Long-time Montana Farm Bureau Federation member Bill Wright has dedicated his life to agriculture. He was honored for his commitment by receiving the MFBF President’s Distinguished Service Award during the organization’s annual convention Nov. 8-11 in Missoula.

Wright, a farmer north of Bozeman, has deep roots in the Springhill Community. He still farms where both sets of grandparents farmed and where he grew up. He attended Springhill grade school, attended Bozeman High School and graduated from Montana State College, now MSU.

Wright has been a member of the Gallatin County Farm Bureau for 55 years, having served on the board of directors and a president of the county Farm Bureau. He served as vice president of Montana Farm Bureau Federation, as well. He has served on many county and state Farm Bureau committees, including taxation, field crops, policy development and budget. He has frequently been a voting delegate both at Montana Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau conventions. He has been very involved in his community. Wright served on his local school board for 15 years and was a soil conservation supervisor for more than 35 years. He was on the city-county planning board for Gallatin County and was especially involved with zoning in the Springhill area. He has been involved in his church’s activities and served as church treasurer.

Wright and his wife, Edie, have five children and eight grandchildren. His son, Bruce, is vice president of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation.

“Bill Wright has been a tremendous asset to agriculture, and is a great role model for everyone involved in growing our food and fiber. He is an exemplary gentleman and Farm Bureau member. It is a real honor to present Bill with the Distinguished Service Award,” said Montana Farm Burau Federation president Bob Hanson.