 You Change Lives!
Individuals or businesses; small or large contributions … EVERY donation is important and adds up to allow the SD FFA Foundation to support the many things we do. Don’t wait until you can give more, act now to make a difference! Last month we awarded a record 232 FFA members their very own jackets. Here's what a few of them have to say:
Gage Weller, Gettysburg FFA Freshman says, "I'm excited to get my own jacket - it should be here soon! Having my own jacket means I get to go to events with pride and am better able to represent my school and FFA. I look forward to meeting more people who love agriculture like I do and building friendships for a lifetime."
 Baylee Enander, Hitchcock-Tulare Freshman already got her jacket and wore it to District Leadership CDEs, commenting, "Getting an FFA jacket made me feel special and valued. It means I get to be part of my chapter and represent our school. To realize a sponsor somewhere wants young people to get active in FFA and sponsored my jacket makes me want to try harder to do my best. I've already learned so much land judging, speaking in front of a crowd, and I can't wait to learn more."
Thanks to all the sponsors that enabled us to award those 232 members new jackets, and make all our events happen! You make a difference – thank you!
|
South Dakota FFA Members GO All OUT!
 The 87th National FFA Convention and Expo is in the books. We are very proud of our SD FFA members and agricultural educators as they represented our state with class, integrity, and passion for agriculture while in Louisville. Congratulations to all members and chapters that participated in an award selection interview or a career development event. A few highlights to note:
 National Winner - Shane Mueller, Garretson: Ag Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship Proficiency
National Winner - Kiera Leddy, Milbank, Prepared Public Speaking
2nd Place - Kadon Leddy, Milbank, Agriscience Fair, Social Systems Division 1
American Star Finalists:
Ethan VanderWal, Sioux Valley: American Star in Agribusiness
Matt Eichacker, McCook Central: American Star in Ag Placement 
National Proficiency Award Finalists:
Melissa Nelson, McCook Central: Diversified Livestock
Lane Van Hull, Viborg-Hurley: Swine Production Entrepreneurship
National Model of Innovation Finalist:
McCook Central, Community Development
Career Development Event Results:
GOLD Emblem Team:
Milk Quality and Products – Deuel, 9th place team: Nick Cook, Meaghan Sievers, Alissa Krause, Jennifer Mueller
SILVER Emblem Teams and Individuals:
Agricultural Communications – West Central: Sara Waldner, Lauren Dolly, Dalton Larson
Agricultural Issues – Lennox-Sundstrom: Autumn Haan, Samantha Hagedorn, Kolby Reinke, Jayden Peery, Jared Kroeger
Agricultural Mechanics – Milbank: Brock Tillma, Mikayla Brakke, Melissa Lenards, Zachary Wiese
Agricultural Sales – Philip: Jade Berry, Avery Johnson, Reed Johnson, Ryan Van Tassel
Environmental and Natural Resources – Lennox-Sundstrom: Molly Kroeger, Brady Klock, Brady Jandl, Alyssa Becker
Extemporaneous Speaking – Shelby Riggs, Mitchell
Food Science & Technology – Mitchell: Jenna Skinner, Ally Goldammer, Shelly Iburg, Johnna Jorgensen
Horse Evaluation – Brandon Valley: Natalie Oshiem, Allison Poncelet, Krista Mohror, Karlie Kirkpatrick
Job Interview – Peyton Dejong, Philip
Nursery/Landscape – Mitchell: Kylee Geppert, Andrew Getty, Kaley Nolz, Abby Repenning
BRONZE Emblem Teams and Individuals:
Agronomy – Redfield: Chantel Wobbema, Kris Blume, Tana Muellenberg, Dalton Howe
Creed – Mary Dybedahl, Tri-Valley
Dairy Cattle – McCook Central: Anne Mayrose, Cole Schock, Sarah Schoon, Branden Stone
Farm Business Management – Willow Lake: Mikayla Prouty, Ty Wicks, Landon Giles, Jake Schmidt
Floriculture – Harrisburg: Danielle Eckert, Amanda Smeenk, Alexandria Flanders, Austin Harris
Livestock – Sioux Valley: Logan Triebwasser, Mariah Vander Wal, Collin Vander Wal, Alexandra Degroot
Marketing Plan – Lennox-Sundstrom: Katelynd Whitehead, Elizabeth Klock, Jordan Wittrock
Meats Evaluation & Technology – Milbank: Jimmie Berkner, Paige Johnson, Kadon Leddy, William Mischel
Parliamentary Procedure – Highmore: McKenzee Zilverberg, Sydney Cowan, Hayden Houdek, Tristan Ashdown, Kacie McCauley, Ben Peterson
Veterinary Science – Milbank: Sharon Folk, Rebecca Leddy, Michaela Dewald, Breanna Schmitt
If you were not able to join us, know that you can review all convention sessions by accessing the convention archives on ihigh.com/ffa. And don't forget to watch the 87th National FFA Convention & Expo theme video. The video is a great way to start your work week! Get up with the rising sun, "GO ALL OUT" until the job gets done!
You make South Dakota FFA Proud! |
State Leadership CDE’s
FFA members are working hard and getting nervous as they look to compete in the 11 fall Leadership Career Development Events. The schedule of district events is on the calendar of events and State Leadership Career Development Events, are December 7-8, in Pierre. The speaking, parliamentary procedure and leadership skills, as well as confidence needed for these events take time to build but last students a lifetime.
The SD FFA Foundation, through specific sponsors and the general fund, provides the State Leadership banquet meal for nearly 600 student participants in 11 events, awards for the top individuals and teams, and travel scholarships for those that advance to nationals next October. Thank you to the sponsors and volunteers who help make District and State Leadership Events happen- you are appreciated and more are needed! If you are interested in sponsoring State Leadership, contact: gerri@sdffafoundation.org , or helping judge an event, contact: michelle.nelson@sdstate.edu
|
 Join SD FFA Alumni Now!
FFA Alumni and Ag Ed supporters- each of you have felt and experienced first-hand the amazing opportunities agriculture education & FFA offer. You or your children may have experienced these very opportunities. Through the SD FFA students learn about agriculture, but more importantly pursue net-working and career development opportunities that enhance their skills for a lifetime!
The South Dakota FFA continues to grow its Alumni organization and we believe you have vital talents to assist us. By developing a strong alumni, we can ensure a stronger and brighter future for tomorrow's Ag Education and potential FFA students!
Please join this great organization - see ALUMNI under the partners tab on the South Dakota Agriculture Education Team Ag Ed webpage for more information and how to register.
Contact me any time with questions in regard to membership at sdffaalumni@outlook.com or dmnagel@yahoo.com!
Dawn Nagel, SD FFA Alumni |
Featured Fundraisers:
I Believe in the Future of Agriculture Campaign
The SD FFA Foundation I Believe in the Future of Agriculture campaign is underway through December 31st. FFA supporters can turn their words into deeds by donating grain or funds to support local FFA chapters. Individuals that wish to make grain donations can do so at sponsoring co-ops (ADM Benson Quinn of Hitchcock Tulare, Ag First Farmers Cooperative Aurora, Cargill, Central Farmers Cooperative, CHS Midwest Cooperatives, Country Pride Cooperative, Foothills Seed Inc., Harrold Terminal LLC, Miller Terminal, North Central Farmers Elevator, Northern Plains CHS Service Center, Southwest Grain and SD Wheat Growers), or donate securely online at the South Dakota FFA Foundation’s website:http://www.sdffafoundation.org. Every donation to this campaign will be split 50/50 between the donor designated FFA chapter(s) and the state foundation.
Monsanto’s Community Grants
The Monsanto Fund is running its annual America’s Farmers Grow Communities SM, a program that gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500, for their favorite community nonprofit organization (4 SD FFA chapters won in 2014). One nonprofit community organization in each eligible county will receive $2,500. It’s up to farmers to help decide where the money goes - sign up by November 30th! Applicants must farm, and live in the county with the organization they nominate. It only takes about two minutes to apply for those farmers residing in one of 1,289 eligible counties in 41 states (SD has 47 counties eligible). Go to: http://www.americasfarmers.com/growcommunities/apply.aspx
|
