During 100th Annual Convention, New York State Honors FFA’s History and Growth, Including 100 New Charters Signed Since 2016

Groundbreaking Ceremony for New FFA Building Highlights State’s Commitment to Fostering Agricultural Education and Ensuring the State Fair Remains Rooted in Agriculture

Convention Returns to the Fairgrounds for 100th Anniversary, Marking Significance Since First-Ever Convention Also Took Place in the Same Location in 1926

Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the 100th anniversary of the New York FFA organization during the organization’s annual Convention, held this year on the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse — the same location the first-ever FFA Convention was held in 1926. A century later, more than 3,000 FFA members, advisors and guests from across the state are participating in the three-day convention, which provides an important opportunity for members to participate in workshops and tours, explore different fields in the agricultural industry and network with agricultural business professionals and colleges. The Governor honored the FFA for this milestone, the organization’s recent accomplishment of reaching its goal of 100 new charters signed since 2016, and the groundbreaking of its new building at The Fair, which highlights the State’s commitment to fostering agricultural education.

“Supporting agricultural education is essential to developing a generation of leaders who understand where our food comes from and value the hard work of our farmers,” Governor Hochul said. “As a former 4-H kid, I know firsthand that programs like 4-H, FFA, and local and state fairs are at the core of agricultural education in our communities. Today, I am proud to celebrate the 100 years of successful FFA programming, the growth of their chapters and their brand-new building on the Fairgrounds, which will allow New York FFA to further its mission of preparing young people to contribute to this important industry and will serve as an educational opportunity for fairgoers.”

New York State FFA Building Breaking Ground
Today’s celebration included a groundbreaking ceremony for the new FFA Building on the Fairgrounds, which will ensure FFA students can continue to showcase New York agriculture to New Yorkers visiting The New York State Fair. The Governor joined New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball, Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy, New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave, and representatives from New York FFA to officially break ground on the new FFA Building, which will be a 10,500 square foot facility featuring a large exhibition space for FFA students to showcase their work, in addition to conference areas and more. Partners from Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, National FFA, and the New York State legislature additionally joined to celebrate the milestone in FFA history at the New York State Fair.

The new building is part of a $34.7 million project to improve agricultural facilities at the Fairgrounds in Syracuse, first announced by the Governor in 2022. In addition to the FFA Building, improvements will also include a new show space for goats, completed last year, as well as an upcoming new sheep barn and wool center, new horse barn, both of which are scheduled to be ready for the 2025 Fair, and more. The Governor’s Executive Budget this year additionally includes $35 million for investments in the Fair’s Chevy Court and Suburban Park spaces to enhance the Fair’s entertainment experiences for concertgoers. The new FFA Building is expected to be complete by the 2026 Fair.

As part of the groundbreaking ceremony, Commissioner Ball announced the creation of a time capsule, which will be filled with historical items from FFA’s past and present and sealed when the ribbon is cut on the FFA Building. The Commissioner dedicated the time capsule’s first entry, clips from several Agricultural Teacher Bulletins from 1926 to 1929, which showcase reports of the development of the Association of New York Young Farmers Club affiliation with FFA. Commissioner Ball additionally challenged each FFA chapter across the state to find or create an item meaningful to their chapter to go in the time capsule before it is sealed next year.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "There's a long list of things that make The Great New York State Fair the best in the nation, but its continued focus on agriculture is what truly sets it apart, and its deep partnership with FFA has been a huge part of that. I can't think of a better way to celebrate this powerful program’s centennial than by breaking ground on a new building that will help introduce a whole new generation of young people to the value of our industry and inspire them to pursue meaningful careers in agriculture. I want to thank our Governor, our partners across the state, and of course our very own NY FFA who share this vision and make it a priority – because of their work, I know the future of agriculture is bright."

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “Agriculture is a major driver of New York’s economy, providing a source of fresh food and income to people across our state. OGS is proud to partner with the State Department of Agriculture and Markets in the construction of a 4,000-square-foot building at the Great New York State Fairgrounds. This new facility will further demonstrate Governor Hochul, Commissioner Ball, and our support for New York State’s farmers and FFA’s efforts to prepare its members for careers in all sectors of the agricultural industry. As FFA marks 100 years of its annual convention here, there’s no better opportunity for us to break ground on this new space.”

New York State FFA Director Juleah Tolosky said, “For 100 years, New York FFA has empowered students to lead, serve, and grow in agriculture and beyond. This new building at the Fairgrounds is more than a structure — it’s a symbol of what happens when we invest in young people and believe in their potential. We’re grateful to Governor Hochul and Commissioner Ball and our partners across the state for supporting a vision that honors our past while building a stronger future for agricultural education.”

Dean of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Benjamin Houlton said, “The FFA is one of the most important organizations of America's agricultural leadership—past, present and future. The historic celebration of the organization's success reflects the commitment of many generations of farmers, agribusiness innovators and natural resources professionals to serve the foundation of society with the food they produce. At CALS, we are so grateful for our state partners’ unyielding support and proud to see a growing number of FFA students join us in shaping the future of agriculture—whether through a CALS or SUNY college degree, technical training or direct-to-career paths. There has never been a more exciting time for agriculture, and this generation of agriculture innovators will ensure that the country is in a strong position for continued prosperity.”

New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave said, "The Great New York State Fair is a tradition rooted in agriculture, and our work with the New York State FFA has been the driving force behind keeping this tradition alive. Here at the Fair, these incredible students showcase their projects, participate in competitions, and teach tens of thousands of Fairgoers what New York agriculture is all about. We’re thrilled to help this remarkable organization celebrate its 100th anniversary by investing in a new building right here at the Fair that will help spotlight their work and introduce more young people to the importance of this industry. I congratulate FFA on their centennial, and thank Governor Hochul, a 4-H kid who knows firsthand the value of ag education, for her support of this critical investment.”

Supporting agricultural education is essential to developing a generation of leaders who understand where our food comes from and value the hard work of our farmers.

Governor Kathy Hochul

Agricultural Education in New York State
New York State continues to prioritize investments in agricultural education to support workforce development and ensure that agriculture remains a viable industry in New York State. In 2024, Governor Hochul increased support for the FFA by $250,000 for a total of $1.25 million and dedicated $500,000 to support the New York Agriculture in the Classroom program and $500,000 for the New York Association of Agricultural Educators to increase the number of certified agricultural educators in the state. In addition, $250,000 was included in support of Urban Agricultural Education and $50,000 for the MANRRS program.

Additionally in 2024, the Governor convened the first ever youth agriculture leadership conference. Following the conference, the Governor announced the establishment of a Blue-Ribbon Panel to Advance Agriculture Education, which will bring together food and agriculture industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and educators to chart a course for strengthening agriculture education and supporting the multi-faceted needs of the workforce.

The State’s efforts are paying off, with the number of agricultural teachers growing to 424 in 2025. Alongside this growth in teachers, the number of FFA charters and members has also increased. With 224 chapters established in 52 of New York’s 62 counties, there are now over 13,000 FFA members in New York State, an increase from 9,300 in 2022. In 2016, the State Agriculture Commissioner challenged the FFA to increase its number of charters across the State by 100; the FFA reached that goal in time for its 100th anniversary this year, an exciting benchmark as it celebrates its centennial and looks forward to the next hundred years.

In addition, there are currently five MANRRS collegiate chapters statewide, up from just two in 2022, and one junior chapter at John Bowne High School in New York City. Today, there is also a 4-H program in all 62 counties in New York State, providing educational opportunities to young people interested in agriculture in every corner of the State. Together, these programs help meet the growing demand for agricultural education across New York.

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “New York is the fastest-growing FFA state in the country, and for 100 years, this incredible program has been the bedrock of outstanding student leadership in our state, helping students find their strengths, find ways to serve their communities, and become leaders in every sector of the agriculture industry and beyond it. Congratulations to New York FFA on its centennial—the future of New York looks exceptionally bright with such dedicated young leaders at the forefront."

State Senator Rachel May said, “The longevity of New York’s FFA program underscores its significance to agriculture in our state. For 100 years, this program has been educating the next generation of farmers, ensuring that our vital agricultural sector remains strong. The history of the New York State Fair is closely linked to the FFA program, so it’s only appropriate that it has a dedicated building on the fairgrounds, showcasing its significance to our state. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for recognizing the importance of the FFA program with this new facility and support for New York State agriculture.”

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “FFA is one of the premier youth leadership development organizations in our country. Members have gone on to successful careers as farmers, chemists, government officials, business leaders, teachers, and more. The hands-on experience this organization provides is invaluable, and with the new FFA Building at the State Fairgrounds, they will have the opportunity to showcase their work in an impressive new facility. Congratulations to the FFA on their centennial.”

Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “I would like to congratulate the New York FFA for this historic milestone, marking a century of inspiring the agricultural leaders of tomorrow. As a stronghold for Northeastern agriculture, New York thrives thanks to organizations like FFA that help students realize their potential in the agricultural classroom and beyond. I look forward to the construction of the new FFA building, as well as the growth of their now 224 chapters across the state.”

Assemblymember Bill Magnarelli said, “The New York State Fair and New York State FFA have a long and storied history going back 100 years together. I applaud the work that organizations like New York State FFA and 4-H do in providing quality agricultural education to future generations to continue New York State’s long tradition of farming.”

About New York State FFA
Administered by Cornell University, the New York State FFA Association is a youth organization that helps middle and high school students become leaders in a variety of career fields, including agriculture. NY FFA develops premier leadership, personal growth and career success through activities and opportunities nationwide. Learn more about NY FFA at www.nysffa.org.

About the New York State Fair
Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the State’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.