Schweer Takes First Place in Vet Science at State FFA

The 98th South Dakota State FFA Convention convened in Brookings on April 20 .The three-day event welcomed nearly 2,000 students from across the state. Kayla Schweer was top finisher for Milbank and the state winner in the Veterinary Science competition. Kalli Grong, Kenzie Kooima, and Ashlynn Lamp each received their South Dakota State FFA Degree.

Milbank FFA Members Results:
Dairy Cattle- Third  Place  (Devon Mueller-5th, Mackenzie Mueller-2nd, and Shyenne Giossi-54th) (top photo left is Milbank FFA advisor, Sara Colombe with students )

Vet Science-Kayla Schweer- First  Place

Ag. Mechanics – Fifth Place  (Sebastion Vogel-50th, Cody Wiik-8th, Layten Osowski-21st, and Isaak Weston-33rd)

Food Science – Eighth Place (Hunter Reede-16th, Teaneashae Vogel-20th, Isabella Hicks-23rd and Kinley Vanhoorn-22nd)

Horse Evaluation Ninth Place  (Taylor Anderson 110th, Bailey Schwagel-14th, Madelyn VanLith-34th, and Neveah Nilson-100th)

Livestock Evaluation – 11th Place (Kenzie Kooima-20th, Kendra Grong-75th, and Tenley Bohn-58th)

Agronomy – 31st Place  (Levi Street-130th, Darin Hagen-124th, William DeBoer-150th, and Kyler Brandenburger-135th)

Farm Safety Quiz Bowl Team and Milk Quality-19th Place  (Payton Lamp-84th, Avery Lamp-90th, Luke Torgerson-56th, and Samuel Shelstad)

Natural Resources – 26th Place  (Ashlynn Lamp-97th, Alayna Gloe-149th, and Megan Wiese-50th)

Poultry – 19th Place  (Samuel Garcia-95th, Jack Street-41st,  Oliver Erickson-69th, and Seth VanHoorn-83rd)

South Dakota FFA  is celebrating  the theme Step Up during 2026. The state gathering focused on highlighting members’ achievements and growth. Chris Scheufele – also known as Shoof – a comedian and educator –  was the keynote speaker. National FFA Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppl also addressed the group.

MHS will host the 2026 FFA banquet at the school on Thursday, April 30. The event begins at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. Members, parents, FFA alumni, and supporters are invited.