South Dakota FFA Foundation, Inc. Newsletter

SD FFA Foundation Email Newsletter ~ | ~ Volume 7, Issue 7 ~ | ~ January 2017

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! Transform

Director’s Message:

What we say (or don’t say) matters! As we start a new year, let’s resolve to share the benefits of Agriculture Education programs and FFA with everyone. Taking time to articulate the benefits can transform the perceptions people have of our programs, and radically shift the public mindset! We never know when what we say will keep a program going in a local school district, create interest in starting a new program, or recruit a new student or a new sponsor. We are building a pipeline of talent!

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

**You "tranform" student purpose into action**

The SD FFA Foundation builds leaders, grows communities and strengthens agriculture one student at a time. As we start a new year, and anticipate spring we are seeking sponsorship for upcoming events, activities, and scholarships that spark interest in agriculture and TRANSFORM our agriculture education programs and FFA members. Tyler

Thank you for helping members like Tyler Zuschlag, from Rapid City. He says, “FFA has brought me out of my shell. I used to be the kid in the back that never said anything. FFA has gotten me to speak up and step out of my comfort zone. I’m now chapter President and trying to strengthen my chapter and promote that FFA is not JUST for farmers. Thanks!”

Upcoming events:

February 1 – Star applications due, Brookings
February 8 – Proficiency applications due
February 10-11 - Career & Technical Student Organization Legislative Days - Pierre
Feb 13 – State FFA & WLC scholarship applications due, Brookings
February 16 - Proficiency Judging, Brookings, SD
February 18-25 - National FFA Week
March 3 – Redfield CDE
March 7 – Watertown CDE
March 14 - Platte Geddes CDE
March 21 - Miller CDE
March 27 - Tri-Valley CDE
April 4 - State FFA AgriScience Fair, Mitchell
April 5 – Bowdle CDE
April 23-25 – State FFA Convention, Brookings
July 30 – Aug 2 – SDAAE Conference, Brookings

Sharing the FFA Story with policy makers

Remember being tongue tied the first time speaking to a state legislator, the governor, or a Congressman? For some of us, FFA provided and coached us through that experience at the FFA Legislative Breakfast.

Thank you to our continued and new sponsors who see the value of this important event. District FFA officers visited the capital January 18 to learn about issues facing SD this year, and hosted the SD FFA Legislature for Breakfast January 19, sharing key messages about agriculture education and FFA. In addition to the breakfast, district officers received a capitol tour, leadership, etiquette and key message training. About 50% of the legislators attend this event each year.

District Officer Training Legislative Breakfast

Opportunity Knocking

Looking for an opportunity to change student’s perception of agriculture? We are seeking State Convention workshop presenters.

Share your message April 24, in 3 time slots throughout the day, get your write up in the convention program, and see your impact first hand!

Contact Gerri for more information.

Mark your Calendars!

The 2017 SD FFA State Convention will soon be here. On April 23-25, thousands of FFA members, parents, advisors, sponsors and guests will join together in Brookings for the 89th Convention. It's one of my favorite times of year as we see 2,000 blue corduroy jackets recognized for hard work in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences and in the knowledge they've learned throughout the year, and learning more about the agriculture industry and what it means to be a leader. If you can join us, please do!

SD FFA Foundation Board

Thank you to the SD FFA Foundation Board Members for guiding and supporting the work of the SD FFA Foundation!

Board

Pictured L to R: (back row) Jordanne Howe, Jim Wilson, Brett Heezen, Dan Tonak, Lyle Anderson, Craig Ostebee, Greg Janish, Terry Leonhardt, Ellie Minnihan. (front row) Elizabeth Mayrose, Gretchen Sharp, Sandy Osterday, Michelle Nelson, Noelle Swanson, Gerri Ann Eide

State Officer Updates

The State Officers just wrapped up their chapter visits. This year, officers visited every one of the 83 chapters in South Dakota and presented workshops on FFA opportunities, building your brand, and leadership.

In October five of the six state officers participated in the delegate process during the 89th National FFA convention in Indianapolis, IN. Topics under delegate discussion variety and inclusion, FFA Dress code, and several other topics.

Looking ahead, state officers will be participating in Legislative Breakfast and District officer training on January 18-19th, 2017. After that, they will be going to Career and Technical Student Organization Legislative Shadow day, traveling for National FFA Week, and preparing for State Convention.

$cholarship Opportunity for Young Ag Leaders

America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, can help students get started pursuing a career in agriculture. Speak out and tell students about this great opportunity. Grow Ag Leaders is offering $528,000 worth of scholarships to students in 40 states in 2017. Until Feb. 1, high school seniors and college students can apply for a $1,500 scholarship. The National FFA Organization administers the program. Click Here for applications and requirements.

WinField United is offering scholarships worth $1,000 to 10 high school seniors and 10 college students in their first or second year who demonstrate scholastic achievement, leadership in agriculture and a perceived ability to contribute to agriculture in the future. It is available to high school graduating seniors and first or second year college students pursuing two- or four-year degrees inagronomy, crop production, or closely related fields. Click Here for applications and requirements. Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 10.

Featured Fundraiser

Sponsor a State Degree for a member
For just $5 you can make a difference and sponsor a State FFA Degree recipient. Students receive a charm, framed certificate at the State FFA Convention in April, and an abundance of memories and experiences that will help them in the future. You can sponsor 1 or 100. All sponsors are recognized at convention during the ceremony. To Donate, Click Here and indicate they are for State FFA Degrees.

Drive with FFA Pride!
Put FFA License plates on your vehicle!

When getting the new license plate this year, ask for "organizational plates" at your County Treasurer's office.
Purchase a set of SD FFA license plate decals from the SD FFA Foundation at 39393 133rd St., Bath, SD 57427, 605-765-4865. Decals are $15, checks payable to the SD FFA Foundation.
Put the decals on your organization license plates!

Plan a gift to the SD FFA Foundation
in your annual budget.

You can donate online here or mail a donation to: SD FFA Foundation, 39393 133rd St., Bath, SD 57427