Montana FFA Foundation reaches new benchmark, providing over $100,000 annually

On April 10, Montana FFA concluded the 91st Annual State Convention hosted in Billings. The convention was nothing short of a success thanks to the students, advisors and supporters. Blue jackets reconnected from every corner of the state. For some students, this was the first time in two years they interacted with other FFA members outside of their community.

Eight hands-on contests, four general sessions, career conversation seminars, a career panel, various workshops, and the company of special guests Artha Jonassaint, 2020-2021 National FFA Southern Region Vice President, and Dr. James Woodard, National FFA Advisor, were highlights of this year's State Convention.

"It's been almost two years now since we've had a State FFA Convention, so to be able to have workshops, or even just talk to another FFA member sitting next to you at the session, is something I know I'll never take for granted again," Claire Standley, a junior from Missoula FFA, stated.

State Convention brought so many meaningful experiences to students across Big Sky Country, particularly for this year's award recipients. In 2020, the Montana FFA Foundation awarded over $100,000 in scholarships and grants to students and FFA chapters. This incredible achievement triples the amount of funding awarded in scholarships and grants just five years prior in 2015. These awards support students in attending leadership conferences, building their entrepreneurship projects, and providing STEM equipment to enhance Agricultural Education instruction in their schools.

Over sixty-five students were awarded scholarships for leadership growth, supervised agricultural experience development or post-secondary education pursuits.

The outstanding FFA members weren’t the only spectacular people at the Annual Montana FFA Foundation Awards Session. The Montana FFA Foundation also awarded the Lee Boyer Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Bill Jimmerson and the Annual Friend of the Foundation Award to C&B Operations, Frontline Ag Solutions, and RDO Equipment Co. Both recipients of these awards share one common thing: vision.

Mr. Jimmerson served as an FFA Advisor for 25 years, most of which were in Conrad. During this time, he introduced the Ag Sales Career Development Event, the Ag Issues Leadership Development Event, the Native American Indian Presentation, and organized the Foundation’s first Extravaganza fundraiser. He subsequently served as State FFA Advisor for several years and held various leadership roles in the Montana FFA Foundation and the Montana FFA Alumni Association.

The 2021 Friend of the Foundation shares that vision for a stronger tomorrow because of investment of today. John Deere Dealers of Montana have been behind the Foundation since 2012 when they partnered with the Foundation to bring Montana FFA Students the John Deere Ag Expo, a three-day event with competitions, speakers, and the opportunity to develop leadership skills. In November of 2020, John Deere dealerships across the state stepped up to the plate and knocked a John Deere Ag Expo as we have never seen out of the park. These partners could have said no, but instead, they asked “how?” as the Montana FFA Foundation and local John Deere dealers provided the Annual John Deere Ag Expo to over 1,600 students in 98 chapters throughout Montana by supporting hands-on learning contests in 12 satellite locations from Antelope to Twin Bridges.

“Montana FFA and Montana FFA Foundation wouldn’t be where they are without the vision, commitment and unwavering support of people like Mr. Bill Jimmerson, and our partners like the John Deere dealers of Montana. We also wouldn’t be reaching new benchmarks of six-figure investments directly to our FFA communities without the support of our various donors and supporters across the State.” Executive Director, Gwynn Simeniuk stated.

Simeniuk went on to state, “We would like to thank all of our donors for their commitment to the people in the jacket throughout the years. You are changing lives, and you are elevating thoughtful leaders and agriculture advocates. The support from our partners provides a positive, meaningful influence in an age where our youth are hungry for role models who can show what servant leadership looks like in action.”

The Montana FFA Foundation supports 98 FFA chapters across the state of Montana, representing over 5,000 members. The Montana FFA Foundation’s mission is to cultivate partnerships, promote awareness and secure resources to enhance Agricultural Education and the Montana FFA Association.