Tessa Erdmann

2021-2022 State President

Tessa Erdmann is from Groton, South Dakota and is majoring in Agricultural Business and Economics at South Dakota State University. Tessa’s FFA journey began the summer before her freshman year of high school when she wore her blue corduroy jacket for the first time at the National FFA Washington Leadership Conference. As a four-year FFA member, her SAE project has included raising Boer meat goats. Tessa has also been active in a variety of FFA contests from dairy cattle judging and showing livestock to competing in Creed Speaking, Marketing Plan and Employment Skills, which she counts as her favorite. Tessa credits FFA with shaping her leadership skills and perseverance – and she is excited to help other youth hone their skills through FFA. “FFA offers something for everyone, and it opens doors to a bright future,” Erdmann says.

Hadley Stiefvater

2021-2022 State Secretary

Hadley Stiefvater is from Salem, SD and will be a sophomore this fall at South Dakota State University. She is double majoring in Animal Science and Agriculture Leadership with a minor in Ag Business and a certificate in Ag and Environmental Law. Hadley’s favorite CDEs were Veterinary Science, Poultry Evaluation, and Livestock Judging. Her SAE consists of a diversified livestock operation, AgriScience research, and veterinary placement hours. Hadley joined the McCook Central FFA chapter as an 8th grade homeschool student where she developed a deeper love and passion for agriculture research and leadership throughout her high school career. FFA has made a remarkable impact on Hadley’s life and career, and she looks forward to sparking and fueling a passion for agriculture in the each of the members she serves this year.

Alexis Hughes

2021-2022 State Reporter

Alexis Hughes is from Rapid City, SD. She is planning to study Human Biology beginning this fall at SDSU. Alexis’s favorite CDE was Horse Evaluation. Her team won State her sophomore year and went on to compete at Nationals, where they placed 4th. Alexis took care of and trained horses to compete in barrel racing for her SAE project. One year into her project, she won a buckle on a horse she started as part of her SAE. Alexis credits FFA for shaping her into the confident leader she is today. She can’t wait to build lifelong friendships as she serves as the State Reporter this upcoming year. “FFA has become a family for me and I am excited to become a leader and role model for all South Dakota members,” said Hughes.

Kylie Harriman

2021-2022 State Ambassador

Kylie Harriman is from the Menno FFA Chapter.

John Petersen

2021-2022 State Vice President

John Petersen is from Sturgis, SD, and will be majoring in Human Biology this fall at South Dakota State University. His favorite CDE is Food Science & Technology, while his Favorite LDE is Parliamentary Procedure. John’s SAE consists of building various Ag-related structures such as barns and shops. Throughout his project, he learned about safety, equipment maintenance, and general construction knowledge. John’s FFA journey began his freshman year, where he competed in Creed Speaking and Conduct of Chapter Meetings. His love for the FFA was sparked by all the opportunities he had to travel the state, meet new people, learn about South Dakota Agriculture, and ultimately, grow as an individual.

Paige Lehrkamp

2021-2022 State Treasurer

Paige Lehrkamp is Rapid City, SD. She is currently majoring in Agriculture Education at South Dakota State University. Paige’s favorite CDE was Livestock Evaluation. She enjoyed getting to help other students find their passion for judging livestock as well as growing in her own knowledge. For her SAE project, Paige worked with her 10 head of Gelbvieh cattle and 25 head of Suffolk Ewes. She has gotten to show her cattle and sheep all across the state, even in neighboring states. She joined FFA to help other member to help them grow in their knowledge of agriculture and to help them find their passion.

Trinity Peterson

2021-2022 State Sentinel

Trinity Peterson is from Willow Lake, SD. She will be double majoring in Political Science and Agricultural Business at South Dakota State University. Trinity’s favorite LDE was Parliamentary Procedure. Her SAE consisted of a vegetable garden she grew for her family as well as working at summer camp. Trinity joined FFA her freshman year and fell in love with the organization. She quickly realized that FFA was more than just farming, and she credits FFA for developing and defining her leadership skills. In Trinity’s eyes, FFA is a place where all are welcome and all belong.

Kayleigh Thill

2021-2022 State Ambassador

Kayleigh Thill is from the Lennox-Sundstrom FFA Chapter.