Rapid City, SD (September 28, 2026) – To its owner, the FFA jacket is a physical reminder of the personal accomplishments achieved through the organization – a symbol of commitment and dedication for all who wear the corduroy. This fall, 418 South Dakota FFA members from 86 chapters will receive their own FFA jackets – carrying forward that long-standing tradition of pride, dignity and honor. Jackets were sponsored by various individuals through the SD FFA Foundation program, welcoming new members into the fabric of FFA. FFA members filled out the Blue Jackets Bright Futures FFA Jacket Program application, answering short essay questions about their FFA experience and goals, competing to earn their own FFA jacket instead of purchasing one. When students join the FFA, they typically purchase or borrow jackets to compete in the many Career and Leadership Development Events offered through FFA. The jacket is their team uniform; to be worn at all official FFA events. The blue corduroy FFA jacket has been the status symbol of the national FFA organization since 1933, when delegates to the national convention voted to make the jacket part of the organization’s official attire, thus creating thelong-standing tradition. ...read more read less