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

FFA’s
NEWERA
SOUTH
DAKOTA
October 2007
Vol. 74 • No. 1
National Officer Candidate
The National Officer Candidate
from South Dakota this year is
Holly Marshall. Some of you
are probably thinking WOW, a national
officer candidate; wait a minute, what is
a National Officer? Well, being a
National Officer is a very high honor in
FFA.
When National Officers are first
elected, they spend two months in
training. After training, they start their
year of over 100,000 miles of traveling.
They spend four weeks at several
different state conventions presenting workshops, speeches, mingling
with members, and getting to know them on a personal level. They
also spend three weeks traveling to different businesses. While
traveling to the various businesses, they take tours, understand what
the company does and promote agriculture and FFA. By the end of
their year, they will deliver over one-hundred workshops and
Representing South Dakota in a very big way at this year’s
National Convention in Indianapolis, IN is a Florence native
who loves what he does. John Kahnke, a 2004 graduate of
Florence high school, has been chosen as one of 4 American Star
Farmer finalists.
John’s SAE project consists of farming corn, soybeans, wheat,
and alfalfa. Along with those acres dedicated to raising crops, he has
40 head of cow/calf pairs, and also finishes out 200 head of cattle
every year. John was surprised when he heard the news of being
selected as a Star Finalist and the news didn’t hit him right away, but
says “I became more and more excited after every person I talked
to!” During his years as a member of the Florence FFA Chapter,
John was active in Dairy Cattle, Land, and Range Judging, along
with competing on his chapter’s Parliamentary Procedure team on
both the district and state levels. John also served as a chapter officer
for 3 years during high school. Hoping to make the most of this
experience, he encourages everyone to take advantage of
opportunities. “It is important to take advantage of opportunities that
are right there in front of you, as I did when I went after my long-
By Matt Dybedahl
A South Dakota Star
By Lauren Fosheim, State FFA Reporter
speeches. Not only do they travel within the country, but they also
spend eleven days in Japan. Overall, National Officers travel around
the United States and other countries serving the FFA.
Now, let’s get to know our National Officer candidate from
South Dakota. Holly is from Redfield, South Dakota and grew up on
a family farm with her older brother. She graduated from Redfield
High School in 2005 and is currently a junior at SDSU. She is
majoring in Ag. Business and is attaining a minor in Ag. Marketing
and Political Science. She also served as a past South Dakota State
FFA Vice-President in 2005-2006. Her SAE consists of training
horses for Bebo Quarter Horses and Lutter/Lenocker farms and
helping with harvest at J.E.S. Farms. While in High School she
participated in several different CDE’s, some of them include, Ag.
Sales, Parly Pro, horse evaluation, and Farm Business Management.
Holly is extremely excited to start interviews at this 80th
National Convention from October 24-27. So, if you see Holly give
her your best wishes at the National Convention as she prepares for
interviews.
Good Luck Holly!
time goal of being an American Star
Farmer,” says John. He looked toward
achieving this goal ever since high
school, and was pushed harder in this
direction when he immediately went
from participating to completely running
his operation after his father’s death.
John’s future plans are to continue
farming, and ultimately learn how to
better manage his existing operation,
with the hopes of eventually expanding
it. Star awards recognize students who
have developed outstanding agricultural skill and competency
through their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs.
Those chosen also demonstrate outstanding management skills, must
have earned the American FFA degree, and met other agricultural
education, scholarship, and leadership requirements. John definitely
meets all requirements, and we wish him the best of luck at National
Convention!

OCTOBER 2007
VOL. 74 • ISSUE 1
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:
Brad Bies
Office of Career & Technical
Education
700 Governor’s Drive
Pierre, SD 57501
brad.bies@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. MARK ROELFSEMA, Baltic
Looking Back at Leadership Camp
By Brett Monson, State FFA President
There are a lot of times in this game we call life that we can say that something was worth-while and life
changing. Can you remember a time? For two FFA members, one of these worth-while experiences
was FFA Leadership Camp held this past summer on June 27-29, July 4-7, and July 8-11 at camps
NeSoDak and Bob Marshall.
Carl Maude from the Rapid City FFA Chapter stated, “The experience was pretty fun as it brightens
horizons and it was cool meeting the State Officers, other members, and learning about different chapters
from around the state.” This was Carl’s first time at camp and he believed one of the most significant ideas
he brought home was, “how to be able to get new students into FFA as it helps make advancements towards
college and being a better leader.”
Amy Shaffer, from the Lennox FFA Chapter, also thought of camp to be an enjoyable experience. Amy
said, “I learned a lot from the breakout sessions and different activities for things like chapter fundraisers.”
Among the various events that took place at camp was the Leadership Camp Service Project! Here, the
caring members were eager to lend a hand in projects such as transplanting flowers, painting cabins, and
making the camps immaculate by picking up brush. “Painting was a lot of fun,” Amy said, “and it felt good
to do something nice for others and have fun at the same time.” Campers also took back home knowledge of
adopting and maintaining a Chapter Program of Activities. With this, each chapter was able to plan out all the
events and goals they will have for the upcoming year,
such as fundraisers, chapter unity projects, recruitment
ideas and loads more!
Another added bonus at the West River Camps
was the company of the Central Region National Vice
President, Jamie Cecil. “She was outgoing, spunky,
and awesome!” Carl thought. Jamie brought us a
glimpse of FFA on the national level, telling us about
various events done around the United States and we
truly thank her for her caring personality and funny
sense of humor from the bottoms of our hearts. Both
Amy and Carl agreed that FFA Leadership Camp was
truly a beneficial experience and would encourage
others to go next year. Are you going to be in on the
fun?
SD FFA Members Attend National FFA Convention
The following FFA members have found a way to
demonstrate that by wearing “Blue Jackets you will have
Bright Futures” by qualifying to compete or perform at the
National FFA Convention. They will be representing SD at the
National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana from October
24th – 27th, 2007. These FFA members will be competing,
recognized for their hard work, or be selected for a special honor.
National Officer Candidate – Holly Marshall, Redfield
Voting Delegates – Brett Monson Webster; Erin Kennedy,
Beresford; Noelle Rist, Hartford, Matt Dybedahl, Colton; and
Lauren Fosheim, Webster
Flag Bearer – Sara Berg, Baltic
National Chapter Award - 3 Star - Garretson, McCook Central,
Harrisburg, & Lennox
Models of Innovation: McCook Central in Chapter Development
National Band- Desiree Morehouse, Groton; Sean Bauder, Bon
Homme
National Chorus – Jessica Bawdon, Miller: Joseph Nepodal, Platte
Agri-Science Fair - Rebecca Reiter, Florence; Damonn Mischke,
Florence; Kelsey Gusso, Florence; Brady Heathcote, Florence;
Taylor Bach, Florence & Abby Settje, Wilmot
Ag Communications – Menno: Jim Kulish, Matt Mehlhaf, Megan
Schaeffer, JD Pratt, Jenna Guthmiller
Ag Issues – Newell: Chelsey Tifft, Randi Brence, Rachel
Waterland, Sam Eichler, and Jessica Carney
Agricultural Sales – McCook Central: Tyler Kelley, Alicia Rief,
Maria Skoglund & Amy Giesler
Agricultural Mechanics – Bon Homme: David Cuka, Sean Bauder,
Ethan Burk, Wayne Jelsma
Agronomy (Crops) – Webster: Alyssa Kuecker, Derek Zenk, Erin
By Matt Dybedahl, State FFA Treasurer
Sass & Landon Kuecker
Creed – Sarah Thvedt, Beresford
Dairy Cattle – Dell Rapids: Kevin Berg, Ted Elverson, Chris Curry
& Pat Curry
Dairy Foods – Milbank: Kori Wieting, Scott Athey, Andrew
Leddy, Lee Alexander
Environmental & Natural Resources – Lennox-Sundstrom: Chris
Billups, Justin Hagedorn, Matthew Allen & Larissa Abbas
Extemporaneous Speaking – Ty Littau, Winner
Ag Business Management – Wessington Springs: Reed Scott, Greg
Caffee, Colin Tobin, Ashlea King
Floriculture – Gettysburg: Jenae Logan, Kari Rogers, Rabecca
Pruitt, Jennie Eikamp
Food Science & Technology –Milbank: Andrew Johannsen, Tanya
Baldwin, Ellie Reynen, Kelsey Johnson
Horse Evaluation – Milbank: Amber Mundwiler, Ellen Cameron,
Heidi Kirchner, Danielle Dearborn
Job Interview – Sara Berg, Baltic
Livestock – Kimball: Kayla Geppert, Tyler Grussing, Colby Olson,
Taylor Geppert
Marketing Plan – Philip: Katie Nelson, Mark Trask, Jordan Smith
Meats Evaluation & Technology – Elkton: Austin Dezeeuw, Zak
Kampmann, Turner Van
Nursery/Landscape – Mitchell: Whitney Morgan, Guy Sullivan,
Alex VanOverschelde, Beau VanOverschedlde
Parliamentary Procedure – Newell: Jenna Diers, Monica Deighton,
Danielle Dunn, Gail Schalesky, Jakob Rottenbucher, Mandi Durch,
and Renee Waterland
Prepared Public Speaking – Brian Gottlob, McCook Central

State Proficiency Finalists
By Noelle Rist, State FFA Sentinel
With National Convention around the corner Chapters and members
across the state are anticipating the trip to Indianapolis! South
Dakota will be well represented this year. From National Band and
Choir to CDE teams and a National Star Farmer Finalist it will be an exciting
week, especially for the 11 National Proficiency Finalists from across the state.
The finalists include:
A. Ag Mechanics Desing and Fabrication – Ryan Frerichs, Wilmot
B. Beef Production Placement, TJ Amdahl, McCook Central
C. Dairy Production Entrepreneurship, Stephanie Nussbaum, Garretson
D. Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship, Tate Teveldal, Wessington
Springs
E. Diversified Horticulture, Brian Fett, Lennox-Sundstrom
F. Forestry Management, Tyler Berg, Harrisburg
G. Grain Producstion Placement, Kyle Zulk, McCook Central
H. Outdoor Recreation, Becca Knox, McCook Central
I. Small Animal Production and Care, Calli Rae Beach, Harrisburg
J. Forage Production , Ryan DeMent, McCook Central
K. Turf Grass Management – Devin, Myren, McCook Central
A B C
D E F
After placing first in their area at state convention in April, the applications
were sent on to national competition were they were judged, rated, and the top
four finalists in each area were selected. The finalists are now preparing for an
interview that will take place during National Convention. After the completion
G H
I
of these interviews, the national winner in each Proficiency award area will be announced on stage
during one of the general sessions. Each of the finalists will receive $250 for being named a
national finalist and, if selected as the National winner, they will be awarded an additional $250!
Another opportunity available to our National Finalists is the ability to interview for an all expense
paid trip to Costa Rica this coming summer. The interviews for the trip will take place at National
Convention. The 2007 National Convention holds many exciting opportunities for success for
South Dakota, and we can’t wait to see how our National Convention participants fair! Good luck
to all those participating in the numerous activities and competitions at National Convention!
J K
SD FFA Chapter Qualifies as Top in the Nation
For the seventh time in nine years, SD has a chapter
chosen as National Chapter Award Models of
Innovation - the top award for chapters in the nation.
The McCook Central FFA chapter is a finalist in the National
Chapter Award, Chapter Development division. The whole
process began by submitting a National Chapter Award
application for state competition. After state winners were
announced at convention, the top 10% of chapters in the state
then forwarded their applications to the national level where
they are judged on the three divisions of the application:
Chapter Development, Student Development, and Community
Development. At that point, ten chapters are selected as
finalists in their respective areas.
McCook Central qualified in the Chapter Development
Division. The chapter land lab provided a learning experience
to members in many areas of crop production and in
cooperation while working with Cropland, Central Farmers
Cooperative and local alumni in completing the project.
Members also planned a SOFY(Saving our Farm Youth) day
camp for all 3rd graders in McCook County, maintained an
active PALS (Partners in Active Learning Support) program
and conducted various activities for elementary students
during FFA week including an animal nursery and Agricultural
Olympics. The final area of the chapter development activities
for the McCook Central Chapter was the involvement of
members attending State Leadership Camp and with a local
officer retreat where members went through the chapter
program of activities, FFA calendar and developed teamwork
skills, and to develop strategies used to increase membership
participation.
McCook Central will send two members current chapter
president Paul Westhoff and past president Jordan Krueger to
the National Convention in Indianapolis, IN. in late October to
go through an interview process and give a presentation about
the chapter activities described in their applications. We wish
them Good Luck at National Convention!

2007 South Dakota FF
Members of the South Dakota FFA participated in a
wide range of educational activities during the 2007
South Dakota State Fair held August 30th –
September 3rd, in Huron. The results include:
Chapter Sweepstakes
*and $50 award for highest total score in all classes,
including Chapter Exhibits, Ag Exhibits, Livestock and
AgriScience
1st – Sioux Valley
Chapter Exhibits: 1st place– Webster
Agriscience Exhibits
1st – Rebecca Reiter, Florence
Top Ag Exhibits Chapter
1st place – Webster
RABBIT SHOW
A. Grand Champion – Drew Sweeter, Lennox-
Sunsdtrom (New Zealand)
Reserve Grand Champion – Grady Olson, Sioux Valley
(Flemmish Giant)
B. Rabbit Showmanship:
1st – Drew Sweeter, Lennox-Sundstrom
2nd – Rebecca Whitlock, Webster
3rd – Kay Lee Huffman, Harrisburg
BEEF SHOW
C. Champion Market Steer – Shelby Kroupa, Kimball
D. Reserve Champion Market Steer – Shelby Kroupa,
Kimball
Champion Market Heifer – Shelby Kroupa, Kimball
Reserve Champion Market Heifer – Britney Kaufman,
DeSmet
E. Champion Breeding Heifer – Wyatt DeJong, Winner
Reserve Champion Breeding Heifer – Cally Thomas,
Highmore
F. Beef Showmanship
1st Place – Wyatt DeJong, Winner
2nd Place – Cally Thomas, Highmore
3rd Place – Jordan Mack, Watertown
SWINE SHOW
Champion Market Gilt –Britney Kaufman, DeSmet
Reserve Champion Market Gilt – Andrew Strom,
Madison
G. Champion Market Barrow – Jacob Englin,
Deubrook
Reserve Champion Market Barrow– Shelby Kroupa,
Kimball
H. Swine Showmanship:
1st Place – Andrew Strom, Madison
2nd Place – Brad Sneesby, Lake Preston
3rd Place – Britney Kaufman, DeSmet
SHEEP SHOW
Champion Ewe – Aaron Held, Brookings
I. Reserve Champion Ewe – Kali Wolkow, DeSmet
J. Champion Market Lamb –Kody Miller, Sioux Valley
K. Reserve Champion Market Lamb – Britney
Kaufman, DeSmet
L. Sheep Showmanship:
1st Place - Austin Dezeeuw, Elkton
2nd Place – Kyla Wolkow, DeSmet
A B
C D
E F
G H
I J

A State Fair Results
K L
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41 Earn the Golden Key
By Sara Berg, State FFA Secretary
Forty-one South Dakota FFA members will receive the coveted gold American Degree key,
the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization. This honor recognizes
demonstrated leadership abilities and outstanding achievements in agricultural business,
production, processing and service programs. Recipients must have earned $7,500 through a
supervised agricultural experience program and productively invested those earnings.
Only about one half of one percent of the total national membership attains this high honor. In
2007 that is a record breaking 3169 student’s nation wide. The awards ceremony will take place
at the 80th National Convention on October 27th, in Indianapolis, IN. South Dakota’s gold key
recipients include:
• Chad Abrahamson, DeSmet
• Tom Arnesen, Florence
• Cali Rae Beach, Harrisburg
• Jennifer L. Binger, Hitchcock-Tulare
• Jenna Kay Carlson, Milbank
• Josh Chilson, Florence
• Chris Enger, Harrisburg
• Brian Fett, Lennox Sundstrom
• Ben Fleming, Florence
• Brian Flisrand, Florence
• Tony Franken, Harrisburg
• John Goens, Deuel
• Dani Herring, Newell
• Jace Hollenbeck, Harrisburg
• Melissa A. Jandl, Harrisburg
• Jon Kahnke, Florence
• Ashley Knock, Willow Lake
• Jason Kokes, Bon Homme
• Joseph Koupal, Wagner
• Brianna M. Larson, West Central
• Rob Lind, West Central
• Kelli Matthies, McCook Central
• James McMahon, West Central
• Andrew McNamara, Harrisburg
• Jeremy Milstead, West Central
• Devin Myren, McCook Central
• Brittany Nussbaum, Garretson
• Noelle E. Rist, West Central
• Audrey Schroeder, McCook Central
• Scott Paul Stahl, Bridgewater
• Katie Stratmeyer, Lennox Sundstrom
• Ashley Streff, McCook Central
• Cody Ryan Sweeter, Canton
• Matt Tollefson, Clark
• Brandon Tycz, Bon Homme
• Tyler Urban, Lennox Sundstrom
• Logan Faris Ward, Harrisburg
• Trevor Warren, Kimball
• Alex Welk, Florence
• Megan Whitney, Harrisburg
• Justin H. Zubke, Waubay
3rd Place – Aaron Held, Brookings
DAIRY SHOW
M. Supreme Champion Female – Stephanie
Nussbaum, Garretson
Champion Holstein Female – Stephanie Nussbaum,
Garretson
Sr Champion Holstein – Stephanie Nussbaum,
Garretson
Sr Reserve Champion Holstein – Stephanie
Nussbaum, Garretson
Jr Champion Holstein Heifer –Brittany Nussbaum,
Garretson
Jr Reserve Champion Holstein Heifer – Brittany
Nussbaum, Garretson
Champion All Other Breed Female – Ashley Vostad,
Sioux Valley
Sr Champion All Other Breed – Ashley Vostad, Sioux
Valley
Sr Reserve Champion All Other Breed – Thorwald
Vostad, Sioux Valley
Jr Champion All Other Breed Heifer – Tru Boldt,
Arlington
Jr Reserve Champion All Other Breed Heifer –Tina
Boldt, Arlington
N. Dairy Showmanship:
1st Place – Stephanie Nussbaum, Garretson
2nd Place – Ashley Vostad, Sioux Valley
3rd Place - Thorwald Vostad, Sioux Valley
ROUND ROBIN SHOWMANSHIP
1st Place – Britney Kaufman, DeSmet
2nd Place – Cally Thomas, Highmore
Hustle & Bustle at the
State Fair
Every year, thousands of people come to visit the State
Fair. FFA members gathered from around the state to
help at The South Dakota State Fair in the Animal
Nursery, show their livestock, and display their agri.science
and ag. Mechanics exhibits. All of this was
held from August 29th to September 3rd and was a
great success with twenty more FFA exhibits than last
year. The Animal Nursery was open from 9:00am to
8:00pm daily and 18 people brought animals for the
animal nursery. Not only were there animals in the
nursery but several activities for youngsters, including
a duck pond, corn “sand box”, ring toss, mini golf,
milk a cow and many more hands on activities. Also,
the FFA had a great turnout for the Agricultural
Mechanics building with 9 chapter booths, 97 preregistered
ag. mechanics exhibits, and 11 agri-science
exhibits. We would like to thank all of the chapters
and districts who helped work at the Animal Nursery.
Without your help it would definitely not be a success.
Also, a special thanks to the following FFA Chapters
for their special help either setting up before hand or
helping during the State Fair: Arlington, Baltic,
Winner, Lake Preston, and Webster.

Chapter Chatter
Miller Area FFA- We just had our September meeting. We
discussed that we would no longer be paying dues for the
students memberships because of the financial status we are
currently undergoing. We also talked about upcoming
events that are of significance to us like the Gettysburg and
Wessington Springs land and range judging contests. We
also set up concession stand worker lists because our FFA
chapter oversees all the concessions that take place in our school.
When the meeting was over we went outside and ate watermelon
and had a good time talking about the upcoming year.
Before school started the chapter officers met for a meeting to
discuss things we could do to better our chapter. We came up with quit a list and had
some pretty good ideas like going bowling and having some other fun activities to get
other kids interested in FFA. Then before any of that took place the officer team went up
to the city museum and built a board walk.
The Centerville FFA Chapter has been very active with their Community Service Projects
throughout the summer and at the beginning of the school year. During the summer
months the Officers help with the South Dakota Corn Growers Corn Cob Classic Golf
tournament. They work the registration table, prize holes, and just help with what ever
else needed to be completed. The FFA members have been helping beautify the
community by helping paint the outside of a local business. The students also cleaned
their portion of the highway for their Adopt-A-Hwy duties. With National Convention
on the way many of the students are working hard on preparing the state booth to bring
some SD agricultural information to everyone who attends the National Convention. The
Centerville FFA Chapter would like to give a great big Good Luck to all students
participating on the National Level for all of the different activities.
Garretson FFA - In June the Garretson FFA chapter held their annual Fishing Derby with
more than 40 teams participating. The derby started at noon with registration and the
fishing began at 1 pm. The teams fished until 3 pm with the awards at 4 pm where prizes
were handed out to team members from highest weight to lowest weight of total fish
caught. Members collected over $300 in prizes from area businesses that donated
anything from cash to fishing gear and other items. Everybody received prizes even if
they didn’t catch anything. Trophies were handed out to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.
Newell FFA - Our year started off with the chapter officers getting together this summer
and planning out a great year for our chapter. We are currently getting ready for the
annual Football Field Rodeo. There are many games and different competitions that will
be a lot of fun for our FFA members. We are also preparing for the Newell Ram Sale and
the Great Plains Judging Contest that is hosted at the Newell School and Newell Rodeo
grounds. Some of our FFA members are already hard at work preparing for the Land and
Range judging contest in Wall. Everyone is looking forward to a fun and eventful year for
the Newell FFA Chapter. –Jenna Diers Chapter Secretary
The Wall FFA Chapter was very busy this past summer. They took a team to Range
Camp and Rangeland Days. At Rangeland Days in Eagle Butte, the Range Team placed
1st in the FFA division. Wall sent two groups of people to leadership camp at Bob
Marshall in Custer. Michael Swan, Courtney Humphrey, and Chelsea McConnell went to
the first camp and Eli Helms and Samantha Nelson went to the second camp. They
learned many things about leadership and brought home many ideas for the 2007-2008
year.
They have many new ideas for this year. An FFA camping retreat is planned for
September at one of the member’s ranches. The Range team is practicing up for District
Competition, they are hoping to shine and make it to nationals. We are sending three
delegates to National Convention again this year. We are revamping our Fruit Sales
Program to be completely electronic to prepare orders on our laptops. We have Ag
Olympics planned for the spring along with an FFA People Auction. It will hopefully be
an amazing year for all of the members.
The McCook Central Chapter has recently hosted a field plot day sponsored through
Cropland Genetics for area farmers. We are also hosting a SOFY Day for third grade
students in McCook County, and will be hosting a Pancake Fundraiser. We are excited to
have five members of our chapter participating at the National Convention in the areas of
Public Speaking and Ag Sales; as well as five national proficiency finalists. Submitted By:
Alicia Reif & Brian Gottlob.
Bridgewater--This summer and beginning of the year has been going well so far for the
Bridgewater FFA Chapter. Summer was a busy month filled with SAE projects, and
community service projects, which included helping out at My Fishing Pond, a non-profit
organization just outside of Bridgewater. There was also a 2nd place ribbon received for
the booth at State Fair. The new officers are Cody Stahl, president; Chuck Liesinger, vicepresident;
Jodi Stahl, secretary; Nick Hofer, treasurer; Josie Clarey, reporter; Brandon
Julson, sentinel; Mollie Keating, student advisor; Wade Stahl, parliamentarian; Brittany
Golder, historian; and Emily Hofer, chaplain. The officers enjoyed their annual officer
retreat in late August. Coming up soon, the chapter will be helping out the community
with St. Jude’s Bike-a-thon, as well as Farm Safety Week demonstrations. We are also
preparing for Fall-Leadership activities, and our first official meeting next week. We look
forward to a great first semester. - Reporter, Josie Clarey
Faulkton FFA is a new chapter this year. We started off the school year by learning about
land judging and we traveled to Gettysburg for the Land and Range Judging School.
One of our main goals for the year is to educate our school and community about FFA.
We look forward to having a successful first year and learning as much as possible! -
Talisa Wager, Faulkton FFA Secretary
The Gettysburg FFA members had a busy summer. All had SAE progams going on. The
FFA relay for life derby car raised $1000.00 for cancer research. 8 memers attended
Rangeland days and Soils days in Eagle Butte in June. We hosted and land and range
school on September 13th and attended the land and range school in Bowdle on the 18 in
preparation for the land and range competition at wessington springs on october 2nd.
Members showed swine in the FFA show at the State fair. Now it is time to get back into
the swing of things in school. Every one in the school received their laptop computers
and that is creating some challenges but we will get that under control in a short time
The floriculture team is preparing for nationals. All are looking forward to leaderships
CDE's coming up in November at Miller. We also have a new chapter in our district at the
Faulkton High school and are looking forward to working with them. Looking forward to
a great year and hope you have the same. - Matt Breen, Gettysburg FFA President
Music To Our Ears
By: Melanie Koehlmoos - 2006-2007 State Reporter
South Dakota FFA will be well represented this October in Indianapolis,
IN at the 2007 National FFA Convention. This year South Dakota has
students participating in the chorus, band, and talent portions of
National Convention. The chorus and band both consist of roughly 100
students from across the nation. Members of the chorus include Kay
Huffman, Harrisburg; Joe Nepodal, Platte and Carl Wobig of McCook
Central. Members of the band include T.J. Amdahl, McCook Central; Jody
Hoiten, McCook Central and Traci Osterberg of McCook Central. Melanie
Koehlmoos of De Smet and Randy Burghardt of Howard were selected to be
a part of the Talent Show during the National Convention.
The musicians from across the nation will meet four days prior to the
National FFA Convention to rehearse, and then perform for convention
sessions and banquets, sharing their musical talent and energy. The eight SD
FFA members will each receive a $150 scholarship from the SD FFA
Foundation to help pay for their travel expenses.
Congratulations to everyone on making it to National Convention. It is a
huge honor to be a part of the National FFA Convention!
Research Pays Off for Florence FFA Member
The National FFA Organization recently named Steven Zemlicka,
graduate member of the Florence FFA Chapter, as a finalist in the
Agriscience Student Scholarship and Recognition Program. Zemlicka, a
2007 graduate of Florence High School, will receive a $1000 scholarship
and compete for national honors at the 80 th National FFA Convention, Oct.
24-27, 2007, in Indianapolis, IN.
Eligible FFA members are selected on the basis of research projects
involving agriscience skills, using applications and new technologies
learned in their high school agriculture classes. Students apply these
lessons to their supervised agricultural experience programs (SAE). They
also are evaluated on their academic achievement, as well as their
involvement in school and community activities.
The afternoon of Oct. 25, Zemlicka will present his agriscience project
design, development and results to a panel of judges as part of the national
finals. A display of Zemlicka’s project, “Isolation of Oil-Eating Bacteria,”
will be part of an agriscience exhibit at the FFA National Agricultural
Career Show held in conjunction with the national FFA convention. The
program offers members the opportunity to demonstrate academic
excellence, learning and application of new agriscience skills. The program
is sponsored by Monsanto as a special project of the National FFA
Foundation.
FFA Day at the Dome
Erin Kennedy SD FFA Vice President
On a breezy, sunny day in July,
FFA members from across the state
jumped into suburbans, cars, and
busses and headed off to Minneapolis,
MN for FFA Day at the Dome! FFA
Day at the Dome was held in on July
22th, 2007 at the Target Center where
the Minnesota Twins played the Los
Angeles Angels! Although the Game
resulted in an unfortunate way, with
the Angels winning 7 to 2, all seemed
to really enjoy the game! Although the
baseball game was a great reason to
come, it was not the only reason for the journeys to Minneapolis!
The Minnesota FFA Association held a complimentary cook out in
honor of the members and sponsors of South Dakota, North Dakota, and
Minnesota. Famous Dave’s BBQ pork sandwiches, chips, beans, potato salad
and Ice Cream were all provided for visitors of the event.
South Dakota FFA Chapters who made the journey to Minnesota for
this event were Garretson, Webster, Flandreau, and Florence. While at the
game, members had an opportunity to see the South Dakota State FFA
Officers sing the 7th-inning stretch song (Take Me Out to the Ball Game for
those of your who aren’t baseball savvy) and they also had the opportunity to
see the State FFA President, Brett Monson, throw the first pitch of the game!

Thank You to our SD FFA Foundation Bronze
Sponsors ($50 - $99)
Alcester-Hudson High School
Brad Bies Pierre
Chad Voss Bristol
Chris Nelson Pierre
Chuck and Kathy Tollefson Clark
Chuck and Koreen Anderson Lemmon
Citizens State Bank Arlington
Clair Welbon Madison
CountryView Catering Lake Preston
Curtis Brudos Parker
Darrel Dean Bloomfield, NE
Dave and Julaine Stratmeyer Lennox
David and Cheryl Horsley Humboldt
David Moberg White
Dawn Sheehan Gettysburg
Don and Carol Kaberna Wagner
Don and Helen Jacobson Canova
Eugene and Stella Nagel Gettysburg
First National Bank of Pierre
Fred Oien Brookings
Gerri Ann and Shoe Eide Gettysburg
In Memory of Larry Richard Grey by the Employees of the Office of
Career and Technical Education
Jack and Kim Anderson Lemmon
Jason Soren Lake Preston
Jensen Charolais Ranch Lake Preston
Jerry Janisch Milbank
Jessie Geib DeSmet
Jim and Karen Kopriva Raymond
Jim Ludens Dairy Geddes
Johnson Oil Co., Inc. of Redfield
Josh Hehn Aberdeen
KELOLAND Television Sioux Falls
Koletzky Implement, Inc. Yankton
Krecia and Donnie Leddy Stockholm
Lester Moeller St. Lawrence
Lloyal Saugstad Waubay
Lon Moeller Brookings
Marty Bertsch Yankton
Micah Hansen Winona, MN
Mid River Vet Clinic Chamberlain
Midwest Cooperatives Pierre
Midwest Glass Inc. Brookings
Minnwest Bank Ortonville Ortonville, MN
Myron Gross Frankfort
Odden Charolais Ranch Lake Preston
Orval Graber Winner
Paul Engbrecht Marion
Paul Knecht Pierre
Ray’s Variety Show Garretson
Robert Bauman Clark
Ronald Nelson Madison
Scott Cammack Sturgis
Shane Reis Reliance
Sharp’s Inc. Bath
Shawn Weishaar Lemmon
Sioux Falls Stock Yards
Sioux Valley Energy Colman
Steve and Nancy Solum Florence
Stewart Charolais Lake Preston
T & R Electric Supply Co, Inc. Colman
Taylor Music Aberdeen
Teresa Herring Newell
Terry Strohfus Hazel
Tom and Karen Swan Newell
Vedvei Charolais Lake Preston
Vern’s Mfg., Inc. Wessington
Wienk Charolais Lake Preston
Zach and Lavyne Rada Raymond, MN
Foundation Feature –
October 2007
Another busy summer has ended, and we are back
to school and back to work. No matter what the
season, we stay “Forever Blue” as we connect with
FFA members in all walks of life. Look for our
“Where’s Your Jacket” display at a farm show near you,
and tell us your story!
The SD FFA Foundation held our first SD FFA
Auction at the SD State Fair this year. Thank you to all
who were involved! We look forward to expanding this
event into an FFA Alumni gathering in the future.
Calling all golfers! The SD FFA Foundation is
working on our first ever SD FFA Golf Tournament.
Watch future newsletters for details!
“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

The Wagner FFA Chapter’s Monumental Experience at WLC
Submitted by: Kim Kokesh, chapter vice President
The Wagner FFA chapter spent about a week in Washington
D.C. touring monuments and learning new leadership roles to
take back to their communities. The 14 members and two
museum, Animal museum, Native American museum, Arlington
Cemetary, saw the spot where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I
have a dream speech”, The Jefferson monument, visited the capital
chaperones, that attended this conference left Sioux Falls airport on building and also visited with Stephanie Herseth and John Thune.
June 19 and arrived back to Sioux Falls airport on June 24. It was The National FFA organization had some great sessions and
a great and exciting trip. It gave all members an up boost of taught lessons that we learned to better serve our community. We
leadership roles to accomplish in their futures.
played games to give us a visual idea of how hard some people
The chaperones that came along with us were advisor-David have it and to work as a team. On the fifth day in Washington D.C.
Koupal and Matt Heeb. We want to give a big “thank you” to these the national FFA organization and all 250+ members attending,
two people for going with us and helping us gain more knowledge from numerous states, worked as a team to pull weeds or pick green
in leadership and U.S. history. The members that attended were leaves on a farm in Maryland. The FFA members gathered over 409
Bryce Eggers, Kristi Kokesh, Brandon Soulek, Chad Beeson, John bags worth of green leaves and this totaled over 10,000 lbs. of food
Rysavy, Robert Kokesh, Daniel Koupal, Kim Kokesh, Courtney for the hungry.
Krcil, Caitlin Kreeger, Steven Koupal, Jordan Krcil, Steven
This trip was so inspirational and we all had a great time. We
Holzbauer, and Brandon Eggers.
helped people, learned new ideas to increase our leadership roles,
As a group we toured the Washington monument, Lincoln and toured many monuments in Washington D.C. We learned that
monument, Iwo Jima memorial, WWII memorial, Korean
memorial, Vietnam memorial, Holocaust museum, Air and Space
one person can make a difference!
Name: Erin Marie
Kennedy
Age: 18
Hometown: Beresford
Favorite color: Green and
Pink
Favorite Breakfast Cereal: Cinnamon Life,
Honey Nut Cheerios, Honey Bunches of Oats
Best FFA memory: WLC, National
Convention with my Parli-Pro Team, Getting
my first FFA Jacket
Favorite Childhood Toy: My Barbie’s and
my coloring books
Favorite CDE: Parli-Pro or Ag Issues
Name: Brett Allen
Monson
Age: 19
Hometown: Webster
Favorite Color: Orange
Favorite Breakfast Cereal: Count Chocula’s
Best FFA memory: Minutes right before our
chapter officer team went in to compete in
the District 1 Parliamentary Procedure CDE.
We all put our hands in the middle for a team
huddle, and each went around the circle
telling memories and words of
encouragement and confidence.
Favorite Childhood Toy: Toy Cars
Favorite CDE: Dairy Foods
Get to Know Your State Officers!
Name: Noelle Elizabeth
Rist
Age: 19
Hometown: Hartford
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Breakfast Cereal:
LIFE, Honey Grams,
Honey Bunches of Oats
Best FFA memory: National Convention
freshman year
Favorite Childhood Toy: Barbie’s and Fairy
Dancers (the little fairies that you launched
into the air when you pulled a string!)
Favorite CDE: Floriculture and Job Interview
Name: Lauren Marie
Fosheim
Age: 19
Hometown: Webster
Favorite Color: Candyapple
Red
Favorite Breakfast Cereal:
Marshmallow Mateys
Best FFA memory: Traveling to National
Convention with my advisor and 3 friends to
operate the state booth
Favorite Childhood Toy: Bop It
Favorite CDE: Crops Judging
Name: Sara Louise Berg
Age: 18
Hometown: Baltic
Favorite Color: Green and
Yellow
Favorite Breakfast Cereal:
KIX (kid tested, mother
approved!)
Best FFA Memory: When one of the Baltic
members put icy hot on his face during an
FFA trip
Favorite Childhood Toy: a tug boat
Favorite CDE: Job Interview and Horse
Judging
Name: Matt Alan
Dybedahl
Age: 19
Hometown: Colton
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Breakfast Cereal:
Quaker Oats Squares
Best FFA Memory: National Convention
Trips
Favorite Childhood Toy: John Deere Tractors
Favorite CDE: Livestock Judging
FFA Comic by Brett Monson & Matt Dybedahl