FFA Inside the Emblem: Milbank

Number of members: 157

Milbank, South Dakota

Grant County

Tell us about your chapter. The FFA chapter was established in 1943. We have a total of 157 FFA members, ranging from grades 8-12. We have eight Milbank FFA officers and seven junior FFA officers. We participate in many activities at the local, state and national levels. We have students who participate in Valley Queen Cheeseburger Day, summer leadership camps, making a homecoming float each year, the Northeast Region Land and Range Contest, Jackrabbit Invite, Little International, Cancer Walk Project Donation, Lake Area College Weld Off, and career development events and leadership development events at the regional, state and national levels. We have also had students participate in the national FFA band.

How does your chapter volunteer in the community throughout the year? The Milbank FFA members volunteer at Cheeseburgers Day. Valley Queen organized this event to celebrate June Dairy Month. The FFA members helped wrap cheeseburgers and helped with the serving line. During FFA Week, the Milbank FFA officers serve an appreciation breakfast for teachers, volunteer firemen, law enforcement and emergency medical technicians. The Milbank FFA officer team partners with the Milbank Chamber of Commerce agriculture committee for the agriculture appreciation breakfast, which occurs during National Ag Week. The agriculture committee prepares the breakfast and the officers serve it to the community

What fundraisers does your chapter do throughout the year? Which is the most successful? The Milbank FFA holds a fruit sales fundraiser every October. During this fundraiser, we sell mixed fruit boxes, Valley Queen cheese boxes and butter braids.

What are the biggest events of the year? The biggest event is the state convention. This is a great event to celebrate the FFA members’ accomplishments.

What is unique about your chapter? One unique aspect of our chapter is the longevity of the chapter advisors. The minimum time one advisor served was five years. Two advisors have served in their role for over 30 years. The first female FFA advisor, Sara Colombe, came in August 2022. Having consistent FFA advisors in this role has been essential in the success of the FFA chapter. Since 1947, the FFA chapter has made over 50 appearances with CDE and LDE teams at the National FFA Convention.

When was your chapter founded and how has it evolved? The FFA chapter was established in 1943. Throughout the years, there have been a total of eight FFA advisors. 2023-2024 was the first year in which we added a co-advisor. We continue to grow in FFA members each year.