South Dakota FFA Updates
Published March 20, 2026
State Staff Contacts
- 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
- March 20: Spring Semester Roster Submissions and Payment Due
- March 25: Agriscience Paperwork and Judges List Due
- March 31: CDE District Reporting Form Due
- April 1: State Officer & Ambassador Apps Due
- April 2: State Convention Registration Deadline
State Agriscience Updates
Primary Staff Contact: Caroline
Paperwork Submission Deadline: March 25th
- Please make sure to use the National FFA Template! Templates available here: https://ffa.app.box.com/s/cf4o9ys85ieer7z5xqcjn17raji0tvgp
Judge Sign-up Due March 25th: https://forms.gle/78sdG7KcXnas41237
Campus Map: a map of DWU Campus noting building locations and parking lots will be provided at a later date!
Lunch Numbers:
Display Boards:
- The DWU dining will have lunch available for anyone, however, they would like some estimated numbers to be prepared. There are other lunch options around town, but if you plan to have your students eat on campus, please fill out this form so we have a rough count to provide them. Each student will still order and pay for their meal individually, this is simply a count to plan.
- https://forms.gle/4ABACTitxo6BkGcW9
- Additional meal options include Pizza Ranch and McDonalds just down the street, but not walking distance. There are several other options around Mitchell as well.
- 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!
State Convention Updates
Primary Staff Contact: Caroline & Wyatt
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!
2027 State Convention Dates
The 2027 State FFA Convention will be held April 18-20, 2027.
State Officer and Ambassador Applications
Primary Staff Contact: Caroline
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. (Exact location TBD but will be shared!) We plan to begin by 10am on the 7th.
- 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.
2026-2027 Officer Team Tentative Dates
This link includes tentative dates for the officer team! It is not extensive nor does it include all things, but it's a good starting point for your planning purposes. Many things are flexible based on the officer's availability.
Updates from National FFA
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/
2026 Native Youth in Food & Agriculture Leadership Summit
- Do you know any current or former American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian students ages 18 to 24 who are interested in agriculture? The 2026 Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit, set for July 9-17 in Fayetteville, Ark., is an opportunity for them to foster connections, develop key skills, and connect with industry experts. Applications are open until Friday, March 20, 2026.
- Link to apply: https://form.asana.com/?k=LQc6VARdZF-PBZGuZmDyng&d=964360232897899
- 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.