Carroll first-year Reagan Long was recently honored with the national Turf Grass Management Proficiency Entrepreneurship Award from the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization at their 97th National FFA Convention held October 26 at the Indiana Convention Center. He was awarded first place out of four finalists nationwide for his successful lawn care business—one of only nine national winners in Montana FFA's history—receiving scholarship funds, media recognition, and opportunities for state and Montana-based engagements.
Since founding Valley Lawn Care in 2017 and registering it as an FFA project in 2020, Reagan has grown his business to serve 35 clients across 42 properties within a 40-mile radius in Park County. With a substantial increase in revenue, he has grown his team to three employees and provides a comprehensive range of lawn care services. Over the years, he has also increased hourly wages for his employees to nearly twice the average hourly pay in Montana, reflecting the business’s steady growth and success.
"Receiving this award is a tremendous honor and blessing that I have worked toward through growing my lawn care business over the past four years in FFA. I am incredibly grateful for the constant support of my family, the Shields Valley community, FFA Chapter, and FFA alumni who have made this project possible and have been by my side through the entirety of its operation. Their support, along with that of my client base, is what makes this experience so worthwhile and is a truly humbling opportunity."
~ Reagan Long, Class of 2028, Political Science major/Pre-Law Pathway, Livingston, MT