West Central FFA

04/22/2026

Lyric Riepma has been working with horses since she began walking. This week, that passion paid off as she was named the State Horse Evaluation Champion!

04/22/2026

Our finalists in the Social Systems Category of the State FFA Agriscience Fair include:
Emma Gerdes
Ashtyn Nilson
Cambree Ideker

Ashtyn and Cambree will advance to National level competition!

04/22/2026

Congratulations to our finalists in Food Products and Processing Systems.
Hadley Borgen
Dani Meyer
Autumn Verhoek
Joshua Jungwirth
Teagan Lupkes
Brooklyn Roberts

Hadley and Dani will advance to National level competition!

04/22/2026

Congratulations to our State Agriscience Fair Finalists in the Plant Systems Category!
Emery Hartman
Joslyn Stahl
Caydence Finch
Aiden Lueth
Chase Stromer
Kenasyn Johnson
Eva Healy
Blake Tuschen
Darryn Beck

Joslyn and Caydence will advance to National level competition!

04/22/2026

Congratulations to our Environmental Natural Resource Systems State Agriscience Fair Finalists.
Nate Struck
Noah Erickson
Keenan Hackett
Kaelor Houseman
Bennett O'Kane
Blake Bartmann
Grace Rick

04/22/2026

Congratulations to Alex Siemonsma and Stella Siemonsma who placed 2nd in the Animal Systems Category, Division 6

04/09/2026

On Wednesday, April 8th, 52 West Central FFA members presented their research to judges at the State FFA Agriscience Fair held on the campus of DWU in Mitchell.

Research Abstracts were scored prior to the in-person portion of the competition. The state Finalists have been named and final placings will be announced during the State FFA Convention later this month.

Our Finalists include:
Animal Systems:
Alex Siemonsma and Stella Siemonsma

Plant Systems:
Emery Hartman
Joslyn Stahl and Caydence Finch
Chase Stromer and Aiden Lueth
Eva Healy
Kenasyn Johnson
Blake Tuschen and Darryn Beck

Food Systems:
Dani Meyer and Hadley Borgen
Autumn Verhoek and Joshual Jungwirth
Teagan Lupkes and Brooklyn Roberts

Environmental Systems:
Grace Rick
Blake Bartmann and Bennett O'Kane
Keenan Hackett and Kaelor Houseman
Nate Struck and Noah Erickson

Social Systems:
Emma Gerdes
Cambree Ideker and Ashtyn Nilson

01/24/2026

It was great to get a chance to visit with our District Legislators.

The highlight for this week was having the West Central Ag Issues team join us at the Capitol! They presented their research on autonomous equipment and its impact on agriculture to both the House and Senate Agriculture committees. This seven-member team won the state Ag Issues contest and will represent South Dakota this October at the national event in Indianapolis, IN. Compliments to the team and their FFA Advisor, Linda Petersen, Agricultural Education Instructor!!

This past week, I found myself playing defense against a few agency bills. When an agency brings a bill, they carry a heavy presumption of passage.

Senate Bill (SB) 70 introduced by the Department of Transportation. The Department wanted to consolidate four boards/commissions into one. This included the South Dakota Aeronautics Commission, South Dakota State Railroad Board, South Dakota Railroad Authority and the Transportation Commission. The operational diversity of the aviation industry far exceeds that of the rail and highway sectors. Tactical, strategic, and space military operations integrated with civilian air medical (MEDEVAC and outreach missions), law enforcement, search and rescue (Civil Air Patrol), airline, air charter, freight, agriculture, general aviation flight training and recreational flying with rapidly expanding UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle - drones) operations all are placing further demands on our aviation infrastructure. As aviation technology continues to outpace other transportation sectors, we cannot afford to undermine the Aeronautics Commission and risk falling further behind our neighboring states. Securing our aviation infrastructure demands proactive governance, a visible SDDOT aviation team, and robust support from the Aeronautics Commission. For these reasons and many others, I opposed SB 70. I am so thankful to the aviation community for their proactive approach in opposing this legislation. The bill was defeated in committee 0 - 7.

Senate Bill 25 to “update provisions related to the permit application process for proposed energy and transmission facilities,” sponsored by the Public Utilities Commission. This bill would reduce landowner notice and transparency by eliminating the six-month notice of intent. In addition, local review would no longer be guaranteed by a local review committee. This bill leads to less participation and less transparency. The bill was debated on the floor. The vote tied at 17-17 and will be reconsidered this week. (Usually, we have 35 Senators for an odd number. We had a tie vote due to Senator Beal’s illness. Please keep Senator Beal and his family in your prayers.)

It is a privilege to continue serving District 9! I will not take your trust for granted and will continue to work with accountability and honor.

01/23/2026

We had a great trip to Pierre and I'm thankful to not be driving across the state in today's bitter cold. Our Ag Issues team presented to the House Ag Committee first thing Thursday morning and then shared their research with the Senate Ag Committee after that. The Senate meeting was standing room only! Both presentations were met with positive comments and input for further research. Thanks to Monie Siemonsma for opening her home and hosting us for wonderful meals and some great time for team building and fellowship!

12/12/2025

STATE LDE RECAP 🌾💙💛
What should have been the usual drive across the state to Rapid City turned into a day none of us will forget.
On our way to State Leadership Development Events, we were hit by a semi. In an instant, plans changed. Several students ended up with concussions, nerves were high, and the shock of it all left us rattled. But even in that moment, God’s protection was undeniable. He brought us through safely and surrounded us with the right people at the right time.
One of those people was Mr. Hruby, who dropped absolutely everything to help us get back on the road. His steady presence, calm leadership, and willingness to step in without hesitation made all the difference. We are so grateful for him.
And when we finally made it to Rapid City? These students showed exactly why I believe so deeply in what they are capable of.
Our young Ag Sales team held their own and put together a strong performance, growth, confidence, and so much potential for the future.
Our Ag Communications team delivered beautifully and earned 2nd place at state, their teamwork, creativity, and professionalism shined.
And our Ag Issues team.....even after everything they went through, rose to the moment, placed 1st, and earned their ticket to Nationals. Watching them succeed after such a hard start to the trip was powerful.
There were moms in tears of joy over the performances these students turned in. After the fear and the uncertainty of the day, those moments of pride meant even more.
Through it all, we found blessings everywhere, safety, strength, support, and the kind of memories that bond a chapter together for life. God brought us to these contests for a reason, and He carried us through each step.
Thankful, humbled, and incredibly proud of this team. On to the next chapter. 💙💛🌾

12/10/2025

Fruit orders are in and students are working hard at getting everyone’s orders separated to get sent out to everyone who ordered!