ALAMO, NEVADA (RFD NEWS) — National FFA Week 2026 is wrapping up with Wear Blue Day, a tradition that honors the iconic blue corduroy jacket and the legacy of National FFA Organization members across generations. The day encourages members, alumni, and supporters to proudly wear blue in recognition of leadership, service, and agricultural education.
National FFA Southern Region Vice President T. Wayne Williams joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to reflect on what Wear Blue Day represents and why the FFA jacket continues to matter nearly a century after its debut.
In his conversation with RFD NEWS, Williams explained what the blue jacket symbolizes — skills like responsibility, pride, and a shared commitment to agriculture. Adopted in 1933, the jacket connects today’s members to generations who came before them, reminding students that they are part of something bigger than themselves.
Growing up in a multigenerational beef production family in Tennessee, Williams explained that wearing the jacket helped bridge his agricultural roots with leadership opportunities beyond the farm. He added that FFA provided him with a sense of belonging and purpose—values he sees reflected nationwide each year during Wear Blue Day.
As National FFA Week comes to a close, Williams shared that one of the most meaningful parts of the week is meeting members from across the country and seeing how the blue jacket continues to unite students with diverse backgrounds under a common mission.
Our own Eliza Petry joined the program to reflect on her personal FFA journey and what the blue jacket continues to mean to her. Petry served as an Illinois State Vice President with the Illinois FFA Association and was a former chapter president of the Rochelle FFA.
She shared how her time in FFA helped shape her leadership skills and fueled a passion for agricultural advocacy—lessons that continue to guide her career today. Petry said the blue jacket represents confidence, responsibility, and a sense of belonging that stays with members long after they hang it in the closet.
