BILLINGS, MT – Montana FFA was named a recipient of the 2026 Western Heritage Award, recognizing the organization’s longstanding contributions to agriculture and the development of young leaders across the state. Montana FFA was honored alongside this year’s class of Western Heritage Award recipients during the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall & Wall of Fame Banquet in Billings in September. The recognition comes nearly a century after FFA first took root in Montana and reflects an organization that has grown well beyond its original focus of preparing young people for careers on the farm and ranch. FFA was founded nationally in 1928, at a time when leaders were concerned about young people losing interest in agriculture and leaving family farms and ranches. The organization was created to provide young people with opportunities to develop leadership, confidence and a greater appreciation for agriculture. That mission has continued to evolve. Today, the National FFA Organization includes more than one million student members across all 50 states and two U.S. territories. The organization has expanded to prepare students for a wide range of careers connected to agriculture, including science, education, veterinary medicine, engineering, business and more. FFA’s Montana Roots The first unofficial FFA chapter in the state was organized in Moccasin in 1928, with its chapter constitution adopted in January 1929. The first officially chartered Montana chapter was established in Miles City under the guidance of Harry Hoffman, who would later be known as the Dean of Montana Vocational Agriculture. On April 1, 1930, the Montana Association of Future Farmers of America received Charter Number 38 from the national organization. The original charter included chapters from communities across the state, including Belt, Big Sandy, Big Timber, Bozeman, Browning, Cascade, Chinook, Choteau, Conrad, Dillon, Glasgow, Harlowton, Highwood, Joplin, Kalispell, Lewistown, Manhattan, Miles City, Missoula, Moccasin, Opheim, Simms, Townsend, Valier and Whitehall. Nearly a century later, FFA has grown into one of Montana’s largest youth agricultural organizations. Montana now has 110 FFA chapters, more than 7,000 members and 126 agricultural education teachers. Students have opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in community service and compete in 15 Career Development Events and six Leadership Development Events. Those activities are designed to provide students with hands-on opportunities to build skills that can carry into careers and communities long after high school. Building Agriculture’s Next Generation The influence of FFA also extends beyond the students who currently wear the blue jacket. FFA alumni continue to support the organization through financial contributions, publicity, mentorship and involvement in their communities and professions. That lasting connection is part of what makes FFA different from many organizations. The lessons learned through agricultural education and FFA leadership can continue to shape people long after graduation. The organization’s roots remain firmly planted in agriculture, but its reach extends far beyond production agriculture. FFA members go on to become farmers and ranchers, but also teachers, veterinarians, scientists, engineers, business owners and leaders in communities across the country. For nearly 100 years, the organization has continued to pursue the same basic goal its founders envisioned: developing young people who are prepared to lead and contribute to the future of agriculture and their communities. That legacy is now being recognized through the 2026 Western Heritage Award. Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More