the Fraternity re-affirmed its alcohol free housing stance by passing the stance in the bylaws at the Conclave of that year. in 1998, the NIC awarded FarmHouse the NIC Laurel Wreath for leading the path in alcohol free housing. In 1984 Conclave, the Fraternity unanimousely pass a "Proposal for the Establishment of an Agricultural Sorority". Three of the women's groups which had been affiliated with FarmHouse (Colorado State University, University of Alberta, and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona) for at least the previous two years indicated that they wanted to be a part of forming the proposed ag-related women's fraternity or sorority. In 1985, the first chapter of Ceres was chartered. Mission and ritual The mission of FarmHouse Fraternity is primarily prescribed within what is known as "The Object" of the fraternity:“The object of our Fraternity is to promote good fellowship, to encourage studiousness, and to inspire its members in seeking the best in their chosen lines of study, as well as in life. Progress shall mark our every step, the spirit of congeniality shall reign at all times, and every member shall be honest with himself, as with his brothers. Men elected to our membership are considered to be of good moral character, to be high in scholarship, to have the capacity for meeting and making friends, and to give promise of service to their fellow men and to the world. To be and become such may at times require a sacrifice of time, pleasures and comforts.”The object is recited members at all chapter rituals and regular chapter meetings.</ref> The motto of FarmHouse is "Builders of Men". The fraternity seeks to build men with "Fourfold Development", encouraging growth in the intellectual, physical, social/moral and spiritual aspects of their lives. The name FarmHouse is an acronym standing for Faith, Ambition, Reverence, Morality, Honesty, Obedience, Unity, Service, and Excellence. FarmHouse does not have greek letters and contrary to some rumors, does not have "secret" greek letters. The ritual of FarmHouse is open and non-secretive. Families of members are often encouraged to attend initiations. Membership To become a member of FarmHouse Fraternity, an undergraduate must be extended a bid, or offer of membership, by a chapter of the fraternity at their university. Chapters regularly host recruitment, or rush, events to get to know potential new members, in addition to inviting them over to dinner or a tour of the chapter facility. Every