FFA's NEW ERA - South Dakota Team Ag-Ed

FFA’s
NEWERA
May 2007
SOUTH
DAKOTA
Vol. 73 • No. 2
FFA Stars Honored for Outstanding Projects
The State FFA Degree, the highest degree conferred by the South Dakota FFA, was presented to 253 agricultural education students at the 2007 South Dakota FFA Convention
held in Brookings, April 15-17. After a review of the student’s supervised agricultural experience program and records, plus an oral interview, the sixteen most outstanding were
selected to be the State Star Farmers, Stars in Agribusiness, Stars in Placement,
and Stars in Agriscience for the past year. They are:
A. State Star Farmer: John Lindstrom, Beresford
Finalist: Stephanie Nussbaum, Garretson
Finalist: Jenna Halse, Florence
Finalist: Jordan Krueger, McCook Central
Photo Caption (L to R) Advisor Todd Gannon; Farm Credit Services of America
Sponsor rep, Mark Vanderwerf; John Lindstrom; Parents Pearl and Dean
Lindstrom
B. State Star in Agribusiness: Tyrel Teveldal, Wessington Springs
Finalist: Tyson Griesse, Harrisburg
Finalist: Ryan Frerichs, Wilmot
Finalist: Tate Teveldal, Wessington Springs
Photo Caption (L to R): Advisor Craig Shryock; Farm Credit Services of America
Sponsor rep. Rachel Melhaf; Tyrell Teveldal; Parents Pam and Kevin Teveldal
C. State Star in Placement: Bronc McMurtry, Miller
Finalist: Tyler Kientopf, Garretson
Finalist: Nick Bierle, Harrisburg
Finalist: Kyle Zulk, McCook Central
Photo Caption (L to R):Advisor Mark Kettlehut; Parents Dennis and Jackie
McMurtry; Bronc McMurtry, sponsors: Ashley, Karen, and Dan Streff.
A. B.
C. D.
D. State Star in Agriscience: Nicole Rasmussen, Viborg
Finalist: Eden Elizabeth Nogelmeier, Florence
Finalist: Steven Zemlicka, Florence
Finalist: Tyler Berg, Harrisburg
Photo Caption for (L to R ): SD FFA Foundation Director Gretchen Sharp; Advisor John Rist; Nicole Rasmussen; Parents Chris
and Mary Rasmussen.
Each State Star will receive a $300 cash award and a certificate from the National FFA Foundation. The finalists each receive
$75. Star Farmer and Star in Agribusiness are sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America. The SD FFA Foundation sponsored
the Star in Agriscience award. The Dan Streff family sponsors the Star in Ag Placement.
Star Greenhand’s were also recognized for their accomplishments as first year members with a plaque and $100 for the winner
and $25 for each finalist. The award is sponsored by Garst Seeds.
E.
E. Star Greenhand: Dustin Palmquist, McCook Central
Finalist: Derek Zenk, Webster
Finalist: Kevin Berg, Dell Rapids
Finalist: Jennifer Knock, Willow Lake
Star Greenhand Photo Caption (L to R ) Advisor Terry Rieckman; SD FFA Foundation Director Gretchen Sharp; Dustin Palmquist; parents Deb and Mark Palmquist.
2007-2008 Blue Jackets Elected to Serve Gold
State officer Standards
At the 2007 State FFA Convention, “Favorite State of Mind“ held in Brookings, April 15-17, 21
candidates interviewed for the six leadership roles in the SD FFA for the coming year. Individuals
elected to South Dakota State FFA office will travel across the state throughout the year presenting
speeches, workshops, camps, conferences, and conducting business for the SD FFA. Those selected
to serve the SD FFA for 2007-2008 are: (Back Row/Left to Right): Sentinel: Noelle Rist, Hartford;
Reporter: Lauren Fosheim, Webster; Treasurer: Matt, Dybedahl, Colton; President: Brett Monson,
Webster (Front Row/Left to Right): Vice President: Erin Kennedy, Beresford; and Secretary: Sara
Berg, Baltic
Student Ambassadors are also selected during convention, by a committee of district officers. Brett
Alexander, Woonsocket and Kimberly Haas, Harrisburg were chosen for the 2007-08 year.

MAY 2007
VOL. 73 • ISSUE 2
Published three times per year by the
South Dakota FFA Association
2007-2008 STATE OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Brett Monson
13424 436th Avenue
Webster, SD 57274
605-265-0544
bamonson_0711@hotmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Erin Kennedy
29415 469th Avenue
Beresford, SD 57004
605-957-5980
rere_2007@hotmail.com
SECRETARY
Sara Berg
1005 N. Chicago Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
605-321-4224
sara_berg07@hotmail.com
TREASURER
Matt Dybedahl
46490 248th Street
Colton, SD 57018
605-310-2032
dibby77@hotmail.com
REPORTER
Lauren Fosheim
43351 135 th Street
Webster, SD 57274
605-690-6851
laurenfosheim@hotmail.com
SENTINEL
Noelle Rist
P.O. Box 353
Hartford, SD 57033
605-941-6222
nerist@hotmail.com
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY:
Gerri Ann Eide
102 Wenona Hall
SDSU Box 507
Brookings SD 57007
Office:605-688-4380
Gerri.Eide@sdstate.edu
STATE ADVISOR:
Gary Grey
Office of Career & Technical
Education
700 Governor’s Drive
Pierre, SD 57501
gary.grey@state.sd.us
STATE FOUNDATION DIRECTOR
Gretchen Sharp
39393 133rd. St.
Bath, SD 57427
(605) 225-8904
gretchen@sdffafoundation.org
DISTRICT ADVISORS
I. GREG JANISCH, Clark
II. DAVE VANDERWAL, Desmet
III. KELLY DUNKELBERGER,
Centerville
IV. ROSS HUDSON, Bon Homme
V. BOBBIE JO TOMAC, Rapid City
VI. MIKE POSTMA, Huron
VII. JOSH CHRISTIANSEN,
Flandreau
Find your “Favorite State of Mind”
Members found their favorite state of mind at the 2007 State FFA Convention when they were
recognized for the gold standards they displayed in the blue jackets. They attended four
exhilarating sessions, listened to motivational speakers and state officer’s retiring addresses,
participated in career development events, received proficiency awards, and had a number of
other opportunities to shine at this year’s convention. Almost 2000 members from across the
state found their “Favorite State of Mind” as they listened to the different inspirational speeches.
Motivational speakers included Jessie Geib, past State and National FFA officer from DeSmet,
Tane Williams past State officer now living in Salt Lake City, UT, and Coty Back the National
A
FFA Eastern Region Vice President from Frenchburg, Kentucky. During the convention,
members were able to show off their talents as they participated in the career development events,
the talent show and the agriscience fair. FFA members also received proficiency awards for their
outstanding SAE projects. Supporters were honored on Monday night when they received their
(A) Honorary State FFA Degree and (B) Distinguished Service awards for their ongoing support of
the South Dakota FFA. On Monday evening 253 FFA members received their state degree and
five state stars were announced. Members came to the Tuesday morning session nervous with
excitement to hear the results of the CDE’s. After CDE top individuals and teams were announced
student ambassadors Brett Alexander, Woonsocket and Kimberly Haas, Harrisburg were announced
and the convention came to a close as the 2007-2008 State FFA Officers were inducted. FFA
members remember that it’s all about finding “Your Favorite State of Mind” in whatever you do
and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
B
Gold Standards Never Die
State FFA officers create lots of memories during their year of service. After serving in that role, one lives with
“Gold Standards”. Reliving memories, reconnecting with old friends, sharing ideas, and seeing current officers continuing to
create FFA success is an inspiring part of State Convention. Continuous support, leadership in local communities, and living
with “Gold Standards” in South Dakota is vital…..THANK YOU to all the past state officers that attended this year’s
convention.
A. 05-06 (L to R): Cody Chambliss, Molly Fendrich, Michelle Osterman, Travis Lape
B. 04-05 (L to R): Jason Frerichs, Gerri Eide(Executive Secretary), Becky Lambert, Etta Balo, Alex Welk, Crissa Zenk, Nick
Fosheim, Gary Grey (Advisor)
C. 04-03 (L to R):Jessie Geib, Chelsea Budde, Crystal Nielson, Arne Harstad
D. 03-02 (L to R): Mary Kurtz, Jared Knock, Jamie Swan, Kelly O’Donnell, Sarah Stratmeyer, Ryan Brunner, Gerri Eide
(Executive Secretary)
E. 01-02 (L to R): Brad Bies, Layne Rada
F. 00-01 (L to R):Zach Rada, Sarah VanDerVliet 00-99 Bobbie Jo Tomac, Roxanne
Knock
G. 97-98 (L to R): Barry Jacobson, Ryan Eichler; 94-95 Dawn Sheehan; 96-97 Ryan
Cammack
H. 80-81 David Spieker
I. 73-74 Tane Williams
J. 56-57 Harlan Palo
K. 53-54 Paul Engbrecht
L. 50-51 Bob Bauman
M. 48-49 Walter Ellefson
A
J
E
B
K
B
F
C
L
H
G
M
D
I

SAE projects help members learn life skills and win $250 as 1st place Proficiency winners
❖ Agricultural Communications (E/P) Sponsored nationally by John
Deere. Our state level Sponsor is the Tri State Neighbor, Sioux
Falls. Amy L. Giesler, McCook Central - Amy’s SAE has involved
producing business cards, brochures and other materials used by the
chapter for promotion of their activities and for CDE’s. She has also
completed and updated website pages for school and personal use.
❖ Agricultural Education Sponsored nationally by The James F.
Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation and Lincoln Electric Company. Our
state level Sponsor is the Lon Moeller family in his honor. Logan
Faris Ward, Harrisburg - Logan Ward has helped inform the public of
the importance of agriculture by serving 3 semesters as a peer tutor for
Harrisburg’s 8 th grade ag-ed class, working as co-manager of Old
MacDonald”s Farm at the Sioux Empire Fair and planning and
presenting a wide range of community projects and presentations.
❖ Agricultural Mechanics Design & Fabrication (E/P) Sponsored
nationally by Carry-on Trailer Corporation and Dodge Trucks. Our
state level sponsor is Cammack Ranch Supply, Union Center and
Angus Palm, Watertown. Ryan Frerichs, Wilmot – Ryan has
designed and constructed garden equipment and has worked 2055
hours in the construction and fabrication of grain bins, crop dryers,
grain augers, and hoop barns.
❖ Agricultural Mechanics Energy Systems (E/P) Sponsored
nationally by National FFA Foundation. Our state level sponsor is the
South Dakota FFA Foundation. Tony Donelan, Garretson - Tony
worked 450 hours this past year at Spalj Construction where he
assisted in placing fiber optic cable to rural customers. Donelan
learned to operate specialty equipment needed for cable installation.
❖ Ag Mechanics Repair & Maintenance (E/P) Sponsored nationally
by Tractor Supply Company and Hobart Welders. Our state level
sponsor is Butler Machinery.
Luke M. Goldie, Harrisburg - As only a junior, Luke already has
1413 hours toward his project working at Goldie’s Radiator Repair
in Sioux Falls. Luke’s skills include removal, inspecting, boiling,
repairing and installing radiators on all types of vehicles and
machinery.
❖ Agricultural Processing (E/P) Sponsored nationally by CHS
Foundation. Our state level sponsor is South Dakota Soybean
Processors, Volga. Tandi R. Shape, McCook Central - A junior Tandi
has worked for the past three years at the local Subway in processing
raw food products into prepared products for customers. She has
developed many skills in food safety and in customer relations.
❖ Agricultural Sales - Entrepreneurship Sponsored nationally by
GMAC. Our state level sponsor Legend Seeds, Inc., DeSmet.
Jason Long, Harrisburg - Jason is a one-third owner of JDK Firewood
along with his brother and sister. JDK harvests and splits firewood and
sells it in 10 stick bundles for campers or delivers bulk loads of any size
in and around Sioux Falls. Last year, JDK generated over $11,000 of
profit.
❖ Agricultural Sales - Placement Sponsored nationally by
Vigortone Ag Products. Our state level sponsors are Redfield
Equipment and RDO Equipment in Redfield. Jonathon Gustafson,
Garretson - Working at a hardware store has been a goal so he could
improve on his sales skills. Jon worked almost 600 hours last year
assisting customers with purchases at True Value Hardware in
Brandon.
❖ Agricultural Services (E/P) Sponsored nationally by National FFA
Foundation. Our state level sponsor is the Midwest Cooperatives
in Pierre, Northern Plains Cooperative in Gettysburg, and Eastern
Farmers Cooperative in Garretson. Melissa A. Jandl, Harrisburg -
Melissa has acquired 1536 hours in her SAE caring for her own pets
and dogsitting along with working at Precious Pets Pet Resort near
Canton. Her duties include feeding, bathing, exercising, giving
medicines and operating the check-in desk.
❖ Aquaculture (E/P) Sponsored nationally by National FFA
Foundation. Our state level sponsor in South Dakota FFA
Foundation. Matt Rieckman, McCook Central - -During the last 3 years
Matt has accumulated hours working with the agricultural classroom
aquarium in caring for the fish with feeding, maintenance to filters,
water cleanliness and maintaining overall quality.
❖ Beef Production - Entrepreneurship Sponsored nationally by the
National FFA Foudation. Our state level sponsors are Jensen,
Odden, Stewart, Wienk and Vedvei Charloais, Lake Preston. Nikki
Lee Hojer, DeSmet
❖ Beef Production - Placement Sponsored nationally by the National
FFA Foundation.. Our state level sponsor is the SD Cattlemen’s
Association. TJ Amdahl, McCook Central- -TJ has developed an
outstanding SAE in the area of beef placement by working over 3,400
hours during the past 3 years at LaGrand North. He has become an
excellent herdsman and can make many management decisions on his
own. Using skills learned in the livestock CDE has helped in selection
of sires for the farm
❖ Dairy Production - Entrepreneurship Sponsored nationally by the
National FFA Foundation. Our State level sponsor is Syngenta
Seeds Inc. Stephanie Nussbaum, Garretson - Stephanie Nussbaum,
of the Garretson FFA chapter raises 50 head of Holstein cows, calves,
and bulls in a cooperative effort with her sister. To manage her herd,
she uses DHIA record keeping systems and embryo transfer
procedures.
❖ Dairy Production - Placement Sponsored nationally by Monsanto.
Our State level sponsor is Associated Milk Producers Inc. of
Dawson, MN and Freeman, SD. Jacob J. Johnson, McCook Central
❖ Diversified Agricultural Production (E/P) Sponsored nationally by
Delta Consolidated – a Danaher Company. Our state level sponsors
are Farmers and Merchants Banks of White Lake and Plankington.
Jordan Krueger, McCook Central - Jordan currently serves as the
chapter president and has been an active member of his chapter since
joining as an 8 th grader. During this time he has developed his SAE to
include renting land for crop production, and renting pasture for his 30
plus cow calf herd.
❖ Diversified Crop Production - Entrepreneurship Sponsored
nationally by CHS Foundation. Our state level sponsor is Golden
Harvest. Tate Teveldal, Wessington Springs - Tate managed over 300
acres producing corn, grain sorghum, wheat, alfalfa, big bluestem,
switchgrass, and soybeans. He uses crops to sell as cash crops,
hunting habitat, and cattle silage. He has also planted and laid fabric
over 10,000 trees for his own tree maintenance business and has
worked over 900 hours for various farmers and Pheasant City Lodge.
❖ Diversified Crop Production - Placement Sponsored nationally by
National Crop Insurance Services. Our state level sponsor is
Golden Harvest. Ryan Zelmer, McCook Central - working on the
family farm with his father and grandfather Ryan has developed many
skills used in corn, soybean and hay production. In this part of his SAE
he has accumulated nearly 3,000 hours of experience in the area of
crop production.
❖ Diversified Horticulture – (E/P)- Sponsored nationally by the
National FFA Foundation. Our state level sponsors is the South
Dakota FFA Foundation. Brian Fett, Lennox Sundstrom
❖ Diversified Livestock Production- Entrepreneurship Sponsored
nationally by Tractor Supply Company. Our state level sponsor is
McFleeg Feeds, First National Bank of Yankton. Lauren Eichacker,
McCook Central
❖ Diversified Livestock Production - Placement Sponsored
nationally by National FFA Foundation. Our state level sponsor is
Sioux Nation Ag Center of SD and IA. Maria Skoglund, McCook
Central Sheep, swine, horses and beef cattle all make up part of the
scope for Maria’s SAE in diversified livestock production. Working on
the family farm she has gained experience in all areas of livestock with
the diversity of her program from feeding, showing and health care.
❖ Emerging Agricultural Technology (E/P) sponsored nationally by
Chevrolet. Our state level sponsor is Kimball Livestock. KayLee
Huffman, Harrisburg - Kay Lee became interested in crop research
while working at her father’s seed corn business. She has worked in
the local Pioneer Seeds Test plot and conducted her own research plot
investigating the effect of planting dates on GMO corn.
❖ Environmental. Science & Natural Resources Management. (E/P)
Sponsored nationally by National FFA Foundation. Our state level
sponsor is SD Association of Conservation Districts. Tyrell
Teveldal, Wessington Springs - Throughout Tyrell’s SAE, he managed
and improved the environment and its natural resources by planting
and taking care of over 8,000 trees and producing over 200 acres of
grass fields which included switchgrass, Indiangrass, and Big Bluestem.
❖ Equine Science - Entrepreneurship. Sponsored nationally by Land
O’Lakes Feed/Purina Mills. Our state level sponsor is the Amani
Arabians, Tim Andershon and Kim Niven, Milkbank. Kimberly Lynn
Jacobson, Harrisburg - Kim owns and shows 2 quarterhorse mares, 1
Morgan gelding and is training a mustang mare. She has developed
skills in feeding, health care and grooming. Kim uses modern
techniques to train her horses and prepare for shows.
❖ Equine Science - Placement Sponsored nationally by Ariat
International and Tractor Supply Company and on the state level by
Dane and Donna Lambert, Scott Cammack, Dawn Nagel, Susan
Stoterau, Webster FFA.. Brianna Larson, West Central - Brianna’s
project centers on her work at Larson Farms and Handi-Riders, a
therapeutic horseback riding facility. At both facilities Brianna does
chores, works horses, and gives riding lessons. She dedicated over
1,300 hours of work this summer into further developing her SAE.
❖ Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production (E/P) sponsored nationally by
Syngenta Seeds, Inc.. Our state level sponsor is the SD Soybean
Research and Promotion Council. Brian Gottlob, McCook Central --
Developing an outstanding SAE program has been one of many goals
that Brian set since first joining the local FFA chapter. The hours of
work in soybean production have led to increased knowledge in
production practices as he learns from his father, uncle and brother to
produce the highest yields possible.
❖ Floriculture (E/P) Sponsored nationally by National FFA
Foundation. Our state level sponsors are Norm and Mary Rae
Petersen, Montrose. Christina J. Quiett, Gettysburg - Christina 1st
relized how much she enjoyed floriculture in the 8th grade whe she
started working at Pams flowers. since that time she competed in
floriculture CDE at the district, state and national level. She contiues to
help pam off and on and also does several flower beds for her mother
and neighbors.
❖ Food Science and Technology- (E/P) Sponsored nationally by
CHS Foundation. Sponsored on the state level by Milbank
Community Foundation and the South Dakota FFA Foundation.
Joslin Bucholz, Harrisburg - Joslin’s interest in Food Science began as
a young girl helping her mother & grandmother prepare and preserve
food. Joslin has accumulated 1423 hours in this area working at Hy-
Vee, doing 4-H special foods projects and participating in the food
science CDE.
❖ Forage Production (E/P) Sponsored nationally by Claas of
America, Inc. Our state level sponsor is Kuecker Seed Farm, Inc.,
Webster Ryan DeMent, McCook Central - Working on the family dairy
farm silage and hay production is placed at a premium for production.
Ryan has spent many hours in chopping, hauling and packing silage to
insure it will have a high nutritional value all year. He has learned the
proper time and skills needed to cut and bale alfalfa to insure good
nutrition for the cows in the herd.
❖ Forest Management and Products (E/P) Sponsored nationally by
John Deere and Dodge Trucks. Our state level sponsor is the
South Dakota FFA Foundation. Tyler J. Berg, Harrisburg- For the
past 4 years, Tyler has worked 354 hours at Christmas Tree Acres of
Harrisburg. Tyler is responsible for all areas of the operation including
the planting, shearing & harvesting of trees along with setting up
displays, pricing trees and helping customers.
❖ Fruit Production (E/P) Sponsored nationally by DuPont Company.
Our state level sponsor is MinnTex of Windom, MN. Daniel Pusch,
West Central - Daniel is the son of Tim and Monica Pusch of Hartford,
SD, He works on the family farm growing fruits and vegetables. He
has a total of 10 acres in fruits and vegetables and 6 acres in sweet
corn. He hand picks and sells all the produce in Sioux Falls.
❖ Grain Production - Entrepreneurship Sponsored nationally by the
National FFA Foundation Our state level sponsor is the South
Dakota Corn Utilization Council. Derek Zenk, Webster - In 2005
Derek planted two acres of Pannar 95 day corn. Derek harvested five
and half acres of Knudson Spring Wheat in 2006, which had a yield of
35 bushels/acre.
❖ Grain Production - Placement Sponsored nationally by the
National FFA Foundation. Our state level sponsor is the South
Dakota Wheat Commission. Kyle Zulk McCook Central- Wanting to
farm all his life Kyle has worked hard to learn as much as he can from
his father on the family farm in the area of corn production to succeed
later. He has worked over 2200 hours in this area of his SAE during
the past 4 years.
❖ Home and/or Community Development (E/P) Sponsored nationally
by National FFA Foundation. Our state level sponsor is South
Dakota FFA Foundation. Kimberly Haas, Harrisburg - Kim has a total
of 1516 hours painting and remodeling her home, building a storage
shed, volunteering at the Sioux Falls Humane Society, working at Old
MacDonald’s Farm, helping with community landscape projects and
teaching Sunday and Bible school.
❖ Landscape Management (E/P) Sponsored nationally by MTD
Products, Inc. and Tractor Supply Company. Our state level
sponsor is the SD Nursery & Landscape Association. Nick Bierle,
Harrisburg- Nick has been employed at Yardworks of Harrisburg for the
past 3 years where he has earned 1285 hours. Mowing, planting trees
and shrubs, installing mulch and edging, building retaining walls and
maintaining all types of mowing equipment are some of the skills Nick
has acquired.
❖ Nursery Operations (E/P) Sponsored nationally by Dodge Trucks.
Our state level sponsor is South Dakota FFA Foundation. Audrey
Schroeder, McCook Central - Since participating in the floriculture CDE
as a freshman Audrey has developed a love for plants in producing her
own arrangements, doing landscape projects and with working at Cliff
Avenue greenhouse. Here she is responsible for the care all bedding
plants with watering and temperature control during the growing
season.
❖ Outdoor Recreation (E/P) Sponsored nationally by Brunswick
Family Boat Company and GM Powertrain. Our state level
sponsors is Schoenbeck Law, Watertown and South Dakota FFA
Foundation. Rebecca Knox, McCook Central - Living away from
home during the summer months to work for Rockin R Trailrides has
given Becca a chance to develop skills in many areas including
personal management. Horse care and customer satisfaction are two
areas that require her daily attention as she has put in over 3000 hours
the last 3 summers of work.
❖ Poultry Production (E/P) Sponsored nationally by the National FFA
Foundation. Our state level sponsor is Dakota Layers LLP in
Flandrueau. Joshua Johnson, Harrisburg - Josh’s poultry project
includes owning 40 Rhode Island Red hens, 45 bantams and 13 other
ducks & birds. Josh sells eggs from his home and participates in many
4-H and open class poultry shows.
❖ Sheep Production (E/P) Sponsored nationally by LA-CO Markal.
Our state level sponsors are the Newell Ram Sale and St. Onge
Livestock at the Newell Sheep Yards. Kelsey Wolter, Webster - In
2006 Kelsey worked a total of 407 hours on her flock of 38 suffolk
sheep including registered breeding and market stock.
❖ Small Animal Production and Care – (E/P) sponsored nationally by
National FFA Foundation. Our state level sponsor is Mike McIntyre.
Cali Rae Beach, Harrisburg - Cali’s project consists of working at Dale
Animal Hospital in Sioux Falls as a kennel attendant and vet. Assistant.
Cali has worked 1953 hours caring for dogs & cats, developing x-rays
and assisting with animal examinations and surgery.
❖ Specialty Animal Production – (E/P) Sponsored nationally by Land
O’Lakes Feed/Purina Mills. Our state level sponsors are the SD
Rabbit Breeders Association and Roger DeRouchey. Andrew
Siemonsma, West Central
❖ Specialty Crop Production (E/P) Sponsored nationally by National
FFA Foundation. Our state level sponsors are Hansmeier and Son,
Inc. Bristol and Howe Seeds, Inc., McLaughlin. Brian Fett, Lennox
Sundstrom
❖ Swine Production - Entrepreneurship Sponsored nationally by
National FFA Foundation. Our state level sponsor is the SD Pork
Producers Council. Maria Skoglund, McCook Central - Raising and
showing market hogs each of the past 3 years for fairs has led to Maria
being involved in the production of swine. Using skills used in
livestock judging she selects her feeders based on traits desired and
then feeds rations for a healthy rate of gain.
❖ Swine Production - Placement Sponsored nationally by Sunglo
Feeds. Our state level sponsors are Murphy Farms LLC and Clark
County Contract Growers. Melanie Ellen Koehlmoos, DeSmet –
Melanie is the daughter of Norm and Kay Koehlmoos, from De Smet,
SD. Her SAE consists of 10 sows and gilts, the skills she learns
through her family’s swine operation help her with preparing and
selecting pigs for showing.
❖ Turf Grass Management – (E/P) sponsored nationally by John
Deere. Our state level sponsor is the Croplan Genetics. Devin
Myren, McCook Central - Myren mowing is a local mowing service
owned and operated by Devin and his brother. They have developed a
reputation for courteous and timely service to attract the current
customer base. Maintaining good business records has proven to be
one of the assets developed leading to their success.
❖ Vegetable Production – (E/P) sponsored nationally by the National
FFA Foundation. Our state level sponsor is in honor of Bill and
Stella Hanson by Clark and Lyla Hanson and Webster FFA Ryan
Larson, Garretson - Ryan turned an unused cattle lot into a pumpkin,
onion and potato patch that grew more than 4,000 lbs of produce over
the last two years. Ryan sells his produce to area customers from a
flatbed parked on a street corner in Garretson.
❖ Wildlife Management. - Entrepreneurship Sponsored nationally by
Land O’Lakes Feed/Purina Mills. Our state level sponsor is
Cabela’s. Beau VanOverschelde, Mitchell – His project consisted of 20
acres of CRP and 20 acres of food plots. Last fall he had 35 paid
pheasant hunters. He help provide habitat for deer, pheasants, turkey,
and waterfowl and is also concerned about controlling predators. This
year he was successful in calling in and harvesting 6 coyotes.
❖ Wildlife Management - Placement Sponsored nationally by Bass
Pro Shops, Inc.. Our state level sponsor is in Memory of Arthur J.
Weinkauf by Craig and Maure Weinkauf. Brett Monson, Webster -
Since 2005, Brett spends 24 hours early each summer planting 30
acres of round-up ready corn as a conservation practice for the Game,
Fish, and Parks. The project has earned Brett around $1100.

A Look at State FFA Convention
A Look at State FFA Convention C
Nearly 2000 members and guests attended the South
Dakota FFA Convention held on the SDSU Campus in
Brookings on April 15th-17th, 2007. Career
Development Events results include:
A. Agricultural Business Management: Sponsored
by Wells Fargo Bank of SD; 1st Place Team
–Wessington Springs: Team members Reed Scott, Treg
Caffee, Colin Tobin, Ashlea King, Advisor Craig
Shyrock; 2nd –Kadoka; 3rd - Clark; 4th – Hitchcock-
Tulare; 5th – Philip
B. Agricultural Mechanics: Sponsored by CHS
Foundation; 1st Place Team – Bon Homme: Team
members David Cuka, Sean Bauder, Ethan Burk, Wane
Jelsma and Advisor Ross Hudson; 2nd – Miller; 3rd –
Gettysburg, 4th – Freeman, 5th- Newell
C. Agricultural Sales: SD Department of Agriculture;
1st Place Team – McCook Central: Team members
Tyler Kelley, Alicia Rief, Brian Gottlob, Amy Giesler
and Terry Rieckman); 2nd – Bridgewater; 3rd –
Newell; 4th – Colman-Egan; 5th Highmore
D. Agronomy: Sponsored by SD Seed Trade
Association; 1st Place Team – Webster: Team
members: Advisor Fred Zenk, Alyssa Kuecker, Derek
Zenk, Erin Sass, Landon Kuecker; 2nd - Wall, 3rd- McCook Central, 4th- Phillip, 5th- Newell
E. Dairy Cattle Judging: Sponsored by the SD
division of the Midwest Dairy Assoc.; 1st Place Team
– Dell Rapids: Team members Tom Wolff (Advisor),
Kevin Berg, Ted Elverson, Chris Curry, and Pat Curry;
2nd – Milbank; 3rd – Huron, 4th –Deubrook, 5th –
Webster
F. Dairy Foods: Sponsored by Land O’ Lakes Dairy
Products Division; 1st Place Team – Milbank: Team
members Jerry Janisch (Advisor), Kori Wieting, Scott
Athey, Andrew Leddy, Lee Alexander. 2nd - Mitchell;
3rd – Webster; 4th - Beresford; 5th – Bridgewater
G. Floriculture: Sponsored by Gerri & Shon Eide,
Brian & Gretchen Sharp and Flowers on Main; 1st
Place Team – Gettysburg: Team members Jenae Logan,
Kari Rogers, Rabecca Pruitt, Jennie Eikamp and
(Advisor) Bill Lehman. 2nd – Newell; 3rd – Lennox-
Sundstrom, 4th – Bridgewater, 5th – Rapid City
A B
C D
E F
G H
H. Food Science: Sponsored by Valley Queen Cheese Factory, Inc.& Londa VanderWal; 1st Place Team –Milbank: Team Members Andrew Johannsen, Tanya
Baldwin, Ellie Reynen, Kelsey Johnson and Jerry Janisch (Advisor), Andrew Johannsen, Tanya Baldwin, Ellie Renen, Kelsey Johnson. 2nd – Bridgewater; 3rd –
Marion, 4th – Harrisburg, 5th- Lennox-Sundstrom
I. Horse Evaluation: Sponsored by Paradise Creek Paints, 1st Place Team – Milbank: Team members Amber Mundwiler, Ellen Cameron, Heidi Kirchner,
Danielle Dearborn and (Advisor) Jerry Janisch. 2nd –Newell; 3rd –Huron, 4th –Miller, 5th-Kimball J. Livestock Judging: Sponsored by the SD Pork Producers Council; 1st Place Team –Kimball: Kayla Geppert, Tyler Grussing, Colby Olson, Taylor Geppert
and (Advisor) Lori Tonak 2nd –DeSmet; 3rd –Beresford, 4th – Lennox-Sundstrom, 5th-Chester K. Meats Evaluation and Technology: Sponsored by John Morrell & Company; 1st Place Team – Elkton: Team members Austin Dezeeuw, Zak Kampmann,
Turner Van and (Advisor) Dan Robbins. 2nd – Hitchcock-Tulare; 3rd – Lennox-Sundstrom 4th –Kimball, 5th- Newell

Career Development Events Results
areer Development Events Results
I J
K L
M N
O
Q
L. Natural Resources: Sponsored by Pope and
Talbot, Inc.; 1st Place Team –Lennox-Sundstrom:
Team members Jim Wilson (Advisor), Chris Billups,
Justin Hagedorn, Matthew Allen, and Larissa Abbas.
2nd –Rapid City; 3rd – Bridgewater; 4th – Clark; 5th- Philip
M. Nursery/Landscape: Sponsored by SD FFA
Foundation; 1st Place Team – Mitchell: Team
members Whitney Morgan, Guy Sullivan, Alex
Vanoverschelde, Beau Vanoverschelde and Tom Fergen
(Advisor). 2nd – McCook Central; 3rd –Harrisburg,
4th – Garretson, 5th- Bridgewater
N. Range Plant Identification: Held and sponsored
by SDSU Range Club; 1st Place Team –Kadoka:
Team members Shannon Vander May, Ben Stout,
Amber Knutson, Michael Herber and Advisor Brandy
Knutson; 2nd - Newell; 3rd – Philip, 4th- Wall, 5th- New Underwood
FFA Scrapbook: 1 st Place – Harrisburg
Public Relations: 1 st Place - Webster
O. Agriscience Student Recognition Program
The state winner, receiving a $500 scholarship from
the National FFA Foundation is:
Steven Zemlicka, Florenc
P. Agriscience Fair Jr. and Sr. Division - sponsored
by Toyota
Biochemistry/Microbiology/Food Science
Jr. Division – Rebecca Reiter, Florence “Efficiency of
a Small-Scale Biodigester”
Sr. Division - Abby Settje, Wilmot “Know Your
Dough”
Environmental Science
Jr. Division – Taylor Bach, Florence “Livestock Odor
Elimination”
Sr. Division - Zak Kampmann, Elkton “Soil Resistance
to Water Erosion”
Animal Science/Zoology
Jr. Division – Brandy Heathcote, Florence “Effect of
Amylase on Livestock Digestio
P
Sr. Division - Damonn Mischke, Florence “Chicken
Embryo Development vs. Temperature”
Botany/Plant & Soil Science
Jr. Division - Lane Peterson and Shan Solberg, Highmore “How Much Light Do Aquatic Plants Need”
Sr. Division - KayLee Huffman, Harrisburg “The Effects of Late Planting on Genetically Engineered Corn”
Engineering/Mechanical & Ag Engineering Science
Jr. Division – Chase Crelly, Centerville “Penetration”
Sr. Division - Kelsey Gusso, Florence “Glider Aerodynamics”
Q. H.O. Sergeant Award
Tim Nichols, Community Leader recipient
Agri Entrepreneurship
Ryan Frerichs, Wilmot
FFA Chapter Website Design Contest - sponsored by KELOland.com
1st Harrisburg
2nd Webster
3rd Wall

Thank you to our SD FFA Foundation Gold
and Silver Sponsors!
Gold Sponsors ($250-$499)
Amani Arabians, Tim Anderson and Kim Niven Milbank
American State Bank and Trust Huron
Associated Milk Producers, Inc. of Dawson, MN & Freeman, SD
Cabela's Sidney, NE
Cammack Ranch Supply, Inc. Union Center
Craig and Bonnie Dybedahl Colton
Craig and Maure Weinkauf, In Memory of Arthur J. Weinkauf Watertown
First State Bank of Roscoe Roscoe
Garst Seed
Gylling Data Management, Inc. Brookings
Kimball Livestock Exchange
Kuecker Seed Farm, Inc. Webster
LeRoy and Cathie Draine Black Hawk
Ludens Implement Humboldt
MinnTex Windom, MN
Norm and Mary Peterson Montrose
Pannar Seed Inc. Huron
Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Princeton, NJ
SD Agri-Business Association
SD Assn. of Conservation Districts
SD Broadcasters Association
SD Crop Improvement Association
SD Dept. of Agriculture
SD Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers
SD Nursery & Landscape Assn.
SD Pork Producers Council
SD Soybean Processors, LLC Volga
SD Soybean Research & Promotion Council
Syngenta Seeds, Inc.
The Dan Streff Family Salem
Travis and Joleen Schuring Hopkins, SC
Tri-State Neighbor Sioux Falls
Silver ($100-$249)
3C Christensen Ranch Wessington
Albrecht Brothers Angus Marion
Arden and Marilyn Gronlund Rapid City
Bennett County High School Martin
Black & Veatch Lenexa, KS
Bones Elevator Co. Parker
"Cattlecents Consulting, Inc., Dewayne Siebrasse" Aberdeen
Centerville High School Centerville
Clark and Lyla Hanson in memory of Bill and Stella Hanson Brookings
Clark High School
Croplan Genetics
D M & E Railroad Corp. Sioux Falls
Dakota Ethanol, LLC/LACP Wentworth
Dakota Transfers, LLC Marion
Dale and Sharon Engelhart Frederick
Dane and Donna Lambert Frankfurt
Dell Rapids High School
Eastern Farmers Cooperative Brandon
Eugene Beckman & Sons, Inc. Brookings
First Dakota National Bank of Yankton
Flandreau High School
Frontier Mills Inc. Yankton
Garretson High School
Gary L. Hansen Eagan, MN
Golden West Telecommunications Wall
Greg Salmen Peshtigo, WI
Gretchen and Brian Sharp Bath
Gro Master, Inc. Omaha, NE
Hansen Family Foundation Sioux Falls
Hansmeier & Son, Inc. Bristol
Harlan Palo Newell
Hitchcock-Tulare High School
Howe Seeds, Inc McLaughlin
Hurley and Associates Charleston, MO
Ira Kaul Tea
Jesse Larson Aberdeen
John Morrell & Co. Sioux Falls
Johnson's Ranchers Supply Wall
Knutson Suffolks Centerville
Land O' Lakes, Dairy Production Div.
Larry Nelson Pierre
Larson Seed Farm Clark
Laura's Love Bugs Daycare Hartford
Leon and Genevieve Minor Nisland
Londa Vander Wal Bruce
Loren Helmer Andover
Lorenz Manufacturing Co. Watertown
Lyle and Joan Stoterau Harrisburg
Marion High School
Mark and Susan Geib DeSmet
McCook Central High School
McFleeg Inc. Bowdle
Michael Leheska Canyon, TX
Milbank Community Foundation
Milton Sunde Madison, WI
Mitchell High School
Monte and Ruth Mason Redfield
Murphy Brown LLC Algona, IA
Newell FFA
Newell Ram Sale
Northern Electric Cooperative Bath
Northern Plains Cooperative Gettysburg
Peterson's L7 Bar Limousin Pukwana
Pope & Talbot Inc. Spearfish
Prairie Appraisal Service, Gary Bachman Bowdle
Randy and Linnette Albers Hartford
Rapid City Central High School
Ridgewater College Willmar, MN
Roger DeRouchey Mitchell
Ryan Cammack Laramie, WY
Schoenbeck Law Watertown
Scotland High School
SD Division of the Midwest Dairy Association
SD Rabbit Breeders Association
SD Seed Trade Association
SDVATA
Shawn Schlueter Janesville, MN
Sisseton High School
Stangl Shorthorns Java
The Family of Justin Maass Corona
Tom Remmele Echo, MN
Tracy Kaltvedt Centerville
Walt and De Johnson Spearfish
Webster High School
Wessington Springs High School
Wieman Land & Auction Co., Inc. Marion

Chapter
Chatter
Rapid City FFA - After our FFA chapter finished the
animal nursery at the Black Hills Stock Show, we started
planning for FFA week. The first day we put our hand prints on an FFA banner
to show our pride in the organization.
The second day we wore t-shirts we decorated for FFA week. The next
day we set up a table in our commons to inform students about FFA, educating
about 500 students. The last day was teacher appreciation day, so we delivered
cake to the teachers and again wore FFA apparel.
Rapid City FFA members went to and competed at Little International in
Brookings. Then, State Convention was a blast! The Rapid City FFA Chapter
was excited to learn we were awarded this year’s unofficial award of “Best
Thank You”. Our chapter is now getting excited for our annual Parent/Member
Banquet, May 15th. - Marlana Lee, Chapter Reporter
Dells FFA - We just held our 2007 FFA Banquet. After the catered meal,
newly elected State Treasurer, Matt Dybedal, from Tri-Valley, spoke to the
group about attending State Leadership Camp and encouraged members to
become actively involved in several FFA events. Advisor Tom Wolff reviewed
the year of activities, events, and awards. A special recognition was given to
the Dairy judging team that placed first at the State Convention. The STAR
Greenhand winner was Pat Curry. Kevin Berg was awarded the Star Chapter
Farmer. The top senior in agriculture awards, known as the DeKalb
Agriculture Accomplishment Award was given to Mandi Veldkamp. Kevin
Berg was recognized for being a finalist for the State Star Greenhand Award as
well as being a district officer. The evening closed with the presentation of
newly elected Chapter officers. The 2007-2008 officers are: President – Kim
Hauglid; Vice President- Emily Eulberg; Secretary – Alyssa Meyer; Treasurer-
Ted Elverson; Reporter – Kevin Berg; Sentinel – Josh Welbig, and Student
Advisor – Justin Austad.
Webster FFA - On March 30th, 40 Webster FFA members traveled to SDSU’s
84th Little International judging contest. There were SD and MN teams from
77 schools competing. Webster came home with a number of honors: Horse:
1st place Delci Christensen, 7th place Rebecca Whitlock, 1st place team;
Nursery and Landscape: 17th place Josh Dale, 10th place team; Range ID: 1st
place Brett Monson, 2nd place Erin Sass, 3rd place Rebecca Whitlock, 4th
place Delci Christensen, 5th place Derek Zenk, 6th place Molly Skadsen, 7th
place Kimberly Sjurson, 1st& 2nd place team; Dairy Cattle: 9th place Danny
Zenk, 10th place Olivia Siglin, 7th place team; Dairy Foods: 7th place Brett
Monson, 8th place Erin Wegleitner 6th place team; Crops: 3rd place Derek
Zenk, 4th place Erin Sass, 13th place Alyssa Kuecker, 2nd place team.
The team of Molly Skadsen, Delci Christensen, Brett Monson, and
Kimberly Sjurson will be attending the National Range Contest, in Oklahoma
City, OK, May 1-4th. They qualified this past fall by placing 1st as a team at
the Regional Range Contest in Roslyn. In Oklahoma the team will participate
in range science schools, and tour the Oklahoma City Bombing Site and the
National Cowboy Museum.
Parker FFA - we’re working on a variety of projects for the spring and
summer - a storage addition to our football grandstands, landscaping signs to
the entrance of our new housing development, helping prepare the soil for
planting grass at the new soccer fields and helping set up signs and paths for a
new bike path. We are also working with the Turner County Extension office
to put on a safety camp. Our new officers are looking forward to summer
camp in Custer. Chapter reporter Kassie Kielbasa
Flandreau FFA - We hosted a blood drive to collect 60 pints of blood in April.
The shop classes have been constructing new kitchen cabinets for the Catholic
Church CCD center. We are also constructing a deck for a HUD house in the
community. The chapter awards banquet will be held on May 11, 2007 at 6:30
in the Flandreau Elementary Commons.
Centerville FFA -we returned from State Convention to plan and host the
“Tornado Trash Bash” in the community. The students organized a route
around the town to clean up the community with the help from all K-12
students and any community members that could attend. The chapter banquet
will be held on Monday May 7th to recognize the students for their hard work.
We’ll be busy this summer helping the Community Foundation landscape the
homes they have built. The students will work beside community members to
get the homes ready for the new owners when they are sold.
Bridgewater FFA - has many year-end projects in the works. We are
conducting a bicycle safety program for grades K-3 in both Emery and
Bridgewater. Our banquet will be May 7. We also plan on cleaning up a stretch
of highway for the Adopt-A-High way program, will be conducting the annual
plant sale through May, and doing community landscaping projects. - Josie
Clarey, Reporter
Tour de South Dakota
By Matt Tollefson
This past March my fellow officers and I had the chance to travel
the state and visit with industry leaders, major manufactures, small
business owners and entrepreneurs. We went to Pierre, Aberdeen,
Watertown, Brookings, Volga, DeSmet, Milbank, Philip, Wall, Kadoka,
Clark, and Arlington. On every visit we made we had a member with
us from a nearby chapter. Thank you to those individuals who gave
up an hour or in some cases a whole day to tour the different
industries. Thank you also to those individuals who let us stay in their
homes and made us a part of their family for a night! Your hospitality
is greatly appreciated.
If your chapter is looking for new and exciting projects, someone
from your chapter should contact your local businesses. In most cases
the industry leaders want to help the FFA but they are not sure how.
Maybe it might be a job for your SAE/Internship or maybe just a
presentation for your horticulture class. With so much emerging
technology, we as FFA members will be the operators of this
technology in the next couple of years. Hey and lets face it, field trips
and hands on learning are one of the best parts of being an Ag-Ed
student and FFA member. Once again thanks to everyone who made
our B&I Tours a success!
Foundation Feature
Congratulations to all FFA members and Chapters
for a very successful SD State FFA Convention!
Thank you to all of the individual and business
sponsors that made the event possible! Without
your dedication, SD FFA members would not have
the opportunities to learn, lead and succeed through
agricultural education.
“I believe in the future of agriculture with a faith
born not of words, but of deeds…” -The FFA
Creed
Help SD FFA members learn, lead and succeed by
contributing to the SD FFA Foundation today!
Please record my contribution of $_____________
Name____________________________________
Address__________________________________
City______________________________________
State_____________ZipCode_________________
Phone____________________________________
The SD FFA Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Your
donation is eligible for a charitable deduction on your federal income tax
return. Consult your tax advisor

FFA Chapters Receive Star National Chapter Awards
The Garretson FFA Chapter, Harrisburg & McCook Central FFA Chapters
received Star National Chapter Awards at the South Dakota State FFA
Convention in Brookings, April 15-17. The purpose of the Star National
Chapter Awards is to encourage chapters to develop and use a strong
Program of Activities. Successful chapters plan and carry out activities
centered around three key areas: student, chapter, and community
development. Those most successful are recognized with the Star National
Chapter Award. This award is sponsored by Land O’Lakes Foundation &
Toyota.
A. In 1 st place, McCook Central
FFA Chapter conducted the
following:
Student Development Area-
Using activities that would
involve members to improve
their leadership and life skills
student are involved with using
past members to promote and
assist younger members in
developing their SAE programs
and get involved in leadership
activities. This year they had
many students qualify for state leadership CDE’s - placed two teams in the
top three, and had one individual winner and five members selected to the
all state parliamentary team. They had ten members win state proficiencies
and one national winner. To encourage participation in cooperative activities
members put together two teams to participate in the Relay for Life program
and had the largest number of participants in the event.
Chapter Development-Using current members as role models and to
develop team skills the chapter tries to build a positive image within the
school and communities. They use the chapter land lab as a positive
learning experience and have incorporated over 70% of members in various
activities associated with this activity. Promoting agriculture to youth is
done with a SOFY day camp, PALS program and during FFA week, a petting
zoo, Food For America program and agricultural Olympics for students in
grades k-3. They also encourage participation of officers in programs such
as state leadership camp, WLC, NICE, and in promoting committee
chairpersons to take responsibility for their activities.
Community Development-Being active members of local communities is a
major goal and this year McCook Central adopted two families over the
holidays providing meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, and
completed a sharing tree for less privileged children in the school district.
They organized and sponsored a pancake and bake sale benefit for a local
community member that raised over $6500 to assist in expenses and then
served at many local annual banquets to assist other organizations and for
public relations. Members were also involved in promoting good
environmental practices by participating in the Monsanto TRAP program and
in cooperating with CHS in planting 70 blue spruce trees in local
communities.
In 2 nd place, Garretson FFA Chapter:
Student Development Area: Members participated in the State FFA
Convention programs including Courtesy Corp, state program committees,
career development events, leadership workshops, degree ceremonies,
proficiency awards and delegate sessions. Members used a 26 acre land
laboratory to experiment with tillage practices as well as monitoring insects
and weeds and implementing a marketing plan. A fishing derby was held
for members and families to enjoy a recreational activity together as a
means of building family relations. As a reward for academic excellence, a
scholarship award was presented to one member in each agricultural course
with the highest grade average. Agribusiness career studies were done at
four local agribusinesses.
Chapter Development Area: All new FFA members were presented with a
gift packet. Members were involved in a fruit sales program to raise money
for convention, conference, banquet and career development events.
Members published articles featuring information about Garretson FFA
members. FFA Week was celebrated with a dirtiest car contest, animal
nursery, and Food for America Program. The TRAP (Training Rootworm
Awareness Program) was conducted in cooperation with 20 area farmers.
Members presented local businesses with distinguished service awards for
supporting their chapter during an annual parent/member banquet.
Community Development Area: Members refurbished the city Christmas
decorations that hang from lamp post during the season and also built metal
frames for banners purchased by area businesses for advertising. Members
cleaned a three mile stretch of highway ditch leading south out of Garretson.
Members conducted numerous programs to help the young and old in the
Garretson community including a bicycle safety program, food drive for the
local food pantry, two blood drives, a shoe drive in cooperation with the
Salvation Army, and a garden project to raise vegetables for senior citizens
as well as planting 75 evergreen trees in the city park.
In 3 rd place the, Harrisburg FFA Chapter:
Student Development Area: Members presented rural safety programs to
107 3 rd & 4 th grade students. Each student attending the program was
given a rural safety booklet, purchased by local businesses. Members also
hosted the District 3 Leadership CDE’s where 200 members from the district
participated in 11 CDE’s to qualify for state competition. Participation in the
FFA’s proficiency award program allowed members to develop their SAE
programs and explore the many areas of the agricultural industry.
Chapter Development Area: Members promoted good will and community
service by working with “The Banquet” ministries of Sioux Falls. Members
worked with the Harrisburg High School Student Council and planned,
prepared and served free evening meals to over 400 guests. Participation in
“Project Warm All Over” also kept the chapter active with The Banquet by
raising money to purchase 60 pairs of sweatshirts and sweatpants which
were donated to those who could not afford them during the winter. To keep
members active and promote attendance at meetings, the chapter officers
planned a recreational event for each quarterly chapter meeting. Playing
Dodge ball, hayrides, visiting a corn maze and Bingo were some of the
activities which helped boost attendance and participation at chapter
meetings. Members also attended the National FFA Convention in
Indianapolis to improve their leadership skills and gather knowledge of FFA
programs which they could bring back and share with other members.
Community Development Area: Members raised money through a Chili
Feed and Pancake supper to help finance their many community projects.
Building doghouses for the Sioux Falls Humane Society, planting a garden
and distributing the produce and serving a local dinner theatre helped
students give back to our community. Members also hosted the Old
MacDonald’s Farm Petting Zoo at the Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls.
Members were responsible for setting up pens, keeping the building clean,
feeding & exercising the animals and promoting agriculture to fair visitors.
An estimated 100,000 people visited Old MacDonald’s Farm which kept
members busy for the week. Members donated 257 hours to the Harrisburg
Community Clean-up days held in May. They picked up trash, pruned trees,
raked leaves, painted park shelters and cleaned up two city parks, the
middle school grounds and city hall. Members also assisted the city council
members with a trash drop off site where 5 commercial dumpsters were
filled and disposed of free of charge.
B. The FFA chapter with the top
Community Development
portion of the Award is also
recognized with the “Governor’s
Citation for Community
Development”. SD Secretary of
Agriculture, Bill Even attended
the convention to present this
award and congratulate the
students on their dedication to
South Dakota communities.
The Governor’s Citation is
sponsored by the SD FFA
Foundation. The Garretson
Chapter received this award.
Summer Leadership Camp 2007!
By Brett Monson, State President
Calling all FFA members! The new state officer team wants to see you at State
Leadership Camp! This summer, excitement will fill the air as hundreds of
members gather from across the state of South Dakota to learn more about the
FFA. The camp is a fantastic way to better develop positive chapter
communication and teamwork! Not only will members meet new people and make
memories to last a lifetime, but they will also learn how to grow as individuals in
the best way possible! The camps will be held: June 27-29 at NeSoDak, Waubay,
and July 5-8 and 9-12 at Camp Bob Marshall, Custer. So mark your calendars,
pack your camping gear, and the state officers hope to see you there!