Submitted Photo South Prairie Ag Sales team members are, left to right, Gracie Rauschenberger, Brylee Beeter, Joshua Lindbo, Natalee Becker, with ag instructor Benjamin Seidler.

The South Prairie FFA Agricultural Sales team finished third in national competition in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Oct. 23. The team composed of members Natalee Becker, Brylee Beeter, Gracie Rauschenberger, and Joshua Lindbo, qualified for nationals in March.

The Agricultural Sales Career Development Event (CDE) provides students with invaluable experience and skills in marketing agricultural products. Teams collaborate to create a sales plan based on product information and customer profiles provided to them. Judges evaluate both the planning process and the final sales plan. Participants also complete a written exam to test their knowledge of sales concepts, sell a product individually and conduct a customer service sales call.

This event is ideal for students interested in careers in sales and marketing, as well as for those looking to enhance their skills in customer relations and advertising. The event instills relationship building techniques, communication skills and personal confidence.

A total of 172 contestants from 43 states participated in the national event, where the South Prairie FFA team achieved its impressive third place finish. The team was only five points away from first in a contest of 1,735 points. Individual accomplishments included Lindbo, who placed third overall (Gold); Becker, 22nd (Gold); Rauschenberger, 36th (Gold); and Beeter, 46th (Gold).

This achievement highlights the significant growth of the South Prairie FFA chapter over the past decade and marks its third consecutive year of sending a team to the national competition.

At the State Convention in June, the South Prairie FFA Chapter was awarded a gold rating by the North Dakota FFA Association, qualifying it for national competition in the 3-star, 2-star or 1-star rankings. Chapters are rated as gold, silver or bronze based on their activities at state conventions. The top 12 gold-ranked chapters nationwide advanced to nationals, and the South Prairie FFA chapter earned a 2-star ranking.