South Dakota FFA extends invite to annual convention

BROOKINGS – The South Dakota FFA Association will host the 85th Annual South Dakota State FFA Convention on April 14-16, 2013, on South Dakota State University’s campus in Brookings, S.D.

The theme of the 85th State FFA Convention was recently announced as “Push it to the Limit.” Throughout the three-day convention, over 2,000 FFA members, advisors and guests will be taking part in leadership activities, career development events and sessions highlighting the successes of South Dakota’s FFA members.

The State FFA Career Development Events are scheduled for April 14-15, 2013. Career Development Event participants will compete in the following areas: Agricultural Business Management, Agricultural Communications, Agricultural Mechanics, Agronomy, Dairy Cattle Evaluation, Floriculture, Food Science and Technology, Horse Evaluation, Livestock Evaluation, Meats Evaluation and Technology, Milk Quality and Products, Natural Resources, Nursery/Landscape, Range Plant Identification and Veterinary Science.

South Dakota FFA members will also be given the opportunity to serve others at the third annual South Dakota FFA Day of Service. Through a partnership between the South Dakota FFA Foundation, South Dakota FFA Association and Kids Against Hunger, FFA members are given the resources needed to package thousands of meals for the less fortunate.

During South Dakota’s State FFA Convention, the State FFA Officers will be conducting five sessions. The State FFA Officers include President Taylor Leonhardt, Groton; Vice President Andy Rausch, Hoven; Secretary Ashley Tonak, Willow Lake; Treasurer Tyler Swan, Newell; Reporter Kelli Garry, Lake Preston; and Sentinel Savanna Sperle, Reva.

The first session begins at 7:00 p.m. on April 14 with reflections from the State FFA Officers. During this session, individuals and chapters will be recognized for outstanding proficiency in agricultural placement and entrepreneurship as well as service to agricultural education. Those FFA members who received their American Degree at the past National Convention will also be recognized. The keynote speaker for the evening will be Rick Rigsby.

The third session will begin at 7:00 p.m. on April 15. The State FFA Degree, the highest degree of membership in the South Dakota FFA, will be conferred upon 264 FFA members during this session. The South Dakota Star Greenhand, Star Farmer, and Stars in Agribusiness, Ag Placement and Agriscience will also be recognized. The keynote address at this session will be delivered by 2012-2013 National FFA Officer Lindsey Anderson.

The final session of the 85th South Dakota State FFA Convention will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16. During this session, the Governor’s Citation for Community Service will be presented to a South Dakota FFA chapter to recognize their outstanding involvement in community service activities. The Career Development Event winners who will advance to the National FFA Convention held in Louisville, K.Y. this fall will also be announced. The installation of the 2013-2014 State FFA Officers will be the culmination of the convention, Tuesday at noon.