MFBF President Cyndi Johnson Receives 2026 MSU Outstanding Agricultural Leader Award

BOZEMAN, Mont. - The Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) is proud to announce that MFBF President, Cyndi Johnson, has been honored as the recipient of the 2026 Montana State University Outstanding Agricultural Leader Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and lifelong commitment to Montana agriculture.

The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of agriculture through service, innovation, impact, and leadership. President Johnson's selection reflects decades of dedication to protecting and promoting the interests of Montana's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

"As Montana producers, we know that agriculture continues to flourish because of the people who are willing to work, advocate, and invest in the future," said Johnson. "I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Montana State University and the agricultural community that covers this state. This award belongs to the many Farm Bureau members, agricultural leaders, and family members who I continue to work alongside to strengthen agriculture across Montana every day."

As MFBF President, Johnson helps guide the organization's efforts to advocate for family farms and ranches, defend private property rights, support rural economic development, and engage the next generation of agricultural leaders. She has been recognized as a passionate and effective voice for producers at the local, state, and national levels.

"President Johnson, a wheat farmer from Conrad, has given a lifetime of dedication and volunteer work advocating for agriculture and rural Montana. She began her involvement in Farm Bureau 30 years ago in 1996 with Front Range County Farm Bureau. Throughout those 30 years, she has served as a Farm Bureau county board member, secretary, vice president as well as county president.," said Scott Kulbeck, Executive Vice President of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation. "She brings integrity, vision, and commitment to every issue she tackles. This award is a well-deserved recognition of her service and the positive impact she has had on agriculture throughout our state."

Under President Johnson's leadership, Montana Farm Bureau has expanded opportunities for member engagement, strengthened agricultural advocacy efforts on state and federal levels, and continued its mission of improving the economic well-being and quality of life for Montana agricultural families. When not bringing forth state priorities in Washington D.C, attending county meetings, advocating at the capitol, amongst the many other duties that come with the role, Johnson can often be found farming with her husband Ken near Conrad, MT.

The Montana Farm Bureau Federation congratulates President Johnson on this prestigious recognition and thanks Montana State University for honoring a leader whose work has helped shape and strengthen agriculture across the state.

President Johnson, alongside her husband Ken, will be honored at the Celebrate Ag Social on Friday, October 30, 2026, and the Bobcats’ Ag Appreciation football game on Saturday, Oct. 31.