BROOKINGS, S.D. – FFA members are preparing for agriculture careers, learning the role agriculture plays in feeding and clothing the world, and looking for opportunities to grow the industry. FFA’s Career Development Events are built around ag industry careers, expose members to many of the opportunities and needs in the agriculture sector, and enable them to develop and refine their abilities to critically evaluate, effectively communicate and ultimately, succeed in future careers.
One of the hallmarks of agricultural education and the FFA is the opportunity to showcase skills learned in classrooms and spotlighted through competitive events. It is a source of pride and students look forward to the state-level events each year to determine who will represent South Dakota at the national level in the fall. This year 2,100 South Dakota FFA members competed in 15 Career Development Events at the State FFA Convention.
Natural Resources:
Awards are sponsored by SD Grassland Coalition. The travel scholarship is sponsored by Jeff VandnerWilt, John Lentz and the SD Grassland Coalition.
1st Place Team: Brookings – Advisors Josh Johnson and Michelle Dykstra. Team members: Shane Harming, Blake Herrig, Andrew Dammen and Joseph Fitzpatrick.
2nd: Clark
3rd: Kadoka
Top Individuals: Lilija Coleman, Rapid City Stevens, Dawson Dorr, Montrose, Joseph Fitzpatrick, Brookings
Range Plant ID: Sponsored by the SDSU Range Science Club
1st Place Team: Kadoka – Advisors Kaycee Jones and Kade Bonenberger. Team members: Shaylee Porch, Breezy Amiotte, Kole Hermann and Makaylan Bonenberger.
Top Individuals: Adrik Schoon, Jones County, Kole Hermann, Kadoka, Makaylan Bonenberger, Kadoka
Livestock Evaluation: Awards are sponsored by SD Pork Producers Council. The travel scholarship is sponsored by Dakotaland Feeds, Travis Hoffman, Kimball Livestock Exchange LLC and Beef Logic.
1st Place Team: Highmore – Advisor Todd Waring. Team members: Payton Beare, Kenidey Effling, April Fallis and Jady LeDoux.
2nd: Parker
3rd: Willow Lake
Top Individuals: Chance Blume, Chamberlain, Payton Beare, Highmore, Charlie Cody, Tri-Valley
Horse Evaluation
Awards are sponsored by K Bar J Leather of Newell. The travel scholarships are sponsored by K Bar J Leather, Rodney Yost Horsemanship, and Wendy Mortenson Agency.
1st Place Team: Rapid City Stevens – Advisor Genetie Hendrix. Team members: Kaiva Coleman, Ethan Hendrix, Elliot Hendrix and Patty Trask.
2nd: Milbank
3rd: Bon Homme
Top Individuals: Elliot Hendrix, Rapid City Stevens, Erin Osmotherly, Hot Springs, Kaiva Coleman, Rapid City Stevens
