The SD FFA Email Newsletter highlights special projects of the SD FFA and SD FFA Foundation.  Please forward this newsletter to others you know who are involved and interested in FFA and agriculture education. Thank you for your support of the FFA in South Dakota!

Director’s Message:

School is getting underway again ... where did the summer go?  My youngest child is counting the days with excitement and anxiety until she begins 1st grade and learns new things.  Even though many high school students have learned to mask it well, they too are seeking opportunities to grow in knowledge, leadership and personal growth.  Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources classes offer the perfect place for students to ignite their passion - spread the word and encourage all high school students to take the risk, and join an ag class and FFA.

Gerri Ann Eide, Executive Director, SD FFA Foundation, Inc.

FFA member says "Thanks"!

Thank you for donating to the SD FFA Foundation! This past year was our best year ever, and we were able to provide more financial support for events, scholarships and awards than ever before. EVERY donation, big or small, is valued by the SD FFA Foundation and the members it impacts.  Because of your generosity, we are awarding grants that FFA chapters can receive to conduct local community service projects.

Jordanne Howe, Redfield FFA member, says "FFA has helped me achieve goals I never thought would be possible.  The many opportunities I have been given, such as serving as a District Officer and participating in many Career Development Events, have all helped better my communication and leadership abilities." Thank you for your time, talent and treasure!

EVERY donation is valued by the SD FFA Foundation and the members it impacts. Don’t wait until you can give more, act now to make a difference.

Upcoming events:

• Aug 28 - Sept 1 - SD State Fair - FFA/Ag Exhibit building and Ag Learning Center/Animal Nursery open to the public 8a.m. - 8p.m.
• September 15 - Chapter Service grant applications due, SD FFA Foundation
  
• September 20 - Blue Jackets Bright Futures FFA Jacket Program - student jacket applications due

FFA livestock shows at the State Fair

Friday, Aug. 29
6:00pm - Market and Breeding Meat Goat show - 4-H show ring
Saturday, Aug. 30  
1:00 pm - Beef Show, OC Beef Barn
2:00 - 4:00 pm- Rabbit registration, Rabbit barn
6:00 pm - Rabbit Show, Rabbit barn 
Sunday, Aug. 31
9:30 am - Dairy Show, OC Dairy Barn
6:00 pm - Sheep Show, 4-H Livestock Show Ring
Monday, Sept. 1
7:30 am - Swine Show, OC Swine Barn
4:00 pm - Round Robin, OC Beef Barn

Stop and Say Hello at Dakotafest

The SD FFA Foundation will have a booth in the big event tent, thanks to the SD Soybean Research and Promotion Council.  Stop by to say hi, fill us in on what you've been up to, and meet the state officers.

Create the future - teach!

What's the #1 challenge for agriculture education in SD and across the nation?  Finding qualified ag teachers to fill openings in school districts who have, or want to start an Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources program.  Jones County & Parkston were fortunate to find ag teachers to start new programs.  This year several schools filled teacher openings with individuals with community members willing to work toward alternative certification in agriculture education.  A few more schools are still looking. Please help agriculture education fill this need by:

1. Encourage young people to consider teaching as a rewarding profession
2. Consider teaching yourself, as a career change with a dusty degree or through alternative certification
3. Recruit quality community members to teach through alternative certification options.

We all want agriculture education to succeed in SD - that takes quality, qualified teachers.  Help make that happen! 

Monsanto offers Scholarships for SD Students Studying Agriculture

Monsanto, with the America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders program, hopes to get students in rural America excited about agriculture careers and help them develop the skills they need to fill those roles. With $1,500 to put toward their college education, students will be better prepared to make a meaningful contribution that benefits themselves, their rural hometowns and the future of the agriculture industry.

Presented by Monsanto Company, America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders will launch in November and award seven $1500 scholarships to SD students in the following areas:

CRD 10 - Corson, Dewey
CRD 20 - Brown, Campbell, Edmunds, Faulk, McPherson, Potter, Spink, Walworth
CRD 30 - Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Marshall, Roberts
CRD 50 - Aurora, Beadle, Brule, Hand, Hughes, Hyde, Jerauld, Sully
CRD 60 - Brookings, Davison, Hanson, Kingsbury, Lake, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn
CRD 80 - Gregory, Lyman, Tripp
CRD 90 - Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Clay, Douglas, Hutchinson, Lincoln, Turner, Union, Yankton

Check out http://www.americasfarmers.com/recognition-programs/grow-ag-leaders/  for more details.