South Dakota FFA Updates

• Caroline Hansen, Leadership & Program Manager
• caroline.hansen@sdaged.org
• 605-380-7308
• Wyatt DeJong, Executive Secretary
• wyatt.dejong@sdaged.org
• 605-842-5683
• Mercedes Snedeker, State Advisor
• mercedes.snedeker@state.sd.us
• 605-295-4446

• April 1: State Officer & Ambassador Apps Due
• April 2: State Convention Registration Deadline

Campus Map: a map of DWU Campus noting building locations and parking lots will be provided at a later date!

• If your student(s) plan to print their poster rather than using a tri-fold board, DWU will have stands available for use! (photo below).
• If you know you would like to use one of these display boards, please let Caroline know!

Campus Tours

• DWU has offered to provide campus tours to students interested. If you have interest in that, please let Caroline know!

All State Convention updates can be found at this link: https://app.smore.com/n/d1b5n

Please bookmark this as we will be updating it to include changes so you have 1 place to go for State Convention information!

Below you will find the invitation for the Teach Ag Signing Day which will take place at State Convention. Please encourage any graduating seniors or college freshmen who are planning to enroll in Agricultural Education to complete the survey to be recognized on Monday, April 20th during the Convention Pre-Session. All the information for this can be found below. Please have students scan the QR code or click the link on the attachment to sign up. Questions can be directed to josh.christiansen@k12.sd.us.

The 2027 State FFA Convention will be held April 18-20, 2027.

Applications:

• State Officer and Ambassador Applications are due April 1. Signed agreements and advisor recommendations are also due that day. The application link, upload links, and agreement forms can be found at the link below.
  

Interviews:

• State Officer Interviews will take place April 7th-8th in Mitchell. Interviews will be held at the McGovern Library on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University! We plan to begin by 10am on the 7th. More detailed information will be sent directly to candidates and advisors after the deadline.
• State Ambassador Interviews will take place during State Convention. Time/Date pending applicants' availability.
  
  

Interview Housing:

• Hotel rooms have been reserved at the Quality Inn in Mitchell. The association will book rooms for candidates and bill the chapter for those costs. If you are an advisor driving your candidate, you will need to book your own room.

Washington Leadership Conference

• Registration opens at 5pm Central Time on Wednesday, March 4
• Link to register: https://www.ffa.org/conference/washington-leadership-conference-wlc/

Grants for Growing Application Now Open

• This is a competitive grant program sponsored by Tractor Supply Company (TSC) for middle and high school FFA chapters to develop and improve project-based or experiential learning opportunities for students. FFA chapters may apply for up to $5,000 through the program
• Link to apply: https://www.ffa.org/grants-for-growing/

• Help your FFA members build lasting networks and essential life skills. The National FFA Chapter Connect program brings together 30 FFA chapters from across the country to build meaningful connections and share experiences. From June 2026 through April 2027, participating chapters will partner with another chapter to engage in activities, attend sessions together at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, and work on a joint project focused on leadership, teamwork and collaboration. Grants are available to help offset travel and participation costs. Applications are due by Friday, April 24. Apply today!

Bring The Magic of the Make48 TV Show to Your Classroom

• Registration for the National FFA Endorsed Activity, Make48 Innovation Experience, closes April 1. This is a structured, industry-connected project-based competition where students work in teams to solve real business challenges, prototype solutions, and pitch their ideas. Learn more and reserve your spot before April 1.

Application Deadline for Next Gen: Animal Systems

• Do you have students interested in pursuing a career in animal systems? Next Gen: Animal Systems will be held in Kansas City, Sept. 15-19, and provides an opportunity for them to explore pathways through informational sessions, industry roundtables and tours. Applications for Next Gen: Animal Systems are due April 15. Apply today!

Endorsed Activities through National FFA

• We know that our members have various interests, so to meet those needs, the National FFA Organization has partnered with other organizations to create a variety of National FFA Endorsed Activities. Below are a few of our endorsed activities currently open to participants.

  · Agilities

  · Commodity Challenge

  · Farm Robotics Academy & Challenge

  · International Junior Auctioneer Championship (IJAC)

  · Invention Convention

  · National Wildlife Habitat Education Program Competition

  
  

American Star Awards Judges Needed

• National FFA is seeking qualified volunteers from every state association to serve as judges for the American Star Awards. Individuals should have a solid understanding of the Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program, the Star and/or Agricultural Proficiency Award application, and pertinent industry knowledge. Judges can be teachers, state staff, teacher educators, corporate partners, and supporters of all kinds as long as they have the foundational knowledge necessary to understand the document, including the financial pages. Learn more about what judging entails with this American Star Judge Expectations document. To express your own interest or suggest other qualified judges, please email Brett Evans, Awards & Recognition Team Leader, with the information below by Friday, April 17.

  • Name
  • Email Address
  • Affiliation/Background (i.e., state staff, current or past ag teacher, teacher educator, supporter, etc.)