Milbank FFA Team Takes 12th at National Convention

Milbank FFA students joined more than 70,000 other students from across the nation at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis for the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo held October 23-26. 

Milbank’s Milk Quality team took 12th place and received a Gold rating, along with a special fifth-place award in a team activity. Individually, Joe French earned 21st place; Morgean French, 59th place;Jacob Erickson, 76th place; and Veronica Fonder, 79th place.

In the Food Science division Milbank brought home 30th place and a Bronze rating.

Individually, Raul Berrones Pedraza took 22nd place; Sunne DeBoer, 54th place; Grace Weston, 61st place; and Samuel Shelstad, 69th place.

Three students from South Dakota were chosen to play in the 77-member 2024 National FFA band – Alexis Meyer and Cody Wiik, both of Milbank, and Emersen Lee of Lennox. The National FFA band is one of the convention’s oldest traditions. The band first performed in 1947 at the 20th National Convention. This year’s 77 members hailed from 35 states. The band only had three days from when they first received sheet music until their first performance at the Artsgarden in downtown Indianapolis. Band director, Spencer White, conducted rigorous rehearsals from the moment the members arrived to get them to the professional quality for which they are recognized.

All attendees had the opportunity to participate in competitions, explore careers in the industry, and meet other members. Each student was challenged to get signatures from students from every state and U.S. territory.

Attendees also had options for workshops, speakers, and entertainment.  Motivational comedian Kevin Wanzer and Temple Grandin, renowned author and designer of livestock facilities, served as the keynote speakers. A rodeo, a hypnotist, concerts, bands, and hundreds of vendors were part of the schedule.

Each year, FFA members help complete a service project right on the Expo floor. This year, they loomed potholders in collaboration with Meals on Wheels. The potholders will be given to  the volunteers who deliver the meals and to the recipients of the meals.

The National FFA Convention & Expo has been hosted in Indianapolis since 2016. Prior to that, it was also held in Indianapolis from 2006-2012. The event is scheduled to remain in the city through 2033.

Submitted Photos: Top-Jaccob Erickson, Joe French, Veronica Fonder, Morgean French and TJ Jacoby-Coach.
Bottom- Raul Berrones, Grace Weston, Sunne DeBoer, and Sam Shelstad.