90 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION Financial Position
REVENUE
TOTAL REVENUE EXPENDITURES
EXPENDITURES
EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER $13,987.26
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 91 Receipts and Disbursements
92 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS $130,603.03
OTHER ASSET
FIXED ASSETS
SURPLUS SURPLUS
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 93
EXPENDED
94 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION EXPENDED Appro- Unexpended
EXCESS OF REVENUE
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 95
RECEIPTS
TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 88,463.40
DISBURSEMENTS
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS 75,881.64
96 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
TOTAL DUES COLLECTED
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 97
ASSETS
NET WORTH
98 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION THE NATIONAL FUTURE FARMER
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 99
WINNERS OF THE NATIONAL FARM MECHANICS AWARDS
100 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
WINNERS OF THE NATIONAL FARM ELECTRIFICATION AWARDS
WINNERS OF THE NATIONAL DAIRY FARMING AWARDS
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 101 of the Future Farmers of America Foundation, Incorporated. The
WINNERS OF THE NATIONAL SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT AWARDS
102 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
REPRESENTATIVES OF CHAPTERS WINNING NATIONAL FARM SAFETY AWARDS
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 103
104 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION Pearl City Chapter
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 105
106 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION Middleburg Chapter
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 10?
108 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
JOE MOORE
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 109 quality registered Angus ; 7 registered Duroc-Jersey sows and 39
110 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 111
LYNN LOOSLI
112 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION While in high school Lynn was an active leader in the FFA. He
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 113
114 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION Another keystone is his integrated soil improvement plan. A
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 115 ROSS SMITH, JR
Ross receives the other third of the proceeds, except that he gets all the money that comes from the sale. It has been nicely furnished with new furniture, and the location is suitable for a home farm and barn. He previously served as president of his 4-H club for two years and has served as a local 4-H leader since 1953.
He gives a registered heifer calf each year to the North Harford FFA chapter, which in turn gives it to one of the youth members. The recipient agrees to return a heifer to FFA, thereby creating a "chain" of calves given to help beginning future farmers. He is responsible for much of the improvement work that had been done in recent years.
At his instigation, a whole soil conservation program was adopted, relying largely on crops and grasslands. One of his tasks was the construction of a farm pond, three-quarters of an acre in size, about 100 meters from the main farm buildings. As a reminder of his beginnings as a farmer, Ross has a flock of ducks that make their home by the pond.
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 117
118 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 119
120 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 121
122 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 123 Here in America, fifty million acres of once fertile cropland
124 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 125 organizations where the thinking of the farmer can be channeled
126 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION they can accomplish the purpose for which they have been
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 127 tons of fertile soil each year. This loss was evident to the alert
128 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION servation practices as terraces, contours, cover crops, and farm
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 129 landfills for rubbish disposal. Sportsmen's clubs distribute game food
130 TWENTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION For those who do not expect to farm the understanding of this
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 131
