Over 2,100 members and guests attended Montana FFA’s 95th Annual State Convention March April 1-5, in Bozeman, Montana. The Montana FFA State Convention hosted 23 career development events (competitions), general sessions and workshops during the four-day event. The winning teams earn the opportunity to compete at the National FFA Convention which will take place this fall in Indianapolis, IN. New State FFA Officers were selected and are as follows: Claire Murnin – President from Shepherd, Cole Waldusky – 1st VP from Conrad, Kyona Yeager – 2nd VP from Fairfield, Morgan Bisel – Secretary from Corvallis, Kylee Finn – Treasurer from Cascade, Autumn Benson – Reporter from Corvallis, Weston Sondeno – Sentinel from Big Timber, and Savanna Freitas – Parliamentarian from Fairview.
The Beaverhead chapter from Dillon took home the title of Star Chapter. Chelise Stone from Geraldine was named Star State Greenhand with Russel Lang from Roundup being announced as the Star in Agribusiness. Montana’s Star in Agriculture Placement went to Autumn Benson from Corvallis, and Kennedy Lyson of Baker earned the title of State Star Farmer. There were 223 members from across Montana that received their State FFA Degree which is the highest degree that a state can bestow upon its members. The individual sweepstakes title went to Joel Standley of Missoula, followed by Cole Waldusky of Conrad and Lane Hess from Park City. Finally, the team sweepstakes title went to the Missoula FFA Chapter followed by Big Timber and Beaverhead. The sweepstakes award recognizes the chapter who places highest in four of the five major state convention competitions.
Over 250 Day of Service participants teamed up to package 35,000 meals to be dispersed across Montana to families in need. The combined work effort of these student volunteers totaled over 600 hours.
Montana Business and Industry representatives sponsored the event as well as promoted their businesses during the two-day FFA Tradeshow. Individuals who were recognized as Honorary FFA Degree recipients were Rich Darrach (Montana Ag Teacher President), Hugh Braaten (longtime FFA supporter), Evan Scholtfeldt (business sponsor), Belinda Darlinton (longtime FFA Foundation board member), Ed Sutherlin (supporter from Stevensville) and President Waded Cruzado (MSU President). Additionally, speakers and special guests including Governor Greg Gianforte and National FFA Eastern Region Vice-President Caroline Groth from Kentucky.
Montana FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information, please contact the Montana FFA Association for upcoming events and ways to get involved.
Career Development Event Results are:
High placing individual, followed by high team.
Agricultural Issues
Team: Roundup
Agricultural Sales CDE:
Individual: Wyatt Johannes – Huntley
Team: Belgrade
Agronomy CDE:
Individual: Katie Harris – Joliet
Team: Stevensville
Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE (mechanics):
Individual: Logan Yeager – Choteau
Team: Havre
Creed Speaking CDE:
Individual: Chelise Stone – Geraldine
Jr. Creed Speaking CDE:
Individual: Natalie DelCamp – Huntley
Extemporaneous Speaking CDE:
Individual: Johanna DeMars – Winifred
Farm Business Management CDE:
Individual: Sophie Banzet – Kalispell
Team: Big Timber
Floriculture
Individual: Keagan Merritt – Missoula
Team: Missoula
Food Science
Individual: Keagan Merrit – Missoula
Team: Missoula
Agriculture Communications
Team: Corvallis
Conduct of Meetings CDE:
Team: Miles City
Forestry
Individual: Samuel Barta – Fergus
Team: Fergus of Lewistown
Horse Evaluation
Individual: Ainsley Hobley – Ekalaka
Team: Beaverhead (Dillon)
Marketing Plan
Team: Corvallis
Meats
Individual: Emma Paugh – Big Timber
Team: Missoula
Poultry
Individual: Stockton Stroh – Fergus
Team: Whitehall
Vet Science
Individual: Katie Johnson – Beaverhead
Team: Beaverhead
Livestock Judging CDE:
Individual: Nathan Long – Fergus
Team: Kalispell
Environmental and Natural Resources
Individual: Kamber Bender – Fairfield
Team: Corvallis
Employment Skills
Individual: Kennedy Lyson – Baker
Parliamentary Procedure CDE:
Team: Kalispell
Prepared Public Speaking CDE:
Individual: Claire Murnin – Shepherd
Agriscience Fair:
Winners in each area:
Cooper and Claire Murnin – Shepherd, Animal Systems
Lukas Rost – Baker, Plant Systems
Grace Gunderson – Baker, Social Systems
Kinzey Clark – MIssoula, Environmental/Natural Resource Systems
Joel Standley and Joselyn England – Missoula, Food Science Systems
Overall Winner – Kinzey Clark – Missoula
Hall of Chapters Winner – Hot Springs
State Talent Winner – Cassidy Shelvan – Missoula
Volunteer as a Judge at the 2025 Montana FFA State Convention!
Join us at the vibrant heart of agricultural education as we gear up for the prestigious Montana FFA State Convention, taking place in Bozeman from April 1st to April 5th, 2025!
Embrace the Experience:
Prepare to be immersed in a dynamic atmosphere where over 2,000 FFA members, dedicated teachers, passionate alumni, and supportive advocates will converge from every corner of Montana. This annual convention is not just an event; it’s a celebration of agricultural excellence and leadership development!
Connect and Inspire
As a judge for the Career and Leadership Development Events, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agricultural leadership. Engage with students from over 100 communities as they showcase their skills, knowledge, and dedication across various competitions.
Why Volunteer?
By volunteering as a judge, you’re not just lending your expertise – you’re empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders. Your guidance and feedback will leave a lasting impact, inspiring these young minds to reach greater heights in their personal and professional journeys.
