What the Montana FFA State Convention Is
The Montana FFA State Convention is the yearly gathering of the state's FFA chapters, a "year-end finale" that celebrates members' successes. Students compete in career development events (CDEs), attend general sessions and workshops, and the state association recognizes its top members and chapters. A two-day FFA career and trade show runs alongside, with businesses and organizations exhibiting. Winning CDE teams advance to compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis the following fall. The 2027 convention is scheduled for March 22 to 26 in Great Falls.
What Happens at Convention
- Career development events: the 2025 convention ran 23 CDEs, including agricultural sales, agronomy, farm business management, floriculture, food science, forestry, horse evaluation, livestock judging, meats, poultry, veterinary science, parliamentary procedure and several speaking contests (creed, extemporaneous, prepared public speaking).
- Agriscience Fair: projects judged in animal, plant, social, food science and environmental systems.
- Awards and degrees: State FFA Degrees (223 members earned one in 2025), Star awards, Hall of Chapters and sweepstakes for chapters placing highest across four of five major competitions.
- State officers: new state officers are elected and installed.
- Day of Service: in 2025 more than 250 participants packaged 35,000 meals for families in need.
- Trade show: sponsors and exhibitors can inquire at foundation@montanaffa.org.
Key Dates and Deadlines for 2027
| Date | Item |
|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2027 | FFA scholarships and letters of recommendation due |
| Feb 15, 2027 | State FFA Degree applications and State Officer applications due |
| Feb 21, 2027 | State convention registration opens (Judging Card) |
| Mar 1, 2027 | Proficiency applications and National Chapter applications due |
| Mar 5, 2027 | Talent applications due |
| Mar 9, 2027 | State convention registration closes |
| Mar 22-26, 2027 | State FFA Convention, Great Falls |
Who Takes Part
Convention is for Montana FFA members, advisors and teachers, with parents, alumni and supporters attending. Past conventions have drawn from about 1,650 attendees in 2023 to more than 2,100 members and guests in 2025, and organizers expected over 2,000 for the 2026 convention in Great Falls. Volunteers are invited to judge CDEs through a sign-up on the Montana FFA site.
Qualifying Contests Earlier in the Year
Many chapters prepare through invitationals and contests listed on the Montana ag education calendar, such as the Winter Fair livestock and beef show in Lewistown on January 16 and 17, KMON (meats, poultry, sales and agronomy) in Great Falls on January 19 and 20, and the Cowtown CDE Invitational in Miles City on February 4 and 5.
Questions
Where is the 2026 and 2027 convention?
The 2026 convention was held March 31 to April 4 at Pacific Recycling Arena in Great Falls. The 2027 convention is on the calendar for March 22 to 26, also in Great Falls.
How do members register?
Registration runs through Judging Card, opening February 21 and closing March 9, 2027.
Where does the winner go next?
Winning CDE teams can compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in the fall.
Official Links
- Montana FFA State Convention
- Montana Ag Ed calendar 2026-27
- State FFA Convention and Career/Trade Show
- Results from the 93rd convention
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- KMON FFA Contests
FFA contests in meats, poultry, sales and agronomy held at Cascade and Great Falls on January 19 and 20, 2027.
Cascade, MT Official event details - Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo
Finals of the Montana pro rodeo circuit in Great Falls, January 15 to 17, 2026. Held each year in winter.
Great Falls, MT Official event details - Cascade County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale
Friday, July 10, 2026 sale themed Raising the Steaks, with bidder registration at 4:30 p.m. and bidding at 5:30 p.m.; rabbits, chickens, lambs, goats, pigs and beef.
Great Falls, MT Official event details - Montana 4-H State Western Heritage Match
State 4-H Western Heritage shooting event held in Simms on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Simms, MT Official event details - Montana State Fair
Fair week in Great Falls (Jul 24-Aug 1, 2026) brings 4-H exhibits, junior livestock classes and community events to Cascade County. Held each year; the most recent dates were these.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.