BROOKINGS –– FFA members are preparing for agriculture careers, learning the role agriculture plays in feeding and clothing the world, and looking for opportunities to grow the industry. FFA’s Career Development Events are built around ag industry careers, expose members to many of the opportunities and needs in the agriculture sector, and enable them to develop and refine their abilities to critically evaluate, effectively communicate and ultimately, succeed in future careers.

This year 2,300 South Dakota FFA members competed in 15 Career Development Events at the State FFA Convention. Congrats to our state Career Development Event winners:

Agricultural Business Management
1st place team: Ethan
2nd: Willow Lake
3rd: Elkton

Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems
1st place team: Brookings
2nd: Sunshine Bible Academy
3rd: Harrisburg

Agronomy
1st place team: McCook Central
2nd: Wessington Springs
3rd: Hot Springs

Top Individuals:
1. Robert Hine, Wessington Springs
2. Kaylee Klinkhammer, McCook Central
3. Briella Wettlaufer, Howard

Dairy Cattle Evaluation
Top Individuals:
1. Elena Andrews, Beresford
2. Brityn Davies, Lake Preston
3. Ava Couser, Brookings

Floriculture
Top Individuals:
1. Brylee Wallman, Miller
2. Ema Dissing, Tri-Valley
3. Whisper Apple, Garretson

Meats Evaluation:
1st Place Team: Brookings
2nd: Tri-Valley
3rd: Hitchcock Tulare

Milk Quality & Products:
First Place Team: McCook Central
2nd: Willow Lake
3rd: Langford FFA

Poultry:
1st Place Team: Sunshine Bible Academy
2nd: Hot Springs
3rd: Parker

Top Individuals:
1. Lyzzie Rapp, Hot Springs
2. Saige Lessman, Parker
3. James Burma, Sunshine Bible Academy

Vet Science:
1st Place Team: Mitchell
2nd: Miller
3rd: Howard

Top Individuals:
1. Hope Baysinger, Mitchell
2. Emma Fritzsche, Miller
3. Delaney Zoss, Mitchell