Josh Dallin
Where Are They Now? | August 2026 | By Samantha Henderson
Meet Josh Dallin,
Josh is a Box Elder FFA Alumni, who says FFA helped him discover a passion for agriculture, leadership, and service. It set the foundation for his career.
Josh joined FFA because of his love for agriculture, livestock, and the opportunities that FFA provided to learn by doing. Growing up, he was heavily involved in raising and showing livestock and FFA felt like a natural fit. Josh quickly discovered that FFA was about much more than agriculture-it was about leadership, service, personal growth, and preparing for a successful future.
Josh participated in several contests, but Livestock and Horse Evaluation were his favorite. He learned to think critically, make decisions under pressure, communicate effectively, and defend his reasoning. Those skills have followed him throughout his career. Josh says, “it wasn’t just about the contests–it was the friendships, mentorship, and life lessons learned along the way that made those experiences valuable. One of the greatest blessings of FFA has been realizing that it never really leaves you. The friendships, mentors, and lessons continue long after the blue jacket is hung up.”
After high school, Josh attended Utah State University and pursed degrees in animal and agricultural sciences. During college, he remained involved in agriculture and youth programs, which led him to a career with USU Extension. Josh says, “the experiences I had in FFA helped me recognize that I wanted to spend my career helping young people discover the same opportunities and confidence that agriculture provided for me.”
Josh currently serves as Executive Director of the USU Bastian Agricultural Center and as an Extension Associate Professor with Utah State University. Before his role at the Bastian Agricultural Center, his career path included serving as the Utah State 4-H Livestock and Equine Specialist and the Box Elder County Extension Faculty overseeing livestock, range, and 4-H programs. Josh has and continues to focus on youth development, livestock education, mental health initiatives in agriculture, and creating opportunities for young people to engage with agriculture regardless of where they live.
His favorite part of his work is seeing youth discover their potential. “Whether it's through FFA, 4-H, livestock projects, leadership development, or hands-on agricultural experiences, there is nothing better than watching young people gain confidence and realize what they are capable of accomplishing.”
Josh says, “FFA had a tremendous impact on my life and career. It helped me develop leadership skills, public speaking abilities, work ethic, professionalism, and confidence.” He uses many of those skills every day-speaking to groups, leading teams, building partnerships, and working with youth. “Perhaps most importantly, FFA taught me that leadership is service. The best leaders are those who help others succeed, and that lesson continues to guide both my professional and personal life.”
That commitment to helping youth grow also shapes his work as a livestock judge. He has judged livestock shows across the country and was recently invited to judge the breeding sheep show at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. Through livestock judging, Josh helps youth build confidence and deepen their knowledge of livestock.
Josh remains very active with FFA, regularly partnering with advisors, chapters, and students across Utah. He provides educational programs, hosts events and competitions, supports livestock projects, and creates opportunities for students to explore careers in agriculture. He mentors youth, judges livestock events, and works alongside agricultural educators who continue to shape the next generation of agricultural leaders. Josh also judges CDEs, LDEs, and award applications at the local and state level.
The Honorary Chapter Degree is a prestigious local award presented to adults who have provided outstanding service to agricultural education and the local FFA chapter. In recognition of his contributions, Josh received the Honorary Chapter Degree from the Bear River FFA Chapter in 2022 and the Box Elder FFA Chapter in 2026.
Josh says, “FFA helped me discover a passion for agriculture, leadership, and service. It set the foundation for my career, and for that I will always be grateful. The future of agriculture is bright because of the incredible young people who continue to wear the blue jacket and live the FFA motto of Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, and Living to Serve.”
If you are considering FFA, Josh offers this advice, “Get involved. Run for an office. Compete in contests. Attend leadership conferences. Step outside your comfort zone. Some of the most valuable lessons and relationships of your life may come from those experiences. The skills you gain in FFA will stay with you long after high school, regardless of the career path you choose. FFA will help you become a better leader, communicator, teammate, and person.”
