
Montana’s Contribution to Record FFA Membership Nationwide
Founded back in 1928, FFA has spent nearly a century shaping young leaders. Hitting one million members is not a small thing.
RECORD GROWTH
The Northern Ag Network tells us that the National FFA Organization continues its record-setting growth with yet another increase in membership over last year. The nationally recognized school-based student leadership development organization recorded 1,053,847 student members during the 2025-2026 school year in 9,591 active student chapters. These members live in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Formerly known as "Future Farmers of America," FFA reaches middle and high school students in rural, suburban and urban communities across the country. FFA was founded on leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
In the press release, Scott Stump, chief executive officer of the National FFA Organization, was quoted as saying, "Seeing FFA continue to grow is a powerful reminder that students everywhere are looking for opportunities to lead, build meaningful skills and prepare for their futures. We are incredibly proud to support these members and to see our chapter network expand across the country. This growth would not be possible without the agricultural educators, advisors, alumni and partners who help ensure more students can experience the life-changing impact of FFA.”
READ MORE: USFS Pours Huge Dollars Into Montana Rural School Funding
MONTANA DOING ITS PART AMONG LESS POPULATED STATES
Montana now has over 7,000 members with 109 chapters. Looking at some of our neighbors' numbers, Wyoming had 4,600 members with a total 64 chapters, North Dakota over 7,500 members in 95 chapters, and South Dakota 6,500 members with 113 active chapters.
ADDITIONAL FFA MEMBERSHIP STATS, 2025-2026:
- Student Membership: 1,053,847 (+1.1% from last year)
- Student Chapters: 9,591
- Alumni Membership: 840,865
- Alumni Chapters: 2,147
- Top states with largest membership numbers:
- Texas
- California
- Georgia
- Florida
- North Carolina
- Top states for % membership increase compared to last year:
- New York
- Puerto Rico
- Maine
In western Montana, we know many of you already support area FFA chapters. We are proud of all those kids who have earned your respect and appreciation. Learn more about Montana FFA here.
LOOK: These Foods Look Nothing Like You'd Expect Before They're Harvested
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

