MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Two Mitchell-area FFA members won national proficiency awards, leading a slate of local students and chapters recognized at the 2026 National FFA Convention & Expo, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis.

Dylan McGregor of McCook Central won the national Beef Production Placement Proficiency Award. Landon Berg of Bridgewater-Emery won the national Sheep Production Proficiency Award. Both were recognized for their agricultural work through FFA.

Area members also received recognition in speaking, agricultural education, team competitions and scientific research.

Mitchell and Area Members Recognized

Mitchell’s Yartezi Gonzalez Mendez received a participation pin in the Spanish Creed Invitational. Summer Koch of Bridgewater-Emery earned a bronze rating in the Agricultural Education Invitational.

Parkston received a gold rating in Horse Evaluation, while Freeman earned silver in Food Science and Technology. McCook Central received bronze in Conduct of Chapter Meetings.

In the National FFA Agriscience Fair, McCook Central’s Skylar Stiefvater placed fourth in Social Systems, Division 1. Fellow chapter member Levi Horstman finished seventh in Environmental Services/Natural Resources, Division 1.

Julianne Grady of McCook Central was a national proficiency finalist in Agriscience Research–Animal Systems. Howard’s Lacie Weber was a finalist in Outdoor Recreation.

Area Members Receive American FFA Degrees

Members from Ethan, Bridgewater-Emery, Wessington Springs and McCook Central received the American FFA Degree, the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization. The degree recognizes achievement in agricultural experience programs, leadership and community involvement.

Area recipients included:

  • Ethan: Madisyn Raymond.
  • Bridgewater-Emery: Carter Hofer and Rylee Terveen.
  • Wessington Springs: Bailey Yost.
  • McCook Central: Abbie Chase, Joseph Grady, Blake Klitzke, Madison Lauck, Landon Roling, Lauren Roling and Karlie Stiefvater.

Ben and Jennifer Roling of Salem received Honorary American FFA Degrees.

Local Chapters Earn National Ratings

Howard earned a three-star National Chapter Award rating, the highest star rating awarded. Bridgewater-Emery, Freeman and McCook Central received two-star ratings.

The National Chapter Award program recognizes chapters for activities that develop leaders, build communities and strengthen agriculture.

The 99th National FFA Convention & Expo drew 72,907 members, advisers and supporters to Indianapolis, according to the National FFA Organization.

More information about South Dakota FFA is available at sdaged.org. National results are available through the 2026 National FFA convention proceedings.