Proficiency finalists to represent SD at National FFA Convention

The South Dakota FFA is pleased to announce the state will be represented by three Proficiency Finalists at the 2014 National FFA Convention. The finalists are:

• Shane Mueller, Garretson – Ag Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship

• Melissa Nelson, McCook Central – Diversified Livestock

• Lane Van Hull, Viborg-Hurley – Swine Production Entrepreneurship

Students competed against over 1,350 applications from across the nation in 49 categories ranging from Emerging Agricultural Technologies to Diversified Crop Production. The top South Dakota student in each proficiency area was selected to compete against nominees from other states, Puerto Rico, & the Virgin Islands. Of these candidates, the top four students in each area were selected to compete for honors presented during the National FFA Convention, Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in Louisville, KY.

Outstanding candidates possess the highest levels of skills and significant progress in moving into an agricultural career or enterprise as a result of the Agricultural Education Program, their Supervised Agricultural Experience Program and their involvement in FFA. All finalists are also eligible to compete to go on a week long International Experience Tour to Costa Rica provided by the National Sponsors as part of the Special Projects they support.

FFA is a national youth organization of 610,240 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,665 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org or aged.sdstate.edu for more information or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.