New Farmers of America
Illinois professor Bobby J. Smith II uncovers the forgotten history and enduring legacy of Black agricultural education.
Contributors
Written by Nicole Cazley
Photographs courtesy of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, “New Farmers of America Association” Collection
The Future Farmers of America (FFA) dates back to 1928 and has deep roots in rural America. The goal of the organization was to educate young people about agriculture and encourage them to pursue farming as a career, but one group was noticeably excluded: Black youth.
In response, the New Farmers of America (NFA) was founded in 1935 at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. In his new book, “Black Farm Boys,” Illinois Professor Bobby J. Smith II explores this largely forgotten chapter in American history.
The NFA reminded rural Black boys of their humanity. I want people to recognize that they existed and they mattered.
– Professor Bobby J. Smith II
In just a few years, the NFA grew to more than 50,000 members and over 1,000 chapters across 12 states. Black boys interested in agriculture found a place of inclusion in a time of stark segregation. “The story of the NFA provides a blueprint of how to successfully engage Black youth in agriculture. The NFA wanted to change the face of American agriculture and believed training Black youth in this work would uplift communities and the nation,” Smith said.
In addition to programs for adults, the NFA established youth summer camps. These camps offered rural Black boys and young men opportunities to participate in fishing, crabbing, boating, baseball, horseshoes, campfire programs, overnight hikes, arts and crafts, first aid, conservation, and leadership activities.
Through his research, Smith uncovered a strong Illinois connection: Sidney Britton (S.B.) Simmons, who completed graduate work at Illinois, co-founded NFA and was a lifelong advocate for promoting agricultural education among rural Black youth.
After studying at Illinois, Simmons returned to his home state of North Carolina and became the assistant state supervisor of agricultural education in Negro schools from 1930 to 1957, a role that led to his co-founding of the NFA. Simmons’ passion was for the summer camps, so much so that the North Carolina camp would be posthumously named in his honor.
Sadly, the NFA was short-lived. In 1941, the Department of Education moved the NFA under its administration, and by 1965 the NFA was completely absorbed by the FFA. Since that time, the number of Black youths benefiting from FFA-related activities has dwindled – as of 2023, only 5% of the FFA identify as Black.
Smith wrote the book to shine a light on the NFA and to underscore the similarities between then and now. “We don’t have enough numbers in our ag workforce to adequately take care of our nation, and it is a matter of national security. Who will be the next Black farmers? Or crop scientists? Or agricultural engineers? You never know who you can be until you see it,” he said.
