Richard Dick Wallrath Honored with Passion for Agriculture Award at Texas FFA Convention
Thursday, July 16, 2026 | Author: Hayden Luft, Ira FFA
Dick Wallrath was honored with the Texas FFA Passion for Agriculture Award Thursday morning in recognition of his unwavering dedication to the FFA and the agriculture industry.
The award was presented during the Fourth General Session of the 98th Annual Texas FFA Convention.
“The values that define the FFA organization, service, leadership, hard work, and integrity, are the very values Mr. Wallrath has demonstrated through his lifelong investment in young people,” said State Vice President, Kinley Hoelscher.
Wallrath has played a vital role in supporting Texas FFA and Texas 4-H scholarship programs through the Richard Wallrath Education Foundation. Since the foundation's inception, it has awarded more than 1,400 scholarships worth $10,000 each to Texas FFA and 4-H members. Looking ahead, Walrath plans to expand the program to award 250 scholarships of $15,000 annually.
“When you give a child an education, you give them something no one can steal,” Wallrath said. “You can make their dreams come true. They can go and do something with their life.”
Wallrath is the fourth recipient of the prestigious award, following Red Steagall, Dr. Temple Grandin and Dan Hunter.
“His generosity has created opportunities that will continue to ripple through generations of agricultural leaders,” Hoelscher said.
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