February 21–28 marks National FFA Week, a nationwide celebration of the largest student-led organization in the country, the National FFA Organization. Throughout the week, members, advisors, alumni, and supporters come together to recognize the impact of agricultural education, student leadership, and the life-changing opportunities FFA provides.
For the 2025–2026 Montana FFA State Officer Team, National FFA Week is more than a celebration — it’s a time to reflect on the blue and gold jacket that connects generations of members across the state and beyond.
Montana FFA 1st Vice President Cole Waldusky says one of the most meaningful parts of National FFA Week is seeing the organization’s legacy in action.
For Waldusky, the week provides an opportunity to hear from alumni, past state officers, and long-time supporters who return to share their stories. Seeing former members reflect on their FFA experiences highlights how deeply the organization’s influence reaches — across communities, careers, and generations.
“It’s really cool to see how the impact of FFA reaches across all the generations,” he shared, noting how those connections continue to inspire current members.
From Small Chapters to the National Stage
Kyona Yeager, Montana FFA 2nd Vice President from Fairfield, has witnessed firsthand how chapters of every size embrace National FFA Week.
After traveling to schools across the state this year, Yeager noticed that students consistently talk about their plans for FFA Week — whether they’re part of a large program or a small chapter in central Montana. Her own home chapter in Fairfield is hosting a school assembly to spark excitement and introduce more students to FFA.
That experience reinforced an important realization: the effort to promote agriculture and leadership doesn’t rest solely with adults. Students themselves are leading the charge — from the national level down to individual schools — working to share the value of agricultural education and encourage others to get involved.
Celebrating Traditions in Blue and Gold
For Montana FFA Reporter Autumn Benson of Corvallis, National FFA Week shines a spotlight on the traditions that make each chapter unique.
“Every chapter comes together to show off that agriculture that is part of who they are, part of who we all are, and that unites us in that blue and gold,” Benson said.
Seeing those local traditions on display, Benson says, highlights both the individuality of each chapter and the unity that ties them together statewide and nationally.
FFA Is for Everyone
With more than one million members nationwide, the National FFA Organization continues to grow and evolve. For Montana FFA State Sentinel Weston Sondeno of Big Timber, National FFA Week is a reminder that FFA is open to everyone.
Sondeno believes one of the greatest strengths of the organization is its inclusivity. While some may assume FFA is only for students from farming backgrounds, “that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Sondeno says. Members come from rural towns, urban communities, and everywhere in between. They pursue careers in agriculture, business, science, communications, and countless other industries.
“Hearing everyone’s FFA story is really inspiring,” he said. “It’s really cool to see how many lives FFA has truly touched.”
Give FFA Day: Investing in the Next Generation
As part of the celebration, the Montana FFA Foundation will host Give FFA Day, inviting supporters to invest in the future of agricultural education.
This year, donors have an exciting opportunity to double their impact. An anonymous supporter has pledged to match donations up to $5,000, making every contribution go even further in supporting student leadership development, scholarships, and program growth across Montana.
“You know, I have to say that as I’ve been traveling around the state, everyone knows everyone and is still connected,” Foundation Executive Director Megan Irion said, “ If this is your way of giving, you know, your treasure or your time, the foundation is there to guide you and help you figure out what this is that you can do.”
Throughout the week, the National FFA Organization will highlight daily themes, giving members and supporters fun and engaging ways to participate in the celebration.
To support Montana students during National FFA Week, donations can be made through the Montana FFA Foundation at montanaffa.org. Be sure to follow Montana FFA on social media for highlights, chapter spotlights, and activities happening across the state.
You can also listen to our podcast with the Montana FFA State Officer team and the Montana FFA Foundation discussing National FFA Week, the year of travels, a sneak peak at the 2026 State FFA Convention, and more! https://omny.fm/shows/northern-ag-network-podcasts/national-ffa-week-2026.
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Colton Young-Northern Ag Network
