99th SDSU Little International | April 1 & 2, 2022
Living the Dream on the Green
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Table of Contents 99th Little International Program
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2021 Meat Judging Team 37
Welcome to Little “I” 5-10
Natalie Hoyes Receives 2021 Walt McCarty Advising Award
Past Little “I” Managers
2021 Annual Beef Bowl 39
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38
Little “I” Advisors 11
The 98th Little “I” Pushes through Adversity
40-41
99th Honored Agriculturalist: Don Marshall
12-13
Sadie Vander Wal wins Forrest Bassford Student Award
42-43
Honored Agriculturalists and Homemakers Honor Roll
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2021 Crops Judging Team 46
Event Descriptions 18-21
SDSU Rodeo Team 47
Beef Division 22
Inaugural Class of the Professional Program in Vet Medicine
2021 CAFES Teacher of the Year
Little “I” Trivia 49
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48
Swine Division 24
CAFES Club Overview 50-57
Sheep Division | Lamb Lead
Bergs Named SDSU Family of the Year
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60-61
2022 Wool Judging Team 27
CAFES Overview 62-63
Dairy Division 28
Pick the Winners 67
Living the Dream on the Green
99th Little “I” Staff 68-79
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Goat Division 30
Little “I” Hardware Winners Over the Years
80-83
CAFES Club of the Year: Alpha Gamma Rho
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Fourth Annual Little “I” Photo Contest
84-87
Horse Division 32
Ag Heritage Museum Seeking Memorabilia
87
Jackrabbits Memorial Jackpot Show
Pete Pritchett Memorial Award
89
Livestock Judging Team 34-35
Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon Team
92
2021 Scholarship Winners 36
Supporter Sponsorships 94
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99th Little “I” Executive Committee:
Pictured, from left, are: (back row) Nathan Linke, Trevor Frost, Emmett Bickett, Evan Wittry, Aaron Linke; (middle row) Karmen Sperr, Adrienne Lipinski, Zoey Schentzel, Cara Teigum, Sadie Vander Wal, Tessa Herman, Anna Karels, Leona Meyer; (front row) Dalton Howe, Cody Gifford, Grady Gullickson, Logan Tesch
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99th Little International Program Friday April 1st Friday April 1st 9:00am Wool Judging 9:30am Heifer Fitting, Prelims 9:50am Novice Sheep Fitting, Prelims 10:00am Tours 10:05am Novice Horse Fitting, Prelims 10:25am Novice Goat Fitting, Prelims 10:40am Novice Dairy Fitting, Prelims 11:00am Tours 11:00am Ag Product Sales 1:00pm Tours 5:00pm Opening Ceremonies 5:15pm Heifer Fitting, Finals 5:35pm Bull Fitting, Finals 5:55pm Novice Sheep Fitting Finals 6:10pm Sheep Fitting, Finals 6:30pm Novice Horse Fitting, Finals 6:50pm Horse Fitting, Finals 7:15pm Lamb Lead, Prelims 7:35pm Novice Goat Fitting, Finals 7:50pm Goat Fitting, Finals 8:10pm Novice Dairy Fitting, Finals 8:25pm Dairy Fitting, Finals 8:45pm Novice Swine Showmanship, Prelims
To see the full event schedule please go to: sdsulittleinternational.com
Catalog Team
Saturday April 2nd 10:00am Experienced Horse Showmanship, Prelims 10:20am Novice Horse Showmanship, Finals 10:40am Experienced Sheep Showmanship, Prelims 10:55am Novice Sheep Showmanship, Finals 11:15am Experienced Beef Showmanship, Prelims 11:35am Novice Beef Showmanship, Finals 12 pm Raven Precision Ag Tour 12 pm Judges Luncheon 12:30pm Sponsor Appreciation Reception 1:00pm Experienced Goat Showmanship, Prelims 1:15pm Novice Goat Showmanship, Finals 1:35pm Experienced Swine Showmanship, Prelims 1:55pm Novice Swine Showmanship, Finals 2:15pm Experienced Dairy Showmanship, Prelims 2:30pm Novice Dairy Showmanship, Finals 3:00-5:00pm Alumni Social 4:00pm Raven Precision Ag Tour 5:00pm Opening Ceremonies 5:15pm Beef Showmanship Finals 5:35pm Sheep Showmanship, Finals 5:55pm Little International Auction 6:10pm Horse Showmanship, Finals 6:30pm Goat Showmanship, Finals 6:50pm Dairy Showmanship, Finals 7:15pm Lamb Lead, Finals 7:35pm Swine Showmanship, Finals 7:35pm Swine Showmanship, Finals 7:55pm Honored Agriculturist Recognition 8:05pm Round Robin 8:50pm Staff Recognition 8:55pm Awards
Executive Committee Editor: Adrienne Lipinski Catalog Superintendent: Marie Robbins Catalog Committee: Jenna Belt, Danika Gordon, Sydney Sheffield Photography Superintendent: Christine Moening Photography Committee: Samantha Schoenbauer, Lauren Weishaar Cover Designer: Tiffany Van Buren Contributing Writers: Nicole Hudson, Sadie Vander Wal, Kristen Smith
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Welcome to Little “I” President Barry H. Dunn
Welcome to the 99th Little International exposition at South Dakota State University. A tradition since 1921, “Little I” is a premier SDSU event that I look forward to attending every year! This event consists of judging, showmanship, and fitting livestock, as well as many other activities for the benefit of high school and college students. There are countless reasons why I love “Little I,” including the fact that nearly 150 of our students from a multitude of majors run and manage the event. These highly motivated students are what makes our university premier thanks to their enthusiastic involvement on campus. It is important to note how versatile opportunities with Little International are. Students can choose to be involved with leadership and management, marketing, communications, caring for livestock, fundraising, or event preparation. Each area is essential to the success of Little International here at SDSU and is a wonderful opportunity for young professionals to learn and exercise these skills for their future careers. Through “Little I”, hundreds of high school and college students come together at the largest two-day agricultural exposition in the country to showcase and refine their skills for a lifetime of success in agriculture. We hope this exposition will highlight the tasks ahead of us in agriculture and beyond – tasks that require the development of innovation, trust, responsibility, collaboration, and hard work. “Little I” is the embodiment of these qualities, and South Dakota State University is proud to host such a fine organization. Thank you for attending this great event, and I hope you enjoy your time at South Dakota State University.
Barry H. Dunn, South Dakota State University President
Dr. John Killefer
It is my pleasure to celebrate the 98th Little International with you! For those that have attended a Little International, it is obvious the level of the partnership and collaboration that goes into making this event possible. I am very impressed with the enthusiasm and engagement of more than 150 students on the Little “I” staff that continue a tradition that is recognized across the nation. Consistent with our land grant mission, our student leaders and participants are engaging in hands-on learning that is both meaningful to their time here at SDSU and will be impactful to their future careers. Along with the serious work and effort that has been put into Little International, I am looking forward to witnessing all of the fun and enjoyment our previous, current and future Jackrabbits will have throughout the event.
This year’s theme is “Living the Dream on the Green,” and I am excited to experience all the fun times with you. I look forward to learning about the many experiences had by the leaders and participants of the 99th Little International and how this very special Little “I” will add to the rich history that truly has made this event a tradition. Learn a little, and in some cases a lot, make new friends and be part of this proud tradition at SDSU. Let the show begin! As always, Go Jacks!
Dr. John Killefer, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences 5
Welcome to the 99th Little International! Grady Gullickson- 99th Little International Manager Welcome to the 99th Little International! We are once again in front of the beautiful red barn and standing on iconic green chips. Those chips not only leave a mark on your shoes but also on your heart. Every year we witness competitors live out their dreams on the green. Students have been working diligently to prepare for their moment at the 99th Little International. It is my honor to welcome you to the Animal Science Arena where dreams come true, and memories are made. We are back in full swing, and it’s a great feeling to have the backing of 99 years of SDSU tradition. Little International is one of the best ways to grow yourself as a leader while being a part of something bigger than yourself. This organization is a great stepping stone for leaders to grow as individuals and professionals. The tremendous growth that happens from a newcomer freshman year to a seasoned veteran senior year, is unmatched by any other organization. The growth made each year by each staff member is beyond belief, and it does not stop there. The connections we make with our time in Little International will be with us forever, and that network of people will always have our back. Even when our time is up with Little “I,” the legacy of it will remain with us. For years to come, we will still look back at those experiences and remember the fond memories that came with it. An event like this is no easy task, but this year’s staff was up to the test. It was an honor and privilege to work with these talented individuals who are some of the hardest working students at South Dakota State University. They showed passion, enthusiasm, and motivation to make the largest twoday student-run livestock exposition, one no one will forget. I want to thank each one of them for their hard work and dedication to this organization over the last nine months. As they are living their dream on the green, be sure to give them
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the applause they very much deserve! Little International and South Dakota State University are happy to welcome FFA and 4-H members back to campus. It is exciting to see these young people at Little “I” as they are the future to this great organization. It is quite a sight to witness the campus being taken over by high school students. Roughly 1,500 students from around the area are competing in Career Development Events at different locations on campus. What a great way to promote SDSU and the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences! This outstanding event is not possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Please check out the catalog, where you will see these astounding individuals through banners and advertisements. These sponsors contribute to an experience that everyone looks forward to year after year. Thank you for your continued support of Little International. Over the last year I have had the honor of working with two high quality advisors, Lora Berg and Dr. Keith Underwood. They have been two of the best resources and people to work with. Their knowledge, help, and input have been crucial in guiding us in the right direction. Thank you, Lora and Dr. Underwood, for your countless hours of service to Little “I”! The centennial celebration, which is possibly the most anticipated, is only one year away! This event will be in good hands with the 100th Manager, Cody Gifford. Cody has a very charismatic personality that allows him to work with anyone. He is determined and motivated to make the 100th Little International an event for the ages, and I do not doubt that for a second. The atmosphere will be second to none, and I cannot wait to witness it as an alumni. Sincerely, Grady Gullickson 99th Little International Manager
“Living the Dream On the Green” Cody Gifford - 99th Little International Assistant Manager Thank you for coming to the 99th Little International! As we start to return to a new normal, I am extremely excited to welcome you to the 99th Little International. Once again, we have a phenomenal staff that have been working diligently to put together another great event this year. It takes a lot of effort from a very large group of students to put on an event this size. Little “I” is the largest student-run livestock exposition in the nation and that is no small task. It is crazy to think of all the people who have been part of this long-lasting tradition at South Dakota State University through the years. Not only have we had a great staff as a part of this event, but we have also been able to highlight many young adults on the green chips. Little “I” involves a large group of college students and a very large group of high school FFA students who are able to expand their agricultural knowledge through the different CDE’s put on by this event. Not only do FFA members further their agricultural education at Little International, but they also learn more about higher education options at SDSU. “Living the Dream on the Green” is a great theme for all of us involved in Little “I”. The passion for the agriculture industry shown by all participants and staff is extraordinary. This theme really shows how our staff feels about agriculture events like Little “I”. I do believe that all of the people involved in this event are living their dreams. This event is so much more than just a livestock expo for all involved. The memories and experiences Little “I” provides to future students, current students, and alumni is incredible. This event allows for students involved to grow as leaders, communicators, and team members. Little “I” also opens up opportunities for everyone involved to make connections with other students and industry professionals.
Of course, this event would not be possible without the support of all of our amazing sponsors. Please continue through this catalog to see our sponsors along with all the different advertisements for great services and products that help support the agricultural industry. Without them, the experiences so many students receive here at this two-day event would not be possible. Thank you for all your support and donations to Little “I”. Another big thank you goes out to our club advisors, Lora Berg and Dr. Keith Underwood. They put in many hours helping guide us and making sure this event can continue to happen. Their commitment to this event is unmatched. This year there is a leader who has worked tirelessly to make sure things are running smoothly, setting up meetings, and making sure things get done and that is our 99th manager, Grady Gullickson. Grady has been doing a tremendous job of lining up meetings, connecting with students, keeping staff involved, and being a great leader to make sure Little International goes great this year. He really exemplifies what being a leader of an organization means. It is easy to see his dedication to the event when talking to him. His drive to put on a great Little “I” goes above and beyond not only my expectations, but also our staff ’s. It has been an amazing experience to work at his side and learn how to put on this event. I am excited to watch Grady grow and to see where he will go in the future. Once again welcome to the 99th Little International. Sincerely, Cody Gifford 99th Little International Assistant Manager
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Little “I” Masters of Ceremonies Lane Speirs Lane Speirs graduated from SDSU in 2018 with a B.S. in Agricultural Communication and in 2020 with an M.Ed. in Student Affairs Administration. Lane grew up outside of Spearfish, SD, only a stone’s throw away from the Wyoming border. Growing up, Lane was actively involved in 4-H at a local and state level. Some of Lane’s favorite childhood memories revolve around showing livestock at the Butte and Lawrence County fair held in Nisland, SD, every summer. Throughout his time as a student at SDSU, Lane was involved in a wide variety of activities. Lane served on the Students’ Association as a CAFES representative, was a Community Assistant in the Pierson Hall agriculture Living and Learning Community, and represented the CAFES as an admissions ambassador. In 2015, Lane was selected as the Next Generation Agricultural Leader for South Dakota through the National
Association of State Departments of Agriculture. In this role, Lane was able to interact with agricultural representatives and policy makers from Argentina, New Zealand and the United States. Some of Lane’s fondest memories of Little International include nights spent dancing in the chips, and watching people from all walks of life experience agriculture firsthand. After graduation, Lane married his beautiful wife, Anna, whom he met at SDSU. Most recently, the couple welcomed their first child, Piper Jane Speirs, in December of 2021. After completing his M.Ed., Lane started work with the SDSU Dairy and Food Science Department as the Coordinator of Recruitment and Academic Services, where he is still happily employed. In his role on the SDSU campus, Lane also serves as an advisor to the Dairy Club and FarmHouse Fraternity. Lane would like to wish all competitors the best of luck, and remind them to make the most of the time they have at SDSU. It goes by too fast!
Carter Vander Wal Carter Vander Wal is a 2020 graduate of South Dakota State University where he majored in Agricultural Economics and minored in Agriculture Business and Agriculture Marketing. Carter grew up as the 4th generation on a feedlot, cow-calf and crop farming operation south of Bruce, South Dakota. Growing up on the farm with his family taught him many lessons in hard work and integrity. His dad would often say, “If you’re not going to do it right, don’t do it all!” His passion grew for agriculture through involvement in FFA and 4-H. Carter served in chapter office positions and competed at state and national competitions. While at SDSU, Carter continued to work on the family farm and be involved in various clubs around campus. He was a part the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity where he made lifelong friends and connections. He served as VNR Social Chairman and VNR Alumni Relations as an active member. He was also a part of NAMA, Omicron Delta Epsilon Economic Honor Society and Agriculture Future of America. Although
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he enjoyed all his organizations, not many could top Little International. Carter was involved for all four years through showing and staff positions. In his first year, he showed a hog in novice swine division. During his second and third years, he was on staff as assistant ag product sales superintendent and assistant agronomy superintendent. In his senior year, Carter served on the executive committee with his cousin Collin. Little International is a family tradition for him, as many relatives have participated over the years. After graduation, Carter’s passion for numbers and agriculture moved him to Omaha, Nebraska where he is a Livestock and Grain Risk Management Consultant for Stone Financial. Carter helps commercial grain elevators and producers navigate volatile markets through consulting and brokerage services. Even though the pandemic gave him and his wife many obstacles, they were able to get married in July 2020 surrounded by friends and family. Carter would like to wish all exhibitors good luck and hope they cherish the memories they have made at SDSU and Little International! Go Big! Go Blue! Go Jacks!!
2021-2022 CAFES Advocate: Sadie Vander Wal
As the daughter of South Dakota State University alumni, I often ask my parents about their favorite SDSU memories, many of which include Little International. (I’ve probably heard the story about how some exhibitors led a heifer up to the fourth floor of Hansen Hall during Little “I” week about a dozen times). But as I finish up my last few months of college, I can honestly say that this organization and event also hold some of my most treasured college experiences. From the “Dance in the Chips” to latenight staff meetings in the Animal Science Complex, I cannot imagine my college career without Little “I” in it. When asked what I love about SDSU the most, the answer is easily its traditions. SDSU’s traditions provide our students with unmatched experiences, and Little “I” is a testament to that. Little “I” is more than just another club on campus. It provides our students with real-world experiences in event planning, financial recordkeeping, livestock husbandry, teamwork and so many other areas. This year, I have had the honor to serve as the CAFES Student Advocate, a position that is voted on every year by the CAFES student body. This role may sound new to some, but it has been a part of our college’s traditions for several decades. The Student Advocate title changed from its former name of the College of Ag & Bio Queen during the 1999-2000 school year
after a student committee decided the name change would reflect the leadership and representative role it assumes in our college. This role is a tradition I have been incredibly honored to have lived out this past year and to have followed in the footsteps of my mom, who served as the Ag & Bio Queen from 1995-1996. As Student Advocate, I serve as an executive team member on CAFES Prexy Council, a student-led governing body of nearly 30 student clubs and organizations in the college. Prexy Council’s largest event is our annual SDSU Ag Day, a tradition that was started 12 years ago to share the positive story of agriculture and the hardworking men and women who produce the world’s food. I would like to invite you to join us at this year’s Ag Day event on Monday, April 11. Throughout the day, SDSU student organizations will host booths promoting the agriculture industry around campus, and promotional items will be given to individuals to showcase their support of agriculture. The highlight of Ag Day is our evening banquet, which will include a student awards program, free meal and our featured speaker, Darren Hefty of Ag PhD and Hefty Seed. Check out our Facebook page for more details about the day’s festivities: facebook.com/SDStatePrexyCouncil. On behalf of the CAFES student body, I would like to welcome you back to campus as you watch our students “living the dream on the green.” After the events of the past two years, it truly is a dream to welcome you all to campus and to watch the Animal Science Arena bleachers fill up again. We are incredibly grateful to have you here.
Sadie Vander Wal
Past Little “I” Manager Comments Welcome to the 99th Little International! It is an honor to welcome you to the 99th Little International. I am very excited to see the bleachers full of friends and family as we experience the fun that happens out on the green chips. I commend Grady, the executive team, and the entire staff for all the work put into this year’s event. The last several years have been anything but “normal,” so planning for the 99th Little “I” has been a journey. I am proud of the way the Little “I” staff has carried on the time-honored tradition through these unconventional years; yet they remain committed to planning ahead and preparing for the centennial celebration next year! This past year has brought a wide range of experiences within the ag sector. Everything from severe drought to bumper crops were seen within our region. However, with the cattle and grain
markets on the upswing, I think we need to take a moment to be mindful of our blessings and celebrate with others in the industry we all love. The ag industry was founded on hard work, positive connections with others, and a little bit of luck. I believe those principles embody what Little “I” stands for. The staff and showmen have worked long hours and built lasting connections to make this event happen. Now, with a stroke of luck, the showmen will chase after that golden buckle down on the chips. Little “I” continues to be one of my favorite traditions at SDSU. The dedication and inspiration of the students involved still inspire me today. As an alumnus of Little International, I am excited to join you in the seats April 1st & 2nd. Congratulations to the 99th staff for a job well done and good luck to all the participants this weekend! Sincerely, Jacob Rausch 98th Little International Manager
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Welcome from SDSU Alumni Association Welcome to South Dakota State University and Little International! Little “I” is the largest student-run, two-day livestock exposition in the United States. Little “I” has become a cherished event here at SDSU and holds memories for thousands of our alumni, faculty, friends, and students. This year, too, memories will be made as the famous green wood chips are laid and iconic red barn is yet again raised in the Animal Science Arena. The crowds that pack the stands in support of this tremendous student event will find out what we mean when we say, “It is a
great day to be a Jackrabbit!” To the alumni who have returned again to celebrate this unique tradition, welcome home; it is great to have you back on campus! If you have not heard from the Alumni Association lately, or do not get STATE magazine, please update your information at statealum.com/updateinfo. Congratulations to those involved in planning this event, for it is a cherished tradition on our campus. Once again, to all who have joined us, welcome and enjoy your time on campus. Sincerely, Erica DeBoer ‘97, Chair, Board of Directors South Dakota State University Alumni Association
Past Little International Managers 1921 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961
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L.C. Lippert; Sheridan, WY Arthur Cole; Salem OR Edwin Hanson; Hawarden, IA P. Ode Hegg; Sioux Falls, SD Clarence Stockland; Lincoln, NE Cliff Jenson, Killed in Action Wilbur Bryant; Canton, SD Leslie Johnson; Liberal, KS Lawrence DeHaan; Brookings, SD Duane Clark; Worthing, SD Ted Larson; Salem, OR Henry Lardy; Madison, WI Elmer Sanderson; Brookings, SD Al Face; Yuma, AZ Verlon Welch; St. Paul, MN Carl Ham; Rapid City, SD Donald Biggar; Brookings, SD J.W. McCarty; Brookings, SD Vince Kenneally; Raymond, SD Dwayne Kettering; Brentford, SD Herb Lippert; Timber Lake, SD Ray Weick; Yuma, AZ Mick Crandall; Selby, SD Gene Wheeler; Raymond, SD Keith Manfull; Gettysburg, SD George Cook; Clear Lake, SD Robert Duxburry; Wessington, SD Don Briedenbach; Newell, SD Merlin Van Walleghen; Letcher, SD Richard Peterson; Fedora, SD Marvin Olson; Madison, SD Tom Hansen; Brookings, SD
1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
Jim Anderson; Clear Lake, SD Gary TeStroete; Brookings, SD Marshall Nygard; Fairview, SD Steve Witt; Butler, SD Roger Tilberg; Ethan, SD Larry Nelson; White Lake, SD Haven Stuck; Brentford, SD Jim Danekas; Raymond, SD Denton Haber; Redfield, SD Tom Varilek; Geddes, SD Wayne Williamson; Aberdeen, SD Neal Person; Lake City, SD Tom Scott; Ashton, SD William Delaney; Lake Benton, MN Robert Noble; Riceville, IA Rocky Blare; Hammill, SD Randy Wirt; Parker, SD Randy Blare; Hammill, SD Monte Mason; Frankfort, SD Jeff Davis; Forestburg, SD Bruce Paterson; Lake Preston, SD Jeff Gruntmeir; Iroquois, SD Bruce Bot; Minneota, MN Brad Hennen; Minneota, MN Lyndon Hohwieler; Chester, SD Shannon Rausch; Hoven, SD Dorn Severtson; Canby, MN Tom Larson; Jackson, MN Dave Uttechet; Woonsocket, SD Guy Rusche; Bancroft, SD Ann Gunderson; Lake Park, IA Bryce Healy; Pukwana, SD
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Daniel Kohls; Litchfield, MN Brian Sharp; Bath, SD Michael Willard; Colton, SD Joel DeRouchey; Pukwana, SD David Grinde; Colton, SD Mark Johnson; Pipestone, MN Lora Kohls; Litchfield, MN Matt Gunderson; Mission Hill, SD Adam Wirt; Parker, SD Travis Hoffman; Rockham, SD Clint Gehrke; Luverne, MN Brian Fruechte; Pipestone, MN Crystal Mohrhauser; Hartford, SD Dustin Mohrhauser; Hartford, SD Crissa Zenk; Webster, SD Jared Sanderson; Lake Preston, SD Alissa Johnson; Luverne, MN Lee Sanderson; Lake Preston, SD Colton Buus; Lennox, SD Kalen Manthei; Sanborn, MN David Buseman; Canistota, SD John Weber; St. Paul, MN Adam Krause; Clear Lake, SD Dalen Zuidema; Blomkest, MN Kendrah Schafer; Goodhue, MN Tristin Fliehe; Tulare, SD Collin Vander Wal; Volga, SD Jacob Rausch; Hoven, SD Grady Gullickson; Flandreau, SD
Little “I” Advisors
Keith Underwood & Lora Berg Little International would like to thank our faculty advisors for their time and guidance! Lora (Duxbury) Berg is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at South Dakota State University. She is an SDSU alumnus, having received her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Journalism in 1988 and master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications in 1998.
Dr. Keith Underwood is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at South Dakota State University. He received his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Texas Tech and master’s and doctoral degrees in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from the University of Wyoming. Underwood joined the SDSU faculty in 2009. With a specialty in meat science, Dr. Underwood has taught various meat science classes at SDSU, including Intro to Meat Evaluation, Value Added Meat Products, Meat Safety and HACCP and Animal Growth and Development. Dr. Underwood has also been recognized for his efforts in meat science by being awarded Vance Publishing’s 40 under 40 in Agriculture, South Dakota Beef Industry Council’s Distinguished Service Award and the President’s Volunteer Service Award from Winrock International.
In addition to being a co-advisor for Little “I”, Lora serves as advisor to the SDSU Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Club and Sigma Alpha sorority. She met her husband, Dan, when he helped her fit her sheep for Lamb Lead for the 1985 Little “I”. He impressed his future wife by earning the high-point freshman trophy and they’ve been together ever since. The couple has two sons, Ethan and Evan.
South Dakota State University Angus and SimAngus Bull Sale Friday, April 8, 1:00 pm
South Dakota State University Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility 2901 Western Ave., Brookings, SD
Join us for lunch prior to the sale!
S D S Tahoe 111J (AAA 20138735) CE BW WW YW Marb REA API TI
EPD 15.6 -0.9 95.2 151.8 0.66 1.21 174.4 101.7
For more information contact: Kevin VanderWal: (605) 693-2253; kevin.vanderwal@sdstate.edu Dr. Cody Wright: (605) 688-5448; cody.wright@sdstate.edu https://www.sdstate.edu/animal-science/sdsu-annual-bull-sale
% 15 30 4 3 10 1 3 1
CED BW WW YW Marb RE $W $B
EPD 7 1.6 76 125 0.50 0.87 75 150
% 45 60 10 20 60 15 20 30
S D S Eagle 152J (ASA 3941692)
Background photo courtesy of Kendra Davis
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99th Honored Agriculturalist: Don Marshall teaching and research role with the Department of Animal Science on the SDSU campus in Brookings. During his time as a professor, Marshall taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses. In 2002, he became the associate dean and director of academic programs for the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, now known as the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. During his term as associate dean, he also served concurrently as interim dean for the college from 20082010 and again in 2017. Additionally, he became the interim department head for the Department of Animal Science in 2012. Prior to his passing in October 2021, Marshall served as vice provost for undergraduate education at SDSU, a role he had served in since 2020. Over the course of his career, he also authored several research publications on a variety of topics and was elected to the executive board of the Agricultural Interactive Distance Education Alliance (AG*IDEA) in 2011, serving as chair for two years.
For his commitment to the university, its students and the agriculture industry, South Dakota State University Little International has named the late Don Marshall as their 99th Little “I” Honored Agriculturalist. “I had the privilege of knowing Don from multiple perspectives: teacher, mentor, promoter of agriculture, scientist, administrative leader, teammate, husband, father and friend,” said SDSU President Barry H. Dunn. “In each of these roles, his core values shine brightly: people centered, integrity, excellence, commitment, thoughtfulness and discipline. And when you put those values into these roles, you truly have a wonderful human being.”
Marshall’s passion for the agriculture industry stemmed from his upbringing on his father’s egg laying operation. Later in his youth, his family also owned a feed store and raised cattle. Owning a farm with his brother, Marshall truly related to his students whose goals were to go back to the farm, and he sought to prepare students for any career they aspired to achieve. “Don really understood that for students, education should be about their end goal, not someone else’s goal for their future career,” said his wife, Nancy. “He was always proud of his students.”
A Missouri native, Marshall received his bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry in 1979 from the University of Missouri before attending Oklahoma State University for his master’s in animal science in 1981 and Ph.D. in animal breeding and genetics in 1984.
Throughout his career, Don exemplified both personal and professional characteristics that made him an outstanding educator. Many students have described Don’s patience in explaining complex concepts and making them accessible to his students. In fact, Don’s contributions in the classroom were recognized by his students and colleagues alike, earning him numerous awards for teaching excellence, including the Larson Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching, the F.O. Butler Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Gamma Sigma Delta Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Students’ Association Teacher of the Year for the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences.
Following graduate school, Don moved to South Dakota in 1984 to work as an SDSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist in Rapid City. A few years later, he transitioned to a new
Marshall also served as the Little “I” advisor from 1999-2002. Nancy notes his excitement for attending the event every year.
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“He really valued all the learning aspects of this event,” said Nancy. “Students learn by doing, and he was proud of the students for working so hard because he recognized the amount of work it takes to make it happen every year.” From catching up with his former students who would come to watch the event to picking out the exhibitors he knew in the show ring, Marshall loved the community atmosphere of Little “I”. With hundreds of alumni and current students in one place, he enjoyed how the event exemplified the tremendous impact the agriculture industry and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences has had on students. “Dr. Marshall is a prime example of how influential SDSU faculty can be on students, producers and co-workers,” said 99th SDSU Little “I” manager Grady Gullickson. “He has elevated the agriculture industry through outreach, teaching and being an administrative voice for students. Dr. Marshall was able to ignite the flame for students to thrive and greatly impact our industry.” Marshall’s family continues to have strong ties to SDSU. Meeting his wife in 1995 at their beloved campus, they married in 1997 and later welcomed three children: Becky, Charlie and Katie. Becky is currently a senior at SDSU majoring in leadership and management of nonprofit
organizations and is competing in the horse division at Little “I” this year. Charlie is also at SDSU as a sophomore studying dairy manufacturing and is serving as the Little “I” horse superintendent. Katie is in eighth grade at Mickelson Middle School in Brookings. Nancy has been a reference librarian at SDSU’s Hilton M. Briggs Library since 1993 and currently serves as the subject specialist for agriculture, food and environmental sciences. In his spare time, Marshall was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and boating. He was also a dedicated sports fan, cheering for the Brookings Bobcats, SDSU Jackrabbits, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs and Mizzou Tigers. “Dr. Marshall cared deeply about SDSU students, and he was always filled with joy when seeing them succeed in all aspects of student life,” said SDSU provost and vice president of academic affairs Dennis Hedge. “Don understood the tremendous value of student organizations and activities to student development and success, which is why Little ‘I’ meant so much to him. Little ‘I’ is a showcase of what Don dedicated his professional life to doing.”
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Honored Agriculturalists and Homemakers Honor Roll
2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
Don Marshall, Brookings Kevin Vander Wal, Volga Donna Moenning, Hayfield, MN David Stenberg, Colman Leon Wrage, Brookings Mike and Betty Brink, Redfield Gary Haiwick, Highmore Dr. Kelly Bruns, North Platte, NE Gilbert and Rosemar Mohrhauser Family, Hartford Steve and Arloine Goodfellow, Bruce Duane and Colleen Blare Family, Winner Dr. Lowell Slyter, Brookings Fred and Joan DeRouchey Family, Mitchell Sharon Odegaard Family, Lake Preston Edward and Gina VanderWal family, Volga Leonard and Violet Wulf, Morris, MN Dr. Roger Hunsley, Omaha, NE Darrell Anderson, Sherburn, MN John and Delina Nagel, Avon Denny Everson, Yankton Dr. Fred Cholik, Brookings Jim Woster, Sioux Falls Dr. Dan Gee, Brookings Dr. William Costello, Brookings W.C. McCone, Redfield Chester Gullikson, Bath Walter Schaefer, Sioux Falls Howard Hillman, Canova Darwin G. Britzman, Sioux Falls Robert Duxbury, Wessington Vern Fritz, Sioux Falls Leonard Fawcett, Ree Heights Walter Bones, Parker Mrs. Barbara Law, Yankton Gordon Brockmueller, Freeman Russell Wirt, Parker Mrs. Eleanor Krokosh, Ipswich Mark Keffeler, Sturgis Mrs. Lucille Ronke, Watertown
1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972
1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966
John W. Curry, Elk Point Mrs. Margie Esmay, Murdo Martin Jorgensen, Winner Mrs. Gene Christie, Brookings Carl Ham, Pennington County Mrs. Ethel Christiansen, Yankton Forrest (Shorty) Ireland, Belvidere Mrs. Kay Snyder, Piedmont Bernard Beastrom, Pierre Mrs. Emily Jennings, Spearfish Gordon Quinn, Timber Lake Mrs. Chrys Daniel, Wentworth Pat Gant, Geddes Mrs. Florine Glaus, Chamberlain Ervin Dobberstein, Baltic Mrs. Mildred Acheson, Chester Warren Wright, Brandon Mrs. Grace Sanderson, Aurora Wendell Leafstedt, Alcester Mrs. Dorothy Littau, Winner John Glaus, Chamberlain Mrs. Anna Mae Tesch, Watertown Dr. H.M. Briggs, Brookings Mrs. Alvida Sorenson, Brookings Clarence Hillman, Canova Mrs. Alyce Kettering, Mellette Rodney Larson, Fruitdale Mrs. Clarence Levins, Brandt Walter Taylor, Pennington County Mrs. Martin Muchow, Sioux Falls Don Jorgensen, Ideal Mrs. William Kirsch, White River L.L. Zeller, Vermillion Mrs. Laurence Stuck, Mellette Clark J. Lamport, Britton Mrs. Lillian Tornberg, Beresford Leonard Dailey, Jefferson Mrs. Lillian Dahl, Clear Lake John Gauger, Clear Lake Mrs. Edith May Garrett, Pierre Harry Blair, Sturgis Mrs. Robert Knickrehm, Verdon
1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939
Pete Ginsbach, Dell Rapids Mrs. Warren Wright, Brandon Allen Sperry, Bath Mrs. Joe Biever, Oelrichs Harry Gustafson, Brandt Mrs. Marvin Twombley, Vale Jay Welch, Mitchell Mrs. Howard Hansen, Pierre Walter Feind, Hazel Mrs. Adolf Larson, Bath Hugh Faulkner, Faulkton Mrs. Charles Newcomb, Rowena Nick Fox, Watertown Mrs. Orville Blocker, Webster Justin Mortvedt, Dell Rapids Mrs. Charles Reid, Nisland Fred G. Hoscher, Faulkton Mrs. Alvin Kausuke, Milbank Ted Larson, Pierre Mrs. Percy Copeland, Kennebec Emil Rezac, Tabor Mrs. Earl Lambert, Fedora Art Thelin, Sioux Falls Mrs. R.H. Gardner, Madison Jim Magness, Miller Mrs. Cyrus Heifner, Rosholt A.B. Taylor, Pierre Mrs. Louisa Sale, Montrose Ernest Ham, Piedmont Mrs. Bernice Smiley, Mt. Vernon Sam Bober, Newell Mrs. George Becker, Onida Wilbur Bryant, Canton Enos Blair, Sturgis Mrs. Lorenz Lippert, Crow Agency, MT Henry N. Dyvig, Humboldt John Hartman, Humboldt No show -World War II No show -World War II C.B. Newcomb, Madison Thad Oviatt, Huron Albert Hill, Alexandria Charles S. Blackman, Watertown H.G. Skinner (In memory of), Brookings
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Events Beef:
Show day prep for beef cattle usually starts with an early morning wash, blow dry and fitting for the calf. Exhibitors use sprays and oils to give the calf ’s hair as much volume as possible. Little “I” exhibitors show beef cattle in two different divisions; bulls and heifers. Exhibitors are given roughly a month to get their animal ready for the show. Many hours of preparation go into the beef project before Little “I”. Breaking the animal to lead, washing and clipping are all things the exhibitors will accomplish before they walk in the ring. Hard work and dedication is evident as many individuals spend hours getting an animal ready to be shown. In the month leading up to the show, beef exhibitors can be found braving the cold during March to work with their animal. Each day before the show is important as each hour counts for making the calf look its best on show day. After showing, the work wraps up after each exhibitor washes their animal to ensure all show products are cleaned out of the hair.
Swine:
Swine exhibitors have been working hard for the last two and a half weeks to train the hogs they drew this year. The hogs are shown individually in two categories, novice or experienced. Exhibitors drive their hogs around the arena using different handheld tools, such as a show stick or cane. This gives the judge an adequate look at every angle of the animal. Although there is no minimum requirement of time that needs to be spent with the hogs, exhibitors are required to work with them at least one time prior to Little “I”. Hogs are not shown by holding onto the animal with a halter so exhibitors must work diligently to train their animal to react to direction from the show stick. Control and direction of the hog from the showman will impact the animal’s performance and impact the judge’s perception.The exhibitor’s goal during this show is to present the animal to the judge to the best of their ability. Though there is no “fitting” required for hogs compared to other species, the swine exhibitors use various products to make their hog’s body shine and attract the judge while in the ring, in addition to clipping and washing.
Sheep:
During the last two weeks, the sheep contestants have been hard at work preparing their ewes for the Little “I” show. There are two sections of the sheep contest - fitting and showmanship. During the fitting contest, exhibitors must fit their ewe with only hand clippers. They must “block” their ewe’s wool and make her look smooth and refined. “Blocking” is squaring the wool and providing a flat level top for the animal. A good fit job usually takes several weeks to
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complete. The second portion of the contest is showmanship. Contestants only have two weeks to halter break ewes and make them show ready. During showmanship exhibitors must make sure the ewe is squared with her legs and feet spaced appropriately without a halter. The ewes are provided by the SDSU Sheep Unit. The SDSU Hampshire flock was established in 1898, making it the oldest purebred Hampshire sheep flock in the United States. Additionally, the flock was given the Hampshire Heritage award by the American Hampshire Sheep Association in 2012 for having a continual registry for the past 100+ years! The ewes shown at Little “I” are currently bred and will lamb later this spring. It is important these ewes are kept in a low stress environment; therefore exhibitors are only in charge of halter breaking and fitting their lamb. The sheep unit’s manager and employees feed, water and bed down the ewes as well as monitor their health.
Lamb Lead:
The Lamb Lead event consists of a personal interview, garment and blanket construction, sheep fitting, and showmanship. General appearance and poise are taken into account during each portion of judging. Before the show, competitors are responsible for working with the animal, and washing and fitting. Along with garment and blanket construction for the lamb lead competition, Lamb Lead participants are responsible for writing a narrative which will be read during the evening of lamb lead.
Dairy:
Showing dairy requires the exhibitor to lead the animal on a halter around the arena at a proper and slow pace to allow the judge to see all of the animal’s virtues. The exhibitor is to always keep an eye on the animal and the judge to be ready to set the animal up within a moment’s notice. Exhibitors want to hold the head up, keep the back as straight as possible and move at a distance where the animal’s rear foot lands on top of where the front foot previously was. Prior to the show, exhibitors are responsible for halter breaking their animal, which can take anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. Once the animal is comfortable walking with a halter, exhibitors get into the minor and critical movements such as feet placement and responding to the judge’s position in the ring. The exhibitor must also wash and remove any dirt from the animal’s coat prior to clipping the animal. Dairy is the opposite of beef, with shorter, clipped hair being optimal to portray the animal’s sharpness and angularity. Clipping the topline can be one of the more difficult tasks as it is a critical detail to maintain a straight back while standing still
and on the move. Before the show, exhibitors will set their animal’s topline by applying adhesives to the hair across the back to make them stay standing up. They also will fluff and make the tail hair puff outward. Many exhibitors will take a baby wipe and clean the inside of their animal’s ears for showmanship as well as spray a shine across the animal’s sides to make her look sleek. After the show, exhibitors must wash the animal to remove any shine or adhesive applied.
Goats:
The goat exhibitors have been working hard over the past two weeks getting their goats ready for the Little “I”. The exhibitors have spent the last two weeks teaching goats to walk with a chain along with teaching them to brace to prepare for the showmanship competition. This can be a challenge so exhibitors work to find the best routine for them and the goat. In the fitting contest, the exhibitors need to clip the body and train the leg hair to be fitted. Before doing so, they must wash the goat and blow them dry using a blower to make sure the hair is clean. At the conclusion of the contest the exhibitors must wash out any adhesives and oils used in preparation for the show.
Horse:
For both the fitting and showmanship classes, the horses are shown “in hand”, or led around the arena. The fitting class is judged based on how well groomed the horse is. Criteria include cleanliness and clipping. The showmanship class is judged on how well the competitor can maneuver the horse through a pattern, grooming and how both the horse and handler exhibit themselves. Before the show, the competitor has three weeks to work with their horse and improve on different maneuvers, such as walking or trotting when signaled, backing straight and pivoting. They are also responsible for grooming, clipping and bathing their horses. The contestants are in charge of working and exercising their horse, as well as cleaning their horse’s stalls, making sure that their horses have water when they are kept inside, daily grooming, clipping, bathing and general last minute touchups before walking into the show ring.
Ag Product Sales:
Collegiate contestants in Ag Product Sales will be provided an example product and information along with customer profiles to prepare for the contest. Contestants will then develop a product brochure and presentation that will be evaluated by judges in addition to their answers to questions based on their product knowledge.
Agronomy:
In the Agronomy contest, participants will identify grains, forages and weeds by seed or plant parts. They also must evaluate the quality of grain seeds. There is an agronomy knowledge exam which focuses on the basic principles of crop production, management practices, and plant biology. This contest will count towards the High Point Club Award.
Antique Tractor Show:
The Antique Tractor Show is a community-involved event to connect younger generations with the traditional ways of agriculture by showcasing classic antique tractors and demonstrating the continuous progression of agriculture.
Dairy Cattle Judging:
The Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at Little “I” is a competitive event for high school and collegiate students which focuses on the evaluation and management of dairy cattle. This contest provides an opportunity for students with an interest in the dairy industry to gain practical experience in the visual appraisal of dairy cattle, as well as evaluation and management decision making based on pedigree information and sire information.
Dairy Products:
This is a high point competition that is only for collegiate participation. Dairy product teams participate to manufacture a signature flavor of ice cream. White ice cream mix is provided by the Davis Dairy Plant. Teams must provide their own flavorings, additional ingredients and must follow plant guidelines for food safety and COVID-19. This contest will count towards the High Point Club Award.
Farm Business Management:
The Farm Business Management contest helps students learn business skills and apply economic principles to agricultural businesses. Participants demonstrate their ability to analyze agricultural business management information, apply economic principles and concepts of business management, and evaluate business management decisions with a written exam.
*Exhibitor lists are subject to change.
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Events
Floriculture:
The Floriculture event includes a 50-question general knowledge exam, a floral arrangement and cost estimate and a plant identification test. The contest is open to FFA members and any collegiate members who want to participate.
Horse Judging:
The Little “I” Horse Judging contest consists of three placing classes, two sets of questions and a 25-question multiple choice exam worth 50 points. The Horse Judging contest is designed to test a contestant’s ability to judge all categories of horses, to test a contestant’s general horse knowledge and to remember details about the horses in a class to correctly answer a set of questions following the specified class. This contest will count towards the High Point Club Award.
Livestock Judging:
The livestock judging contest will consist of visually judging classes of beef, sheep, swine and goats. The judging contest will challenge contestant’s abilities to compare, rank, and analyze the livestock. Questions regarding the animals will also challenge contestants to remember details about the species presented. The SDSU Livestock Judging Team provides the official placing and cuts for each class.
Machinery Sales:
The machinery sales competition allows students to step into the role of a machinery sales professional. The contest is split in three divisions: large tractor, skid loader class, and farm vehicle sales. Each division requires executing salesmanship, knowledge of the machinery and basic principles of operation. In addition, ability as a salesman to project confidence and competent salesmanship will be scored. The machinery will be provided for each contestant virtually.
Meat Judging:
Students participating in this hour and a half long contest work through six different placing classes with 20 questions related to different meat objectives. Contestants will also identify 20 different retail cuts. The meat judging contest is open to both FFA members and collegiate participants.
Meat Products:
This team contest challenges club teams to create a unique, great tasting burger. Three pounds of ground beef provided by the SDSU Meat Lab and four plain white hamburger buns will be given to each team. All extra ingredients, buns, or condiments must be supplied by the team. Teams compete in
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the “Burger Battle” on Wednesday March 30th, where burgers are created, cooked and judged. Burger presentation, recipe name and description are included for final judging. A panel of judges will review and taste each team’s final product.
Milk Quality and Products:
In the Milk Quality & Products competition, contestants classify defects in milk, identify different varieties of cheese and evaluate samples of dairy products for fat content. In addition, competitors take a two-part exam over dairy production and marketing. This contest will count towards the High Point Club Award.
Natural Resources:
The Natural Resources contest consists of a multiple-choice exam, a problem-solving activity and identification of specimens from six different categories: insects, waterfowl and upland game birds, other birds, mammals, fish, hardwood trees and shrubs and softwood trees and shrubs. The goal of the contest is to foster student interest and promote environmental awareness.
Nursery Landscape:
The Nursery and Landscape event tests student’s skills in maintaining landscape plants and related products. The contest consists of four parts, identification of plants, identification of equipment, an analysis of a landscape drawing, and a general knowledge exam. This contest will count towards the High Point Club Award.
Poultry Judging:
In the Poultry Judging contest students will evaluate and grade ready to cook carcasses, parts of chickens and turkeys, eggs, and further processed poultry products. They identify poultry parts, and complete a written exam on poultry production and management.
Range Plant Identification:
The Little “I” range plant identification contest is a contest designed to test both high school and collegiate students on their identification skills of over 100 grasses, shrubs, and trees found in U.S. prairie ecosystems. This contest asks students to remember various characteristics of the plants such as life span, growth season, origin, habitat use, and palatability for various animal species. The purpose of this contest is to strengthen the understanding of prairie ecosystems and learn of the various plant species that cohabit U.S. prairies.
Seed and Forage Crop Show:
The Seed and Forage Crop Show allows individuals to bring crop seeds and forages to be judged. Judges will evaluate the characteristics and quality of the samples and place them accordingly.
Veterinary Science:
The Little “I” Vet Science competition consists of an ID portion, written exam and math practicum. The ID portion tests FFA members’ knowledge on a variety of animal breeds, parasites and equipment. Topics in the exam may include diseases, medical terminology, anatomy, nutrition, genetics and more. This contest will count towards the High Point Club Award.
is a competition for organizations in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences at South Dakota State University. Clubs will arrange teams to compete in contests in Little “I” and gain points toward the High Point Club title. This year’s High Point Club contests include: Club Booth, Club Basket, Meat Products, Dairy Products, Lamb Lead, Horse Judging, Vet Science, Nursery Landscape, Milk Quality & Products and Agronomy.
Wool Judging:
During the wool judging contest, collegiate contestants rank 2-4 classes of 4 fleeces based on fineness, length and yield. Contestants will have a grading rail of 6 fleeces where they must determine the grade of fineness, length, yield and purity of each fleece.
High Point Club Award
The High Point Club Award is in its ninth year. It
98th Little International Winners High Point Freshman: Emily Nold High Point Upperclassman: Adam Bierstedt Grand Champion Round Robin: Ryan Franz Reserve Champion Round Robin: Adam Bierstedt High Point Club: Sigma Alpha Sorority
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Beef Division Jordan Holt Beef Show Judge
Jordan Holt graduated from SDSU in 1998 with his associate’s degree in Agriculture Science. He continued educational career at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown. Jordan has had the opportunity to judge at both the state and national level. His most notable appearances include the Shorthorn Jr. Nationals, Maine-chi Jr. Nationals, Aksarben, and the Little International Livestock Exhibition at North Dakota State University and South Dakota State University. Jordan, and his wife Amanda, have two daughters Haleigh and Maggie. They currently reside in Mina, South Dakota where they run a multibreed operation. They raise a mixture of Chi-Angus, Charolais, Herefords and Simmental cattle. His family is active in South Dakota breed associations and attends numerous state and national shows as a family. Each fall, the Holt Family hots two sales where they showcase their elite club calves and performance heifers. In addition to these two sales, the Holt’s hold a production bull and heifer sale in March.Jordan is currently employed by CHS Nutrition and covers territory in the northeast quarter of South Dakota. South Dakota State’s Little International is lucky to have him!
Beef Show Contestants Experienced - Bulls Sydney Pankonin - Lamberton, MN Cole Christian - Sioux Falls, SD Makenna Bruns - Renville, MN Clay Sundberg - Arlington, IL Reilly Mcconnel - Tracy, MN Cora Cook - Wolsey, SD Wyatt Debnam - Chestertown, MD Miles Hoffman - Leola, SD Jaycen Timm - Hooper, SD Allison Wormwood - Dayton, ME Serena Davis - Belle Fourche, SD Tyanne Geppert - Ft. Pierre, SD Taylor Landrum - Waterville, MN Murray Perkins - Buchanan, TN Leah Roble - Byron, MN
363 355 354 366 362 356 358 360 367 368 357 359 361 364 365
Beef Show Contestants Novice - Heifers
Tapanga Pierce – Herreid, SD Madisen Henley – Greeley, CO Kendall Anderson – Lake Crystal, MN Gabriella Cruzen – Lakeville, MN Rylee Rossow – Herreid, SD Anna Reicks – Palmer, IA Maddy Gillett – San Antonio, TX Ella Bauer – Hayfield, MN Hunter Haberman – Olivet, SD Sophia Touailat – Glencoe, MN Paige Fedders – Ireton, IA Emma Reicks – Palmer, IA Greta Adolf – Aberdeen, SD Logan Taylor – Adrian, MN Bronson Smith – Powell, WY
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2021 CAFES Teacher of the Year occupation in the wildlife and fisheries profession. Additionally, Jensen would provide students experiences beyond the classroom or club setting, including setting up bird nets at McCrory Gardens and inviting students to join him and gain experience banding birds themselves. “KC Jensen has established himself here at SDSU by providing one-of-a-kind experiences out of the classroom and an excellent teacher in the classroom,” wildlife and fisheries student Wendy Blickensderfer said. Other finalists for this year’s award included Dr. Carmen Paulson, instructor in the Department of Animal Science, Dr. Rosie Nold, professor in the Department of Animal Science, Nicholas Uilk, instructor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and Dr. Brent Turnipseed, professor in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science. By Sadie Vander Wal
RAUSCH HEREFORDS E S T. 1 9 4 6
Private Treaty Offering Each year, organizations and students within CAFES can nominate a professor they feel has gone above and beyond in their duties as an educator. A committee of CAFES students selects the recipient from the pool of nominees. Dr. Kent “KC” Jensen received this year’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Teacher of the Year award. Jensen, associate professor in the Department of Natural Resource Management, has taught a variety of wildlife and fisheries courses, including Ornithology, Upland Game Ecology and Management and Waterfowl Ecology and Management. After nearly 20 years at SDSU, Jensen retired after the spring 2021 semester. Serving as the adviser for the Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Club for several years, Jensen provided students with many hands-on learning opportunities outside of the classroom, including bird netting and banding in the Brookings area. He encouraged students to strive for success in their academic and professional careers. Many of his students also credit him for helping them find their
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Swine Division
Show sponsored by: PIPESTONE Zach Schwecke Swine Show Judge Zach Schwecke graduated form SDSU in 2009 with his degree in general ag, with an animal science minor. After graduation he managed the swine unit at SDSU for three and a half years. Zach then worked for Linder Show Feeds for four years, while he also was building Schwecke Genetics. Today him and his family run 120 sows, along with 40 head of purebred Charolais.
Swine Show Contestants Novice
Colton Raatz - Jasper, MN Ty Mogck - Scotland, SD Allison Wright - Hutchinson, MN Kristen Smith - Clarinda, IA Ashley Beitelspacher - Le Mars, IA Hannah Kruse - Larchwood, IA Elise Johnson - Sweard, NE Joey Rybinski - Ivanhoe, MN Kerstin Thoms - Le Mars, IA Jaiden Davison - Le Mars, IA Martha Moenning - Hayfield, MN Kinlie Lewis - Illiff, CO Morgan Wingert - Harmony, MN Lauren Swan - Manhatten, MT Allisyn Baker - Scotland, SD Ashley Holst - Kellogg, MN Breanna Wright - Hutchinson, MN Riley Leeson - Hays, Alberta Bryce Adrian - Mountain Lake, MN Grant Ellis - Brandon, SD Tyson Altena - Rock Rapids, IA Trevor Mente - Luverne, MN Wyatt Sevigney - Valleyford, WA
383 382 390 386 372 377 376 384 388 373 381 379 389 387 371 375 391 378 369 374 370 380 385
Swine Show Contestants Experienced
Johannah Nielsen - Russell, MN Mariah Schroht - Owatonna, MN Jack Kelly - Red Wing, MN Thea Deboer - George, IA Brinn Begalka - Castlewood, SD Lillian Harpenau - Le Mars, IA Jeffrey Paulson - Clark, SD Rebecca Morgan - Waseca, MN Camden Schroeder - Le Mars, IA Makayla Nelson - Sinai, SD Anastasia Poull - Port Washington, WI Macy Grien - Wesley, IA Brent Nelson - Sinai, SD Ryeleigh Laib - Mercer, ND Kendrick Bickett - Worthington, MN Hailey Hendrickson - Cambria, WI Lindsey Vander Wal - Bruce, SD Kayla Weinzierl - Winsted, MN Paige Lehrkamp - Hermosa, SD
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Sheep Division
Christy Zelinsky Sheep Show Judge
Jackie Oelke Lamb Lead Judge Jackie Oelke graduated from SDSU in 2016 with a degree in Agricultural Science. She currently resides in Barrett, MN with her three children. Jackie raises purebred Suffolk sheep with her parents at Riverview Livestock. She has competed in numerous lamb lead competitions throughout the country including Louisville, KY, the National Junior Suffolk Show, and state fairs. She currently works as a nurse in Morris, MN.
Lamb Lead Contestants Emily Nold - Rutland, SD Sigma Alpha Andrew Rasmussen - Brookings, SD Students’ Association Andrea Berends - Echo, MN Alpha Omega Epsilon Emily Schmiedeberg - Lancaster, MN Ceres Gabriela Hill - Ashland, NE Ag Education & FFA Alumni Paker Aase - Owatonna, MN Alpha Zeta David Steinhagen - Belle Plaine, MN Dairy Club Daniel Williamson - Spicer, MN FarmHouse Noel Kusek - Yankton, SD Alpha Xi Delta Jessica Kott - Kimball, SD Collegiate Farm Bureau Isaac Berg - Pipestone, MN Swine Club Kaden Nelson - New Richland, MN Alpha Gamma Rho Amanda Drews - Camarillo, CA Student Nurse’s Association
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Christy Zelinsky got her start in sheep 40 years ago as a 4-H’er in Cottonwood County Minnesota, with the purchase of 2 bred Suffolk ewes. Many National Junior Suffolk Shows would follow, along with serving as National Suffolk Sheep Queen and Junior Coordinator. While livestock judging at North Dakota State University, she met and married another Suffolk sheep enthusiast, Rob Zelinsky. She has been by his side while he worked at or managed sheep units in four different states, all while also developing their own flock of suffolk sheep, Bar-Zel Suffolks. These moves gave her the opportunity to judge sheep shows throughout the midwest, and raise their three children, Riggen, Rhett and Raesa, around sheep and the show ring. Christy currently resides on an acreage south of Brookings where Bar-Zel Suffolks consists of about 75 brood ewes. The sheep are shown at regional, state and national shows.
Sheep Contestants Experienced
Emily Nold - Rutland, SD Parker Aase - Owatonna, MN David Steinhagen - Belle Plaine, MN Gauge Liebl - Watson, MN Jessica Kott - Kimball, SD Isaac Berg - Pipestone, MN Kaden Nelson - New Richland, MN Amanda Drews - Camarillo, CA Grace Arthur - Owatonna, MN Mikayla Opatz - Springfield, MN Allison Nielsen - Kennard, NE Keely Nielson - Lewiston, ID Hadley Stiefvater - Salem, SD Jorden Rasmussen - Alcester, SD
318 309 321 314 313 311 315 312 310 319 316 317 322 320
Novice Amanda Kelling - Pine Island, MN Alice Lewandowski - New Ulm, MN Jordan Gusa - Wabasha, MN Gabriela Hill - Ashland, NE Daniel Williamson - Spicer, MN Noel Kusek - Yankton, SD Emily Schmiedeberg - Lancaster, MN
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2022 Wool Judging Team of the team, Vander Wal said each member found their way through the industry. “A takeaway from this experience for me would be being able to talk to people of a different industry,” said Vander Wal. “It was really eye opening and broadened my horizons to another piece of the agricultural industries that I was unaware of.” The teams also got the opportunity to tour the Center of the Nation Wool in Belle Fourche. Center of the Nation trades 4-5 million pounds of wool annually, accounting for approximately 20% of the U.S. wool trade.
The South Dakota State University Wool Judging team was recently very successful at the Black Hills Stock Show Collegiate Wool Judging contest. Two teams of three students competed, both finishing first and fourth overall, first and second in grading, second place in reasons, and third place in placings. Individually, John Piroutek placed first overall, first in grading, and fourth place in reasons. Zach Schoelerman placed third overall, first value based, and third in reasons. Mitchell VanderWal placed fourth overall, fifth in reasons, and fifth place in grading. Zach Zuber placed seventh overall and first in placings. Clara Wise placed eighth overall, second in grading, third value based, and fifth in placings, and Allison Wormwood placed third in grading.
Wool judging coach and Assistant Head of the Department of Animal Science Dr. Rosie Nold enjoys using the winter months to take the students to competitions in Kansas, Colorado, Laramie, Wyoming, and the Black Hills. The exposure the students get from these experiences is something Nold is proud to be a part of since they aren’t familiar with the wool industry. “We want the students to compete and do well and we prepare them for that, but our ultimate goal is that they really learned something about the sheep and wool industry,” said Nold. The students at South Dakota State University extension have been trying to spread the word about wool judging competitions in hope to get more youth and colleges involved to start wool judging teams for competitions. Written by Kristen Smith
This year of competition was the first time Piroutek was introduced to the wool industry – he decided to join the judging team in November so that he could learn more about the industry and how to judge wool. Not only was this Piroutek’s firs-time judging wool, but it was also his first-time giving reasons competitively. “I wasn’t very confident at first when judging at the Black Hills,” said Piroutek. “Once I went through things with the officials, I felt more confident and I trusted my gut and my training.” Another successful member was Vander Wal, the only person on the team that had experience with competing in a reasons class. He joined the team to continue sharpening his skills and to experience a new adventure. By being a part
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Dairy Division
Show sponsored by: Agropur Emily Evans Dairy Show Judge
Dairy Show Contestants
Emily Evans is originally from Pipestone, MN, and now resides in Harrold, SD where her and her fiancé live on the family farm. In 2011, Emily graduated from SDSU with a degree in Animal Science. In her time at SDSU, she was involved with Dairy Club, Sigma Alpha, the 2009 Meats Judging Team, 2010 Meat Animal Evaluation Team, as well as exhibiting at Little “I” all four years. Emily has always had a passion for great dairy cattle and enjoys keeping up with the many shows and sales that happen throughout the year across the country. She grew up exhibiting dairy cattle raised on her parents’ farm in 4-H and FFA. Throughout most of her 4-H and FFA careers, she and her siblings showed predominantly in the grade Holstein ring. However, about 10 years ago, the herd started to transition to registering all animals with the Holstein Association under the prefix ElmLane Holsteins. Since that time, her animals have exhibited at numerous state and local shows as well as World Dairy Expo for the first time this past fall. Currently, Emily works remotely for Pipestone Business Services as an Account Specialist doing data input and analysis for Wean to Market clients. She enjoys the opportunity to work with a wide range of pork producers and helping them understand the importance and value of good records. Emily also loves working for a company whose mission is “Helping Farmers”.
Novice
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Taylor Jerde - Northfield, MN Hailey Frericks - Albany, MN Bailey Delzer - Dodge Center, MN Isaac Berg - Pipestone, MN Samantha Kjenstad - Estelline, SD Makenzie Duncan - Fort Collins, CO Dylan Zellmann - Norwood Young America, MN Mikayla Thorson - Waverly, MN Michael Tauer - Morgan, MN Taylor Fester - Grove City, MN Riley Mounsdon - Osakis, MN
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Dairy Show Contestants David Hassing - Springfield, SD Courtney Lundin - Watertown, SD Grace Volden - Buffalo, MN Angie Arensdorf - Asbury, IA Kate Schnabel - Sioux Falls, SD Jayden Carlson - Clements, MN Sydney Sheffield - Winterset, IA Sydnee Hubner - Pipestone, MN Luke Carr - Blue Earth, MN Cheyenne Hulstein - Chandler, MN Katie Fitzgerald - West Concord, MN Elijah Downs - Lincoln, NE Alexandra Johnson - Sergeant Bluff, IA Jaylynn Frandrup - Hastings, MN
Experienced
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Living the Dream on the Green ~Katherine Moening, Entertainment Committee
Every year the Little “I” staff votes on a theme or slogan that represents the experiences or feelings that all everyone has when participating in Little “I” “ To me, “Living the Dream on the Green” means that Little International is a place where you can show an animal or compete in a contest and have a great time doing it. Little “I” is all about smiles, laughs, and making lasting memories.” ~Jasmine Witty, Meat Judging Committee “When I think of the Little I, I think of the tradition that it holds dear to my family and how my siblings and I would dream of our chance to be able to compete as well as help continue this well-known event. It creates a time for the agriculture community to gather from different backgrounds to support the future generations.” ~ Hannah Berg Judging Coordinator Committee “The “Living the Dream on the Green” slogan means the opportunity we’re given as Little I members to put on and participate in an event that shows how proud we are to represent agriculture. We’re living the dream by building friendships and creating memories that will last.”
“ To me, “Living the Dream on the Green” gives people the great opportunity to make new friends and try new things they have never done before. It also allows them to learn new skills that they can bring with them into their future careers and also use in their everyday life. “Living the Dream on the Green” shows what an overall fun time and great experience it is to be involved in Little International.” ~Kendra Ericson, Dairy Products Committee “ Living the dream on the green signifies students coming together to promote something we all love, showing livestock. It’s so much more than walking an animal around the ring. It shows hard work, dedication and passion. Nothing makes us happier than showing livestock, especially on the green wood chips surrounded by our peers!” ~ Taylor Jerde, Dairy Judging Committee
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It means being a part of something that can truly only be found on the green chips at SDSU Little International. ~ Jadee Mattheis, Meat Judging Committee
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Goat Division Ethan Johnson Goat Show Judge Ethan Johnson is from Alden, MN where he raises club goats as well as Angus and Maine cattle. He has judged many shows across the Midwest including the South Dakota State Fair and Aksarben. During his time at South Dakota State Ethan served on the Executive Committee as well as exhibited a dairy heifer, pig, and a bull.
Goat Show Contestants Novice
Grace Erickson - Alden, MN Abigail Pape - Cedar Rapids, IA Kodie Doetzel - Lipton, Saskatchewan Alex Kellen - Madison, MN Logan Frigaard - Dalton, MN Jenna Smith - Benson, MN Emma Beach - Ponca, NE Mitchell Vander Wal - Brentford, SD Nate Rehder - Moorhead, MN Kalyn Martinson - Newcastle, NE Madison Dahna - Bingham Lake, MN Cheyenne Adams - Dell Rapids, SD Zachary Schoelerman - Everly, Iowa Aubrey Van Briesen - Boyden, IA Claire Ohlrichs - Merrill, IA Kyerra Carter - Starbuck, MN
Goat Show Contestants Experienced
Samantha Richert - Springfield, MN Whitney Ten Napel - Ireton, IA Gracie Smith - Stratford, IA Ellie Sennett - Waynetown, Indiana Karlie Klein - Dell Rapids, SD Alex Kuethe - Alden, MN Peyton Sundsbak - Des Lacs, ND Damia Siebenahler - Lake Crystal, MN Haley Ringkob - Lake City, SD April Hamilton - Hitchcock, SD Carissa Kleinwart - Dodge Center, MN Katie Hawkins - Pine Island, MN Hannah Braaten - Glenwood, MN Hannah Neil - Northfield, MN
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GRAIN, FEED, AND SEED HANDLING EQUIPMENT
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2021 CAFES Club of the Year Alpha Gamma Rho
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Prexy Council has named Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) the 2021 CAFES Club of the Year. Each year, a committee formed by CAFES Prexy Council members selects one outstanding organization that provides members with meaningful experiences through their program of activities. AGR is a professional and social fraternity comprised of over 40 members. The chapter is the longest standing fraternity at SDSU and strives to “make better men” and create an atmosphere that cultivates the next generation of agriculturalists. Members also strive for excellence in academics and professional development and help their fellow brothers to achieve success too. In the past year, the chapter implemented a mentoring program that paired a younger member with an upperclassman who guided his mentee through academic challenges throughout the school year. The chapter also has a strong commitment to philanthropy. Every year, AGR joins the Sigma Alpha sorority in hosting a pancake feed to raise money to purchase FFA jackets for South Dakota FFA members. Additionally, some members volunteer weekly with the Brookings Backpack Project, which provides children who may not have enough food at home with weekend meals and snacks. Other members have helped construct affordable housing for families in the community through the Brookings Habitat for Humanity. “Members of our order are pushed to achieve high academic and professional standards through collegiate, community, and career involvement,” said Miguel Mena, noble ruler of AGR.
As a strong supporter of CAFES, AGR played a key role in raising funds for the Prexy Council endowment campaign last spring, donating and causing donations totaling over $1,000 and directing over 270 visits to the campaign website. The Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Club received honorable mention for this year’s award. Other club finalists included Sigma Alpha, Alpha Zeta and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. By Sadie Vander Wal
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Horse Division Bryan Goettsch Horse Show Judge
Horse Show Contestants
Experienced
Bryan Goettsch grew up on a small family diversified farm near Sutherland, IA, where his family raised and showed a variety of livestock, including AQHA and APHA registered horses. It was his passion for livestock that drew Bryan to pursue his Animal Science degree from SDSU. During his time at SDSU, Bryan was Student Manager at the Equine Teaching Facility, an avid member and officer of the Horse Club, and is a past Horse Exhibitor and Horse Superintendent of Little “I”. Bryan graduated from SDSU in 2016, and has stayed active in the equine industry as a member of the SD Horse Council. He is the Office Manager at Advantage Land Co. in Brookings, and currently resides in Aurora, SD.
Jenna Paul - Ismay, MT Jaylynn Frandrup - Hastings, MN Rachel Coudron - Milroy, MN Victoria Braley - Brandon, SD Kennedy Jackels - Slayton, MN Brooklyn Ludeman - Tracy, MN Mercedes Schueler - Willmar, MN Kayla Smeenk - Harrisburg, SD
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Novice Nicole Inch - Fort Thompson, SD Briana Middendorf - Sauk Centre, MN Brooke Hoffbeck - Morgan, MN Caitlin Baltzer - Mitchell, SD Alexis Hughes - Rapid City, SD Riley Hoskins - Sergeant Bluff, IA Ellie Thein - Clara City, MN Rebecca Marshall - Brookings, SD
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Jackrabbits Memorial Jackpot Show Jackrabbits Memorial has become one of the largest studentrun cattle jackpot shows in the region. Held March 4-6, 2022, at the Brookings Swiftel Center. The show committee, made entirely of SDSU students, was able to continue honoring the lives of those the show memorializes. Jackrabbits Memorial, a long-standing SDSU tradition, is held every year in honor of Brent Beitelspacher, DJ Fischer, Logan Rau, Nick Reimann and Lisa Johnson, who all lost their lives in 2014.
show, over $15,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students. This show has been and continues to be a huge success! It would not be possible without all of the support and dedication from the hardworking students and the businesses and families that sponsor it every year. Written by Jenna Belt
The SDSU Block & Bridle club and Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity put on this show to help the families of the honored individuals to continue shining their lights within the industry they all loved so much. This show is not only a way for Block & Bridle and AGR members to honor these individuals and their families, but it also allows these college students a chance to give back to an industry that has helped shape them all into who they are today. Each year, each family presents a scholarship in memory of their honored family member. Since the beginning of this
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Livestock Judging Team
Pictured, from left, are: (back row) Coach Brady Jensen, Russell Pluimer, Peyton Sundsbak, Stratton Wotowey, Bronson Smith; (front row) Kodie Doetzel, Clay Sundberg, Ellie Sennett, Murray Perkins, and assistant coach Tommy Norman Another season turned into another year of accomplishments for SDSU’s general livestock judging team. This year’s team rounded out its season at the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest held by the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky, late last year. By placing second overall, with members placing in the top 10 overall and in respective species, the judging team led by coach Brady Jensen continued to build on the legacy of livestock judging at SDSU. “As a coach, I always believe my students are the best and will compete at a high level,” said Jensen, who has coached at SDSU since 2017. “I was excited to see the 2021 team accomplish most of their goals and reach the heights the team and I had set at the start of the season.” Stratton Wotowey placed sixth overall as an individual, second in cattle and eighth in swine. He is a senior animal science major from Fort Collins, Colorado. Wotowey begin his livestock judging career when he was 9 years old after being encouraged by a past collegiate general livestock
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judging coach from Colorado State University. He attended a practice session a couple weeks later and has enjoyed it ever since. “To be second in beef cattle is one of the biggest honors I’ve ever received, one of my biggest passions is for the beef cattle industry,” Wotowey said. “And to be one of the top 10 individuals there at a national contest is certainly a huge honor as well.” The 2021 judging team was made up of eight members, although only five competed at the national contest. The team started its season last January. On average, the team practiced 30 to 40 hours a week evaluating livestock and practicing reasons. There are two main components of judging: evaluating livestock and ranking them, and then giving a set of oral reasons on why participants placed them the way they did. Reasons are a verbal explanation, going into details on certain components of the livestock. This includes both strengths and weaknesses of the animals.
Participants evaluate four species of livestock: beef cattle, pigs, goats and sheep. When evaluating livestock, the judges are looking for quality, bone structure, muscle, market value and more. At the beginning of the season, SDSU team members outlined a list of goals they wanted to accomplish as a team and as individuals, with the thought in mind of making it to the national contest. In total, the team participated in 13 contests nationwide and grew close with each other over the countless hours practicing and innumerable miles on the road. “My teammates probably pushed me as much as anyone ever had,” Wotowey said. “Going into it (the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest) was kind of the end to an era, and so to be able to go out on a high note was certainly the utmost goal.” After completing the contest there was an awards ceremony to finish off the collegiate event where SDSU was announced second overall. “It felt amazing; being able to experience that with some of my closest friends was something I will always be proud of,” team member Bronson Smith said. Smith, a senior animal science major from Powell, Wyoming, placed sixth in swine individually. Jensen said that while many universities have talented students, success at the final contest proved how strong the SDSU team’s work ethic, drive for success and mental toughness was. “The 2021 team was one of the most talented groups of students I have had the pleasure to coach,” Jensen said. By Adrienne Lipinski Orginally Published in The Collegian Season Results: Oklahoma City Cattlemen’s Congress Team: • Overall - 3rd • Cattle - 3rd • Sheep/Goats - 3rd • Reasons - 4th • Hogs - 5th Bronson Smith: • Overall - 5th • Cattle - 5th • Hogs - 10th Stratton Wotowey: • Overall - 10th
• Reasons - 9th • Sheep/Goats - 7th Murray Perkins: • Sheep/Goats - 2nd Ellie Sennett: • Reasons - 5th • Cattle Reasons - 2nd Clay Sundberg: • Cattle - 7th Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Champion Team Individual Highlights: Ellie Sennett • High Individual Overall • 5th in Reasons • 1st in Placings Clay Sundberg • 5th Overall Individual • 7th in Reasons • 4th in Placings Stratton Wotowey • 10th Overall Individual • 7th in Placings Kodie Doetzel • 3rd in Placings Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Team • 4th Overall • 4th Cattle • 4th Hogs • 5th Sheep and Goats Individual highlights: Bronson Smith • High individual overall • 1st Cattle • 1st Placings • 3rd Sheep and Goats • 8th Reasons Murray Perkins • 6th Overall • 3rd Placings • 8th Hogs • 12th Cattle Ellie Sennett • 3rd Hogs Peyton Sundsbak • 11th Cattle San Antonio Livestock Exposition Team Highlights: • 6th Overall • 5th Cattle • 6th Sheep • 6th Swine
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2021 Little “I” Scholarship Winners: Each year, Little “I” offers one $1000 scholarship and two $500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend SDSU, be involved with Little “I” and have a passion for agriculture. Let’s take a moment to meet the scholarship winners from the 98th Little “I” selected in 2021.
Minnesota State Fair,” said Van Nurden. She is majoring in Ag Business with minors in Agribusiness Marketing and Commodity Risk Management. On campus, Van Nurden is a member of Block & Bridle and serves on Little “I” staff.
Tessa Erdmann of Groton, SD is the daughter of Darrin and Julie Erdmann. She grew up on a small farm where her family grows corn, soybeans and Boer meat goats. She was an active member of 4-H and FFA, and is currently serving as the South Dakota FFA State President.
Thus far, Van Nurden’s favorite part of college has been the connections and life-long friendships that she has made as she works to find her place within the agriculture industry.
Now, Erdmann is a freshman double majoring in Ag Business and Ag Communication with a minor in Ag Marketing. On campus, she is involved with Sigma Alpha, Block & Bridle and is on staff for Little “I”. “I hope to be active in a variety of campus clubs and organizations that will help pave the way for my career,” said Erdmann. She has enjoyed being able to meet so many new people and be a part of an array of organizations throughout her freshman year.
“I hope my time at SDSU will direct me towards that path that I am most passionate about and that best suits me,” said Van Nurden. In the future, Van Nurden hopes to continue to advocate for agriculture in a career that she loves! By Danika Gordon
Someday, Erdmann hopes to be a livestock photographer and promote youth livestock shows. Katherine Moening, the daughter of Mark and Sherry Moening, grew up near New Market, MN and is the middle child of seven siblings. Some of her hobbies include reading, baking, spending time with her family and working with animals. Moening is a freshman majoring in Animal Science with an Ag Business minor. During her freshman year, Moening became involved in Jacks for Life, Swing Dancing Club, Block & Bridle, and Little “I”. She has enjoyed meeting new people and hearing their story. “Throughout my college career, I hope to learn more about agriculture, achieve my degree, and meet a lot more people,” shares Moening, “While I don’t have a specific dream job, I hope to work in agriculture in some way.” Freshman Haley Van Nurden of Sunburg, MN is the daughter of Paul and Pauline Van Nurden. Haley grew up on a small hobby farm and was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA where she and her siblings showed livestock competitively. “My favorite hobby is showing livestock. My family and I show market lambs across the county. This year, I had the privilege to drive the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the
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Good luck to all the little "I" participants! DOUBLE W RANCH
Rich & Jo Waldner Brookings, SD
2021 Meat Judging Team 12th Overall individual finish by Sadie VanderWal where she was 3rd in Total Placings, 7th in Beef Judging, 9th in Lamb Judging, and 9th in Processed Meats.
Back Row (left to right): Faculty Advisor Dr. Keith Underwood, Reid Anema, assistant coach Clay Newton, head coach Trevor DeHaan. Front Row (left to right): Ryeleigh Laib, Danielle Houghtaling, Sadie Vander Wal
Meat judging has been a part of South Dakota State University for years. If you walk up and down the halls of the Animal Science Complex, you can see pictures of past teams dating back to the 1960s and 70s. It allows students from all over the state, country and even the world to put a similar love for the agriculture industry to the test and compete against one another. However, it is not only about competing and trying to win. Meat judging allows students who have never had exposure to this side of animal agriculture or someone who wants to grow in their knowledge, the opportunity to be exposed to a hands-on form of learning in the meat science industry. Students have the chance to travel to all parts of the country and see different operations, as well as expand their networks with students from other universities and professionals in industry who can become vital resources in the future. The 2021 SDSU Meat Judging Team consisted of Reid Anema, Danielle Houghtaling, Ryeleigh Laib and Sadie VanderWal and were coached by Trevor DeHaan and Clay Newton. The 2021 judging season began with the first contest of the year at the Mountain West Contest in Laramie, Wyoming, where the team placed 3rd in Total Placings, 4th in Pork Judging, 4th in Lamb Judging and 9th Overall. Our next contest was the Lonestar Classic in Ennis, Texas, where the team placed 6th in Pork Judging, 6th in Lamb Judging and finished 9th Overall. Our last contest of the spring season was the Southeastern Contest where the team placed 2nd in Total Placings, 4th in Beef Grading, Beef Judging and Lamb Judging, as well as 5th Overall. The first contest of the fall was the Iowa State University Meat Judging Contest where the team placed 9th Overall. We were highlighted by a
Then, we traveled to Columbus, Ohio, for the Eastern National Contest where the team finished 10th Overall. Next, the team traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, for the American Royal where the team finished with 4th place in Specifications, 6th place in Beef Grading and 10th Overall. At the end of October, we traveled to Hereford, Texas, for the High Plains Contest where the team had their best showing of the season. The team had an incredible day, placing 1st in Total Placings, 2nd in Pork Judging, 7th in Beef Judging, Lamb Judging and Specifications, as well as finishing 8th Overall. Ryeleigh Laib placed 2nd and Reid Anema and Danielle Houghtaling tied for 6th in Total Placings. Reid Anema placed 6th and Danielle Houghtaling placing 8th in Pork Judging. Finally, Sadie VanderWal and Ryeleigh Laib tied for 1st in Specifications with a perfect 100! Finally, we ended our season at the International in Dakota City, Nebraska. Results were highlighted by Danielle Houghtaling placing 8th and Sadie VanderWal placing 9th in Total Placings. Additionally, Sadie VanderWal placed 6th in Beef Judging. The 2021 judging season was an amazing time filled with amazing memories. From long van rides to contests and practices, to multiple trips to random Goodwills, I hope every team member will tell you they had an absolute blast - Not only because they were able to compete and apply all the skills they had learned, but they made friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime. I am so excited to start the 2022 judging season. With a great group of students planning on competing on the team, I cannot wait to travel, practice and compete. With hours to be spent in various plants and universities practicing and many days spent in the van driving all over the country, the team’s knowledge, friendships and overall competitiveness will only grow stronger. For the 2022 season, we will hopefully be competing in eight different contests starting with the National Western in January and ending with the International Meats Judging Contest in November. By Trevor DeHaan
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Natalie Hoyes Receives 2021 Walt McCarty Advising Award experiential learning opportunities. In 2020, Hoyes led the development of the Animal Science Student Ambassador Program. She developed the responsibilities, qualifications, and other guiding documents for the program, and led the application and selection process for the first two years. Hoyes works with the Animal Science Student Ambassadors to coordinate prospective student visits and mentor freshman students in the department. Natalie Hoyes, Professional Advisor in the Department of Animal Science at South Dakota State University, received the 2021 Walt McCarty Advising Award in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “The Walt McCarty Advising Award is a huge honor to even be nominated for, much less receive,” said Hoyes. “I always strive for excellence with doing the best that I can for my students and help set them up for success. I am so grateful to work with amazing students in the Department of Animal Science who make my job very enjoyable.” The Walt McCarty Advising Award is presented to an academic advisor to promote the importance of and stimulate excellence in academic advising and provide recognition to outstanding advisors of undergraduates in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “Natalie is an outstanding advisor who cares about her students and enables them to succeed through sound advising, plan of study management and mentorship,” said Vikram Mistry, Interim Associate Dean of Academic Programs. “She adds immense value to the student experience as they work toward academic and personal goals. Natalie makes her department and the university a warm and welcoming place for students and truly captures the intent of this award.” Hoyes advises approximately 300 students in the Department of Animal Science every year. She provides mentorship to students within the department by helping them develop academic and career plans throughout their time at SDSU. She also helps students navigate campus resources including the SDSU Student Health and Counseling Center, Financial Aid Office, and more. Hoyes also supports the department by assisting the departmental clubs, judging teams, and other
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“Natalie demonstrates excellence and professionalism in all her activities and interactions with students, colleagues, faculty, staff and visitors,” said Rosie Nold, Assistant Department Head and Professor in the Department of Animal Science. “Her commitment to excellence manifests itself through her passion for working with students. She has been a leader and role model in developing a culture of support and achievement for and among students.” By Nicole Hudson
Partnership Between CAFES and Athletics Continues to Benefit Students After taking a year off because of the pandemic, an SDSU tradition that has been taking place for 54 years is finally making its way back to campus. The SDSU football team faced off against and dominated Dixie State Oct. 2, only this game had an additional part to play. That part to play has become a well-established event called the Beef Bowl. The Beef Bowl has a long history at SDSU, and every year the community comes together to celebrate the beef industry. South Dakota is ranked No. 5 in cow production and agriculture plays a major role in the state’s economy. “There’s a lot of fantastic people that work in the beef industry, not just raising cattle, but the veterinary community, the animal nutrition community,” said Cody Wright, animal science professor and Beef Bowl planner. “So, it’s a way to celebrate all those fantastic people.” The Beef Bowl is put on by faculty, students and alumni and it is a part of a collaboration between the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences and the athletics department. During this one-day event, a barbecue, steer auction, and recognition of Friend of the Beef Industry happen. CAFES oversees handling the barbecue and starts planning a little over a month in advance to make it happen. On the other side, the athletic department helps with all the marketing and coordinating of the halftime events. Food is ordered a month in advance before the game, and the meat is prepared by the SDSU Meat Lab. The barbecue meat this year was a tri-tip. The meat lab oversees trimming, putting a rub on it, smoking it, and bringing it to the barbecue site. After a lot of preparation, the barbecue was sold on the north end of the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. This location is a great draw for tailgaters, said Wright. The meal consisted of barbecue and side dishes; meal tickets were sold for $10. Every year, 1,500 to 2,500 people attend the annual event. All proceeds go back to SDSU animal science students in the form of scholarships.
This year it is estimated that $12,000-$13,000 was raised in scholarships for CAFES animal science students. Tate Risse, a senior animal science major from Martin, South Dakota, is a direct benefactor of the scholarship program. He was awarded the scholarship his freshman year and has received $1,000 each year since then. “This scholarship has allowed for me to be more at ease knowing that not only will I not have to pay as much for my education, but also that the animal science department as a whole is backing me with support,” Risse said. In addition to the barbecue, the athletics department auctions off several steers during halftime. The steers are purchased at the South Dakota State Fair. Just like the barbecue proceeds, all money from this auction goes to athletic scholarships. This year totaled to be over $27,000 in scholarship money. This game brought in 14,473 attendees. In the past it has been the second highest attended game. “I think that since it’s such a well-attended game, students thrive off that, they like to come,” Christi Williams, associate athletics director as SDSU, said. The Friend of the Beef Industry is also awarded during the halftime portion. This year’s winner was Dakotaland Feeds LLC. Overall, this event receives a lot of support from the community. First Bank and Trust has been a large supporter of the Beef Bowl by purchasing meal tickets for its customers to attend the event. In addition to First Bank and Trust, Hy-Vee, Empirical Foods, Kibble Equipment and others also offer their support for the event. “It’s a celebration of the beef industry and SDSU’s way of giving back and bringing people together,” Wright said. “And those of us who like to eat beef, even better.” By Adrienne Lipinski Orginally Published in The Collegian
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98th Little International Pushes Through Adversity as “The Show Must Go On” From the green chips to the red barn, Little International has been carrying on traditions at SDSU for nearly 100 years and that continued this past weekend with the theme, “The Show Must Go On.”. With so much uncertainty because of the Covid-19 pandemic canceling last year’s event, this year’s staff was unsure about what the event would look like. “The most difficult thing was to have so many question marks in front of us,” said Jacob Rausch, manager for the 98th Little I. “We never knew for sure what it was going to look like, or the things we had to do to make it happen, or if we could even have an event at all.” Little “I” is one of the largest student-run events on campus that takes place over a two day period. This year’s event was held last Friday and Saturday at the Animal Science Arena. Because of Covid-19 restrictions seating was limited but, thanks to Walton Webcasting, the event was broadcast online and to businesses in downtown Brookings. To create a safe event for people to attend, the staff had to adhere to Covid-19 regulations. Hand sanitizer stations were placed all over the arena. Every other row was blocked off to promote social distancing, and masks were required and given out when needed. Door handles and surfaces that many people touched were routinely wiped down. On top of that, a safety committee was created for this year’s event that went around to make sure people were following the rules. Organizers said the event featured over 135 exhibitors
showing in seven different categories: swine, beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, sheep, horses and lamb lead. In addition, students also could compete in other areas such as nursey landscape, general livestock judging, floriculture and more. Exhibitors who wished to do more than show an animal also competed in the round robin competition or for either the high point freshman or high point upperclassman. To participate in the round robin competition, exhibitors were required to win either champion or reserve overall showmanship in their species. This year’s round robin winner was Ryan Franz and Adam Bierstedt was the reserve winner. Emily Nold was the high point freshman and Bierstedt was the high point upperclassman. “I was shocked when I found out I won high point upperclassman. I was focused on round robin, so it wasn’t even on my mind,” Bierstedt said. Bierstedt, a senior agriculture science major from Pipestone, Minnesota, has participated in Little “I” since he was a freshman. He is the youngest of five siblings, so he continued with the family tradition. On average, he spent one to two hours a day every day to prepare for his show. He advises students to never give up and to just keep working with your animals. In past years, Little “I” welcomed 1,500 to 2,000 FFA and 4-H members to compete in those other events besides showing an animal. But with Covid-19 restrictions, they were not allowed to bring so many students from different states to campus safely. That forced the contests to move online. Although the staff, which is made up of 130 students divided into 44 committees, is chosen in the fall, Rausch didn’t receive approval for the event until Jan. 27. “It felt like we were in limbo. We didn’t know what to expect,” Rausch said. Rausch, along with Grady Gullickson, the assistant manager, and the executive team had to come up with multiple
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contingency plans not knowing what was going to happen. But when they received the go-ahead from the university, they got to work in earnest to create a successful event. Every year, the staff comes up with a theme. Gullickson described “The Show Must Go On” theme as a perfect fit for this year and all the uncertainty that this year’s and last year’s staff had to go through.
committee to retrieve the straw bale. The second event had Rausch dress up in a T-rex costume where he was chased around the ring by a member of the rodeo team. He then had his feet tied up by his brother, Peter Rausch. Finally, as part of a fundraiser, organizers had an event called Kiss the Pig, Rausch vs. Gullickson. People who attended the event could make donations for who they wanted to kiss the pig. Rausch raised $42 and Gullickson raised $186, with Gullickson’s dad being one who put in a $100 bill. Gullickson said it ranks as one of his favorite Little “I” memories. “I thought I’d get away with just kissing it on the shoulder, but they made me do it twice,” Gullickson said.
“It’s just the adversity from that statement and what we’ve had to accomplish this year,” Gullickson said, “It’s been a wild year and we were finally able to put this event on after two years, so it’s just being able to continue what we do on a yearly basis.” Gullickson, a junior animal and agricultural science major from Flandreau, will be taking over next year as the 99th Little “I” manager. He served as the sheep superintendent his sophomore year. Taking part in Little “I” was a family tradition for him because both of his parents showed in the event and his mom was on the executive committee.
Rausch and Gullickson are excited for the upcoming centennial celebration in two years as the organization will celebrate 100 years’ worth of experiences and memories. They have already been making plans, creating ideas and building up money to mark the occasion. “We want to get the ball rolling because we all want to come back to the 100th Little “I” as alumni,” Rausch said. “We want to properly celebrate that centennial celebration.” By Adrienne Lipinski Orginally Published in The Collegian
Rausch was on the equipment committee his sophomore year, helped out his freshman year although he wasn’t a part of the staff and competed in the high school competitions when he was younger. He continued the family tradition by participating in Little “I”. His oldest brother, Andy Rausch, was the 95th treasurer and his younger brother, Peter Rausch, is a member of the equipment committee. Their dad, Shannon Rausch, was the 64th Little “I” manger. Jacob grew up hearing stories and wanted to surround himself with the quality of people who participated in Little “I”. Despite Covid-19 restrictions, attendance was good both Friday and Saturday nights, organizers said. Exhibitors commented about how smoothly the show went. Entertainment activities were also planned in between the shows, which brought on a chorus of laughter from the stands. The first entertainment event was the pig farmer scramble where two teams of two staff members had to run across the show ring dodging pig panels held by the equipment
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SDSU Student Sadie Vander Wal Earns Prestigious Agriculture Award to honor Forrest Bassford, the founding member of the Livestock Publications Council. Its goal is to highlight students in the agricultural communications field. The winner receives a travel scholarship to attend the Ag Media Summit, a plaque and a $2,000 scholarship to further their education. “This is a very competitive and rewarding program,” said Julia Mais, Forrest Bassford Award coordinator. “I think this demonstrates the quality and determination of students in this program who are passionate about agriculture and serving the industry in a variety of communications roles.” As part of the application process, Vander Wal submitted a transcript, a list of scholarships and awards, club involvement, employment record, a 200-word essay about how they saw themselves in the future of agriculture communications and a press release.
An SDSU agricultural communications major recently won a highly competitive scholarship award that will help achieve her career goals of promoting agriculture. Sadie Vander Wal, who is also majoring in animal science and is from Brentford, South Dakota, was presented with the Forrest Bassford Award last month at the Ag Media Summit in Kansas City. Vander Wal was one of the four finalists selected to receive a travel scholarship to go to the event to continue to the next round of the award process. She was interviewed, and judges looked at her submitted work portfolio to compare her with other finalists. “They started reading the essay I had written about my future in communications and the second that I realized it was my essay, I got chills,” Vander Wal said. “Hearing the words from someone else’s mouth about the future I saw for myself in the industry was really cool.” The Forrest Bassford Award recognizes students for excellence and leadership and encourages professionalism among students. The program changed its name in 1992
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The next step was an interview with a panel of judges and a review of her portfolio. “Her portfolio was very impressive. In fact, all three judges said she could go to work automatically for all three of us immediately,” said LeAnne Peters, one of three judges who selected Vander Wal as the winner. As a finalist, Vander Wal attended the Ag Media Summit and connected with other students and industry professionals. She attended workshops on writing and communication, listened to guest speakers, attended an industry expo and much more. But the highlight of her trip was making connections. “I was shocked. It was a really cool feeling to be recognized for the past few years of the work I’ve been doing for organizations and the agriculture industry,” Vander Wal said. “I’m so passionate about the agriculture industry, and it’s cool to be recognized for that passion.” Her work in the communications field helped her move far in the program. Vander Wal has interned in communications positions for companies like Filament Marketing and Agtegra. She also handles a lot of communications positions for Prexy Council, which is the connecting point for clubs
and organizations in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. She also helps coordinate Little International communications and is a member of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.
“She’s done a nice job, a really nice job of getting a variety of working experiences in her field. She’s very talented,” Berg said. “She’s really mastered her profession. I think she should be set up for pretty outstanding career success.”
Vander Wal will graduate in the spring, and she is excited to continue in the agricultural communications field by starting full-time with Agtegra Cooperative as a communications specialist.
SDSU Winners: Here’s a look at the SDSU students who have won the Forrest Bassford Student Award: 1988: Lora (Duxbury) Berg 1994: Erin (Pettigrew) Cordsen 2018: Madison (Hokanson) Schafer 2021: Sadie Vander Wal
Before she leaves SDSU, she does have some work to finish. She partnered with another person to help relaunch a newsletter called “Ag Buddy.” The newsletter was formed a couple years ago but stopped publication, and now Vander Wal is working on relaunching it in January.
By Adrienne Lipinski Orginally Published in The Collegian
She also is the current CAFES Marketing and Communications intern and is under the supervision of Lora Berg, director of CAFES Marketing and Communications and another SDSU recipient of the Forrest Bassford Award. Berg won the award in 1988 and she attended SDSU for agriculture journalism. The application process was similar to Vander Wal’s experience, but she attended the conference in San Antonio. Like Vander Wal, Berg remembers making many connections with people in the agriculture communications industry. She has worked with Vander Wal the past few years and was the person who wrote her recommendation letter for the application process.
SOY STATS WHERE IN THE WORLD DO SOUTH DAKOTA SOYBEANS GO? 1
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JAPAN
E AST ASIA
SOYBEAN TRANSPORTATION SCALE CONVERSIONS CA R G O CA PAC I T Y
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NORT H A M E R IC A
U.S. Mexico Canada
China Japan Taiwan
Large Semi: 24.5 Metric Tons = 900 Bushels
Jumbo Hopper Car:
CHINA
99.79 Metric Tons = 3,666 Bushels TAIWAN
T HAIL AND
110-Car Shuttle Train: PHILIPPINES
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S OU T H E AST ASIA
10,977 Metric Tons = 403,294 Bushels
Philippines Thailand Panamax Freighter: 51,709 Metric Tons = 1,899,788 Bushels
Average Distance Soybeans Travel (National Average)
1,110 miles by rail New Panamax Freighter:
860 miles by barge
66,000 Metric Tons = 2,424,840 Bushels
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SDSU Crops Judging Team Receives High Honors at National Contests The South Dakota State University Crops Judging Team finished third and fourth at the two national finals collegiate crops competitions held last fall. The team placed fourth at the Kansas City Royal Contest held on Nov. 16 and third at the National Collegiate Crops Contest held in Ames, Iowa, on Nov. 19.
Individual results from the contests include: Kansas City Royal Contest: Miranda Smidt: 10th overall and in grain grading and seed and plant identification, fifth in seed analysis Aubrey Weishaar: 11th overall and in seed analysis, ninth in grain grading and seed and plant identification Dalton Howe: 12th overall and in seed and plant identification, 11th in grain grading, 13th in seed analysis Ames Contest: Miranda Smidt: seventh overall, first in seed analysis, eighth in seed and plant identification, 10th in grain grading Aubrey Weishaar: ninth overall, sixth in seed and plant identification, eighth in grain grading and seed analysis Dalton Howe: 12th overall, sixth in grain grading, 11th in seed analysis, 13th in seed and plant identification In addition to competing, team members had the chance to tour agricultural facilities near Kansas City and Ames.
Pictured, from left, are: (back) Jackson Cramer, Miguel Mena and Rachel Geary; (front) Aubrey Weishaar, Dalton Howe and Miranda Smidt.
Collegiate crops competitions consist of three parts: grain grading, seed and plant identification and seed analysis. These components require students to grade grain samples, identify 200 seed and plant samples and analyze seed samples for contaminants, which they also must identify and classify. The 2021 team members include: Miranda Smidt, agronomy student from Brookings, South Dakota; Aubrey Weishaar, agronomy student from Lemmon, South Dakota; Dalton Howe, agronomy student from Redfield, South Dakota; Jackson Cramer, agronomy student from Warner, South Dakota; and Miguel Mena, agronomy student from Harlan, Iowa. The team is coached by Dr. Brent Turnipseed and assisted by Rachel Geary, plant science master’s student from Elk Point, South Dakota, and Johnna Jorgensen, plant science master’s student from Mount Vernon, South Dakota.
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“My favorite part about being on the crops judging team is that we are all competitive people,” said Smidt. “It pushed me to further my knowledge in areas where I wasn’t as strong suited. Not only that, but then being able to take that competitiveness nationally and even take home first place individually in seed analysis made all the hours of studying worth it.” The SDSU crops judging team has continually proven the great amount of skill and expertise that lies within the university’s Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science on the national level. “Crops judging was more than just about the competition to me,” said Weishaar. “I learned how important it is to grow with my team and to help each other along the way.” By Sadie Vander Wal
SDSU Rodeo Team
The SDSU Rodeo team had a quick but successful fall 2020 season. After four consecutive rodeo weekends in September and October, both the men’s and women’s teams are currently ranked fourth going into the spring season. The fall rodeos were held in River Falls, WI; North Platte, NE (double rodeo); Ft. Dodge, IA; and Dickinson, ND (double rodeo). This year there are 52 traveling rodeo team members from CO, IA, MN, TX, ND, NE, OR, SD, WA, and WI. They represent 14 different majors across campus. SDSU competes in the Great Plains Region that includes ND, SD, MN, IA, WI, and NE. The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association is made up of 11 different regions in the US. The Spring 2021 rodeo schedule will start in April at ISU Cyclone Stampede April 1-2; SDSU Jackrabbit Stampede April 8-9; BHS Yellow Jacket Stampede April 22-23; and University of Nebraska at Lincoln Rodeo May 6-7.
Carlson – Team Roping, Eli Satzinger – Saddle Bronc Riding, Judd Grover - Tie Down and Team Roping, Colton Struxness – Steer Wrestling and Matt Herbold - Team Roping. In the past 12 years, SDSU Rodeo has now qualified 113 team members to the college national finals. The rodeo team is excited to host the “Buckles and Bling Banquet” April 7 in Club 71 of the Dana J. Dykhouse football stadium and the Jackrabbit Stampede home rodeo April 8-9 at the Swiftel Center after two years off! Information and updates on the rodeo team can be found at sdstate.edu/rodeo or SDSU Rodeo on Facebook. National and regional SDSU team standings can be found at collegerodeo.com under Great Plains Region. Thank you for the support and Go Jacks!
SDSU Rodeo qualified both the men’s and women’s rodeo teams, totaling 10 team members, to compete nationally in Casper, Wyoming in June of 2021. Jacey Hupp – Goat Tying, Tori Jacobs – Goat Tying, Shelby Spanel – Goat Tying, Allison Pauley – Barrel Racing, Scott Halverson – Team Roping, Colton
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The Inaugural Class of the SDSU Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine The 2021-2022 academic year is historic for South Dakota State University, as it marks the first year students have studied veterinary medicine on campus.
size which meant more one-on-one time with professionals,” says Mariah Beckmann, a current student in the PPVM. Both students and instructors within the program agree that having the smaller class size allows for the students to bond with their fellow classmates and have more direct access to professors in order to ask questions, enhancing their learning abilities. Although veterinary school can be challenging, the current class of students in the PPVM encourage current preveterinary students to work hard in order to obtain their goals.
The Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine was created at SDSU due to the large need of mixed-practice and food animal veterinarians in the upper Midwest. Students enrolled in the program spend their first two years of vet school on campus at SDSU studying basic sciences. After their time in Brookings is complete, they will transition to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. From there on, they will acquire hospital and other practical skills necessary for their careers as a veterinarian. The hope of the program is that after these students obtain their DVM from the University of Minnesota, they will choose to return to the state of South Dakota in order to practice veterinary medicine. The PPVM Class of 2025 consists of twenty students, nine of which are from South Dakota, eight from Minnesota, and three coming from other states. Their first semester of vet school in the fall consisted of taking twenty-four credits in classes such as anatomy, physiology, preventative medicine, and professional development. Veterinary school is considered a full-time job for these students, as they are in class Monday through Friday from eight in the morning until five in the evening. The PPVM’s small class size is a large benefit of the program. “I chose the SDSU 2+2 program because of the small class
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“I recommend to any students interested in veterinary school to tear into the chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and all biology like a lion or lioness,” said Ana Ruiz, a currency student. “This will make you that much more successful in vet school!” As the inaugural class of the PPVM nears completing their first year of veterinary school at SDSU, it is evident that the future for the program is bright and it will help cultivate the next generation of veterinarians to serve the upper Midwest. By Sydney Sheffield
Little International Quiz 1. What year was the first Little “I”? a. 1923 b. 1920 c. 1921 d. 1919 2. Who was the first Little “I” manager? a. Cliff Jensen b. Edwin Hansen c. Kendrah Schafer d. L.C. Lippert 3. Why was Little “I” canceled in 1926? a. World War I b. The Scarlet Fever Epidemic c. Stock Market Crash d. Dust Bowl
8. How many committees make up Little “I” Staff? a. 47 b. 43 c. 40 d. 38 9. Who is the first known Horse Champion in Little “I”? a. Keith Swanson b. Ray Lein c. Merrill Gunderson d. Carl Ryther 10. What was the theme of the 96th Little “I”? a. The Show Must Go On b. Live to Leave a Legacy c. Beyond the Barn d. Green Chips, Gold Standards Answers: 1) C 2) D 3) B 4) A 5) C 6) C 7) A 8) B 9) A 10) B
Are you a first timer here at SDSU Little International? Or an active supporter of this student-run livestock show? Or a proud Little “I” alumnus? Either way, take this quiz to see if you know all there is to know about Little “I”!
4. Who was the High Point Freshman of the 96th Little “I”? a. Nathan Linke b. Grady Gullickson c. Maggie Post d. Cole Jackson 5. What club won High Point Club in the 98th Little “I”? a. Alpha Zeta b. Swine Club c. Sigma Alpha d. Collegiate Farm Bureau 6. How many locations has Little “I” been hosted in on campus? a. One b. Two c. Three d. Four 7. How many staff members are there on the 99th Little “I” Staff? a. 145 b. 140 c. 150 d. 155
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CAFES Clubs and Organizations Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT):
SDSU ACT is a chapter of the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and builds relationships among agricultural communication professionals and college students and faculty to help develop and strengthen students through professional growth opportunities and educational programs. The group’s approximately 30 members learn more about journalism, photography, videography, graphic design, social media, communications and marketing, in addition to how communication can benefit the agriculture industry. Meetings include hands-on workshops that allow members to develop content for use in their portfolios, industry professionals sharing their expertise, and other club business items. This chapter participates in Hobo Day festivities and campus Ag Day, helps the CAFES marketing and communications department with promotional material, is a member of CAFES Prexy Council and volunteers at the community Harvest Table.
Agriculture Future of America (AFA):
Agriculture Future of America (AFA) is a nonprofit organization that serves to develop the next generation of leaders, specifically, students pursuing degrees in agriculture. AFA promotes professionalism, intellectualism, entrepreneurialism and experiential opportunities. This is accomplished by focusing programming on the six core competencies identified by AFA; relationship development, cultural EQ, systems thinking, interpersonal IQ, collaboration and career management. Each year, SDSU students are thrilled to participate in Leaders Conference, sending around 50 delegates to the event. SDSU and CAFES are also represented at each of the five industry-focused Leader Institutes which take place throughout the year at various locations in the US.
FFA Alumni/Ag Ed Club:
FFA Alumni/Ag Ed club enhances the collegiate experience by creating premier leaders, enabling personal growth, and ensuring career success through agriculture education. This group focuses on giving back to the National FFA Organization in a variety of ways, one of which includes hosting Jackrabbit Invite, a leadership development event for high school FFA members each fall. The club’s approximately 90 members also participate in the Agricultural Education RoadShow, SDSU Ag Day, National FFA Convention, South Dakota FFA Convention, community service projects in the Brookings community and other professional development projects.
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Agronomy and Conservation Club:
The SDSU Agronomy and Precision Ag Club is a group of students interested in crop science and agricultural production practices. The group meets with local industry leaders to discuss new agricultural topics, cuttingedge technologies, and potential internship and career opportunities. The club also works to schedule tours at various businesses in the agriculture industry. In addition, club members participate within the Brookings community and across campus by participating in the Hobo Day Parade, Adopt-A-Highway project and with activities in the Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department.
Jackrabbit Dairy Camp June 9 - 12 | Brookings, SD Our three-day camp for students ages 7 to 17 includes lessons in fitting, showing and more, meals, housing, nightly events and their own SDSU DRTF heifer to “show” at our Saturday picinic! *Registration will be capped at 60 participants
Registration closes May 1 | Contact Tiffany at tiffany.vanburen@jacks.sdstate.edu or 920-763-5087
CAFES Clubs and Organizations Environmental Sciences. Membership is by invitation only, making it an esteemed honor to be qualified to join. With 54 current active members, the group’s goal is to keep membership connected with industry professionals by inviting leaders in agriculture to speak at meetings. Through events, members promote agriculture around campus and within the Brookings community. Some community involvement activities have included projects with the local food pantry, hosting events with the Brookings County Youth Mentoring Program, cleaning Frost Area, putting together care packages for soldiers, and creating cards for nursing home residents and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR):
Alpha Gamma Rho is a prominent fraternity at South Dakota State University with a primary purpose to “Make Better Men.” AGR strives to provide their members with the skills and knowledge they will need to become the next generation of agriculturalists and leaders. In doing so, they emphasize the importance of brotherhood and fellowship by providing their members with lifelong friendships within the fraternity and professional networking across the nation with other AGR members and alumni. With 45 members, AGR is an active organization on campus as a part of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences and is an active member in the community through acts of community service and the annual pancake feed in support of the Blue Jackets, Bright Futures program, which provides FFA members with their own blue corduroy jackets.
Student Subunit of the American Fisheries Society:
The American Fisheries Society (AFS) is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to advancing and conserving fisheries resources. The SDSU Student Subunit of AFS is one of over 85 student subunits located at universities across North and South America. The mission of the SDSU Student Subunit is to enhance professional development of undergraduate and graduate students as they pursue careers in fisheries science. Members of the student subunit interact with professionals from a variety of organizations as they gain knowledge, skills and hands-on experience in fisheries and aquatic resource management. The subunit welcomes all students interested in aquatic resources and provides opportunities to participate in professional meetings, public outreach, and social events at the local, state and national level.
Alpha Zeta:
Alpha Zeta is an honorary, professional society for students and industry professionals in the agriculture and natural resources fields. The fraternity recognizes both male and female students in the top two-fifths of the student body enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Food and
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CAFES Clubs and Organizations ABE/AST/PRAG Club:
The ABE/AST/PRAG club joins together three different majors to connect students with industry leaders and develop professional networking skills. These three majors include Ag and Biosystems Engineering, Agriculture Systems Technology and Precision Agriculture. The club’s largest event has included an industry inspection trip where the club travels around the Midwest touring companies within the industry. Teaching students about the opportunities in their major and connecting them with other students and employers stands as the club’s ultimate goal.
Highway Clean-up, Relay for Life, Natural Tie and Little International.
Collegiate 4-H:
Collegiate 4-H is an extension of the national 4-H organization. Students who were active in 4-H at the state or national level will love being involved at the collegiate level. Meet others who share the same passion towards 4-H as you do! Collegiate 4-H stays busy with National Convention, National Western Roundup, and making tie blankets for hospitals and cards for veterans.
Collegiate Farm Bureau:
Block & Bridle:
Block & Bridle is part of the National Block and Bridle and functions on three basic objectives; promote a higher scholastic standard, enhance professionalism of student members, and strive to bring about a close relationship among all students pursuing some phase of animal science as a profession. This club provides students the opportunity to connect with other students who are interested in animal agriculture, no matter the major or livestock species. This club participates in the Harvest Table, SDSU Ag Day and Jackrabbits Memorial calf show.
SDSU Collegiate Farm Bureau is an affiliate of the South Dakota Farm Bureau. This organization is a great opportunity for SDSU students from agricultural backgrounds or majoring in agriculture-related fields to gain leadership skills and network with agriculture professionals. Club members have the opportunity to participate in state Farm Bureau conferences, county meetings, Young Farmers and Ranchers conferences and discussion meets.
Country Swing Dancing Club: Ceres:
Ceres Women’s Fraternity provides a variety of leadership opportunities, beneficial educational programs, sisterly connections and has a meaningful purpose. The ladies within this organization come from a range of backgrounds and are striving for degrees within a variety of disciplines making the chapter diverse. This diversity creates a foundation for numerous connections among fellow sisters and allows women to find their purpose. Some events and service projects members can look forward to participating in are
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The Country Swing Dancing Club creates a community at SDSU for students to come together and enjoy the art of country swing dancing. The group hosts dances throughout the year in addition to practices on campus where students can learn and practice their swing dancing skills
Dairy Club:
SDSU Dairy Club offers opportunities to students with a passion for the dairy community. Some events the club participates in are the World Dairy Expo and Midwest
CAFES Clubs and Organizations Affiliate (ADSA-SAD). The club hosts a Dairy Camp each summer for 50 kids ages 8-18. Youth can learn how to clip, wash and show their own animal. The Dairy Club funds their experiences through a cheese box fundraiser every year. This club is open to all majors and anyone interested in the dairy community.
to network with different companies with a partnership with industry professionals from across the state. With speakers from a variety of professions with internship and future career opportunities available, students are given the tools and advice to develop leadership and work skills. Students in the organization will not only benefit from these experiences but also from various workshops facilitated to improve professionalism including LinkedIn etiquette, professional headshots, and business cards.
Food Science Club:
FarmHouse:
FarmHouse Fraternity is dedicated to the building of men and promotes the growth and welfare of members through a four-fold focus of intellectual, social/moral, spiritual and physical development. The organization is proud of its strong tradition of community service throughout Brookings and surrounding areas, including assisting with installing and removing docks on Lake Campbell, helping move Brookings residents, mowing lawns for community members, helping alumni brand cattle, and one of its largest events, Totally Baldacious, a fundraiser benefiting the family of a local child fighting a battle against cancer, in addition to raising money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, the fraternity’s national philanthropy partner.
The Food Science club is a student-led organization for any student interested in food. The club aims to provide its members with ongoing professional development by creating a community of students, university faculty, and other professionals in the food science industry. The club is passionate about promoting food science through events and service projects within SDSU and the Brookings community. Throughout the year the club participates in a variety of activities including social, professional, fundraising, and service activities. The club is committed to making the world a better place through something everyone loves - food!
Horse Club:
The purpose of the SDSU Horse Club is to engage its members within the South Dakota equine industry and to help increase students’ knowledge of horses. The club hosts a variety of speakers, including farriers, veterinarians and barn managers. Other activities the club hosts and participates in include its annual petting zoo and food drive, fall trail rides and the Hobo Day parade. With 45 current members, Horse club welcomes all experience levels and strives to educate, make connections and have fun!
FIRE (Finance, Insurance and Real Estate) Club:
FIRE club provides SDSU students with an opportunity to expand their knowledge in the areas of finance, insurance and real estate while gaining professionalism in the industry. Open to any major, students are given many opportunities
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FOUNDED 1964
Alpha Gamma Rho MAKING BETTER MEN!
The best things are grown in Rho's! BABY TAYLOR FINN
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CAFES Clubs and Organizations Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Club:
The Horticulture and Urban Agriculture club brings students in contact with the variety of aspects of the horticulture industry. The club has also taken teams to the Mid-America Collegiate Horticultural Society (MACHS) contest, and will host a virtual contest this year on April 20th. Members in this club can also look forward to participating in Hobo Week traditions and the annual Trick or Trees held at McCrory Gardens.
marketing plan and presentation about an agricultural product which provides a solution to a challenge facing agriculture. This presentation is used in competing in an annual marketing competition alongside 30+ other chapters from across North America.
Natural Resource Law Enforcement Club:
The Natural Resources Law Enforcement club focuses on networking, professional development, resume building, and hands-on training pertaining to natural resources law enforcement. During meetings, the club brings in speakers to discuss current NRLE topics and answer student’s questions.
Pre-Vet Club:
Investment Club:
Investment club is a club within the Ness School of Management and Economics and is open to any major. With approximately 50 club members, the group brings in a variety of business industry leaders such as financial advisors and analysts, ag bankers, and more to talk about their careers, give advice, and answer any questions club members have. The club also hosts a trading competition through the Interactive Brokers platform. Participants have the chance to win a cash prize based on the success of their portfolio. Investment club is a great way for students to learn more about how investments work and career choices that might interest them.
Any students interested in a career in veterinary medicine will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience applicable to their future while socializing with other Pre-Vet students. One of the goals of Pre-Vet club is to support students through their time at SDSU and through the vet school application process. With approximately 40 club members, the club serves as way members can ask questions of upperclassmen as they are applying to vet school, form study groups as they take classes together and network with other students and faculty for research, international travel and work experience. Pre-Vet club members participate in events and service projects including monthly meetings, wet lab experiences with Dell Rapids Vet Clinic, trips to regional vet schools, hosting booths at campus Ag Day and the CAFES ice cream social, hosting a necropsy night in collaboration with SDSU Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences staff and general preparation for the vet school application process.
National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA):
National Agri-Marketing Association, also known as NAMA, is a professional growth and networking opportunity for students to collaborate with other likeminded and passionate students. This club develops and delivers innovative ideas to the agriculture industry through a wide variety of real-world, hands-on experiences. Members of NAMA develop a comprehensive
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CAFES Clubs and Organizations Quarter Scale Tractor Club:
The Quarter Scale Tractor Club is an engineering-based club that touches on all aspects of the manufacturing process. The team is not just made up of engineers, as there are many different aspects of the competition besides engineering. Events this club and members participate in are the National Quarter Scale Competition, Tractor Pulls, Durability Courses, and Design Judging.
Sigma Alpha Sorority:
Sigma Alpha is a professional agricultural sorority that promotes scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship among its members. In the past year, the SDSU chapter, composed of 56 members, created virtual and distance learning lesson plans about agriculture for schools surrounding the Brookings area as a part of its national philanthropy, Ag in the Classroom. Other club events and activities include cleaning roadside ditches, serving food at Harvest Table, hosting the annual Blue Jackets, Bright Futures Pancake Feed with Alpha Gamma Rho, and hosting other professional development and sisterhood events for its members
Range Club:
Range Club seeks to promote interest in range management by educating others while enhancing the social and professional skills of members through club activities. As the South Dakota Student Chapter of the Society for Range Management, the club welcomes students studying or interested in the field of range management.
Rodeo Club:
The SDSU Rodeo Club plays a vital role in the success of the SDSU Rodeo Team. Club members are involved in rodeo practices, the Hobo Day Parade, rodeo stock chores, fundraisers, including the Buckles and Bling fundraiser, and the production of the Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo.
SDSU Pheasants Forever Chapter:
The SDSU Pheasants Forever chapter gives students the opportunity to become involved in an organization that is aimed toward the future. All backgrounds are welcome to explore the world of conservation and hunting, while making lifelong professional relationships with other conservation partners and club members. The SDSU chapter is just getting off the ground and encourages students to continue helping them grow a strong foundation for the club’s prosperity.
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Swine Club:
Swine Club provides students a great way to network with industry professionals through meetings and events. The group invites several different speakers throughout the year to provide members with professional development and student internships/career opportunities. The club also takes field trips to area swine operations and other businesses in the industry. Activities swine club also participates in include Harvest Table, Pork Classic, Brookings County Youth Mentoring Halloween Bash and Ag Day at the Pavilion and on campus.
CAFES Clubs and Organizations Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Club
The Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Club (WFCC) is a student chapter of The Wildlife Society. The main goals of the club include providing students with communication and educational opportunities, preparing members for careers in natural resource and wildlife careers, encouraging professionalism and high standards of scholarship, and fostering campus and community awareness of wildlife issues. The WFCC participates in many different events such as the Adopt-a-Lake program, volunteering with The Nature Conservancy, representing SDSU at the South Dakota Wildlife Society’s annual meeting, and many other professional development events. Students of all majors are encouraged to join the WFCC as long as you have a passion for wildlife and the outdoors!
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Bergs Named SDSU Family of the Year
For three generations and 60 years, the Berg family from Pipestone, Minnesota, has been making South Dakota State University a second home. On Feb. 19 at the men’s basketball game against St. Thomas, the Bergs will be honored as the SDSU Family of the Year by the SDSU Alumni Association. In addition to being honored during the basketball game, the Bergs will be the guests of honor at a luncheon that day with SDSU President Barry Dunn at the SDSU Alumni Center. Like Dunn, the Bergs’ roots are in agriculture, but through three generations the family also has seen members graduate from eight academic majors: ag education, ag journalism, animal science, dairy manufacturing, economics, microbiology and biotechnology, electrical engineering and nursing. The Bergs’ connection with SDSU began in 1962 when Marlin Berg, a vocational ag instructor at Jasper, Minnesota, near Pipestone, started taking required continuing education credits. The Willmar, Minn., native had earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota. “Growing up in central Minnesota, I didn’t know too much about SDSU, but I liked what I saw. I got to know some of the professors and figured out it was a really good school,” said Berg, who took classes with ag department stalwarts like Phil Plumart, Dan Gee and John Romans.
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He decided to get enough credits for a master’s degree in ag education, usually making the 45-mile drive for night classes while also taking some summer classes. Kids get early SDSU exposure Marlin and Donna Berg had just started their family. Barbara, Philip and Daniel had arrived by the time Marlin had earned his master’s degree in 1966. Daryl completed the family when he was born in 1967. While the children didn’t remember Dad’s trips to campus to earn his advanced degree, they did get plenty of SDSU exposure. The Bergs moved to their farm 4 miles south of Pipestone on Highway 23 in 1974 and the children learned to care for their Suffolk sheep flock. They accompanied Dad when he took teams to Little International and other judging contests hosted at State. By the time they were in high school, the Berg children were competing themselves. Earned degrees, gained spouses at State When it came time to enroll in college, the selection process was simple. “I don’t know that any of them considered any other school,” Berg said. Their firstborn, Barbara, was interested in nursing. SDSU hada strong nursing program and was relatively close, Berg said.
Philip, Daniel and Daryl followed her lead. In a span of six years, all four had earned their degrees – Barbara, nursing, 1985; Philip, animal science, 1986; Daniel, electrical engineering, 1989; and Daryl, dairy manufacturing, 1990. Two – Daniel and Daryl – met their spouses on campus. Daniel met Lora Duxbury, 1988, ag journalism, through Little International. Daryl met Mary Hegna, 1990, nursing, through social activities at Hansen Hall, which was then the residence hall for ag students. Marlin and Donna Berg have seen seven of their grandchildren attend State, the latest being Isaac Berg, a sophomore majoring in animal science. Honorary Block and Bridle member As the vocational ag instructor and FFA adviser at Jasper and Pipestone high schools from 1959 to 1993, Marlin Berg took hundreds of students to SDSU to participate in Little I and various judging contests. He estimated more than 70 of his students became SDSU students and he welcomed dozens of SDSU student-teachers into his classroom. Among them is Rosie Nold, a 1988 animal science graduate, who has served as assistant department head in animal science since 2014. In 1986, Marlin Berg was recognized as an honorary member of SDSU Block and Bridle, a national organization for those connected with animal science. Family leaves imprint at State Berg family members made an impact while on campus and some continue to do so. Berg family members made an impact while on campus and some continue to do so. Some highlights: In 1984, Philip was 10th individually in the national collegiate meat judging contest and the team placed first. Currently, as Pipestone Lamb and Wool Management instructor at Minnesota State West Community College, he sets up meat judging contests at SDSU for 4-H and FFA participants from southern Minnesota. In 1986, Daniel was a member of the meat judging team that placed ninth nationally. In 1987, he was an assistant coach on the team that placed ninth nationally. As an alum, the quality and regulatory manager for Spartronics serves on the industrial advisory board for the SDSU electrical engineering department. In 1988, Daryl was a member of the meat judging team that placed seventh nationally. In 1986, Lora (Duxbury) Berg served as Block and Bridle Queen. Today, she directs marketing and communications
for the SDSU College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and is a winner of the F.O. Butler Award at SDSU for Excellence in Community Service. In addition, she has mentored and influenced hundreds of SDSU students through her club advisory role. In 2015, Philip’s daughter Samantha, a dairy manufacturing student, was one of three students to develop the quickly popular Barry Berry ice cream flavor during her senior year. In 2018, Samantha Berg-Koep and her husband, Evan Koep, served as Little I judges. In 2019, Philip’s son Andrew served as master of ceremonies for Little I. In 2020, Daryl’s son Brandon was Little I treasurer. Family leaves imprint beyond State The Berg family impact in their chosen professions, especially, food production, is remarkable, with a lasting impact: Since 1988, Daryl has had leadership roles in dairy processing, egg processing, meat processing and coffee processing. Under his leadership, one of the plants received the national Malcolm Baldridge Award two years in a row. He routinely provides opportunities for SDSU students through internships and permanent positions. Daryl’s son, Brandon, works for a large egg processor in Iowa. Phillip’s daughters, Samantha and Hannah, collectively interned at five dairy and food companies. ‘Strong sense of family loyalty’ The family was nominated by Vikram Mistry, interim associate deans of academic programs in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. He wrote, “To be a Berg is to have a strong sense of family loyalty and a serious commitment to be involved and make a difference in your community. This nomination reflects a strong tradition of participation and leadership among all of the members of this family during their time at South Dakota State University and in the successful careers that were made possible by their education at SDSU. “The strong SDSU pride and dedication to this institution makes the Berg family worthy of consideration for SDSU Family of the Year.” SDSU Marketing and Communications
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College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Overview The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) houses six different academic departments and two academic units. The college’s 1,750 students span over 20 different majors and multiple minor and certificate programs. The departments that make up CAFES include the Departments of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, Animal Science, Dairy and Food Science, Natural Resource Management and Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering focuses on identifying and improving the world’s food production systems and available natural resources through engineering, precision and technology. Undergraduate programs in this department include agricultural and biosystems engineering, precision agriculture and agricultural systems technology. Students can further their education and networking by joining the Quarter Scale Tractor Team and/or the ABE/AST/PRAG Club. Students in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science have opportunities that span a range of careers such as agronomy, crop production, entomology, genetics, genomics, horticulture, local food production, plant breeding, plant pathology, precision agriculture, pest management, soil science and weed science. This department offers three majors, including agronomy, horticulture and precision agriculture, a shared major with the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, in addition to
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numerous minors. Clubs housed in this department include the Agronomy and Conservation Club and the Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Club. Students also can further their skills by participating on the crops or soil judging teams. The Department of Animal Science offers students a multidisciplinary approach toward production efficiency, product enhancements and natural resource management as they relate to animal science. Graduates with an animal science degree are well prepared for their future careers through hands-on experiences in the classroom, on field trips, and at SDSU’s five on-site livestock units. With its sole major, the department offers three different specializations, including food animal health, industry and science. Clubs located in the department include Block and Bridle, Horse Club, Little International and Swine Club. Students can also join the livestock, meats or wool judging teams. The Department of Dairy and Food Science is the founding department of the Dakota Agricultural College and has been an industry-leading program in the United States for more than a century. With 100% job placement and three-degree programs in dairy production, dairy manufacturing and food science, and Food Safety Minor students face promising careers immediately following graduation. Facilities available to students include the Alfred Dairy Science Hall, Davis Dairy Plant, the SDSU Dairy Bar and the Dairy Research and Training Facility. The department also houses Dairy Club and Food Science Club. The mission of the Department of Natural Resource Management is to advocate for the management and study of a remarkable and diverse array of animals and plants. Undergraduate students can pursue degrees in conservation planning and park management with the option of specializing in park administration and management, ecology and environmental science with the option of specializing in rangeland ecology and management, natural resource law enforcement or wildlife and fisheries sciences. Students can get involved in this department through the National Resource Law Enforcement Club and/or the Wildlife and Fisheries Club. Graduates of the Department of Natural Resource Management often pursue careers as conservation officers, ecologists, environmental educators, habitat managers, park rangers and wildlife and fisheries biologists.
The Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences strives to protect and improve the health of animals, the viability of the South Dakota livestock industry and the welfare of society through high quality diagnostic, research, Extension and teaching activities. The department prepares undergraduate students for veterinary school through its pre-veterinary medicine curriculum. Starting in fall 2021 SDSU, in partnership with the University of Minnesota, will offer a collaborative Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine leading to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Students must first complete all their pre-veterinary requirements before applying to the professional program. Once accepted, these students complete their first two years of veterinary medical education at SDSU before finishing their final two years at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. The Agricultural Business and Economics academic unit is unique because it combines management and economics with a solid technical knowledge in production agriculture and skills in problem solving. Students work with professors and advisors in the Ness School of Management and Economics to develop their business knowledge in addition to taking a variety of agriculture courses in CAFES. The Agricultural Leadership, Education, Communication
and Science academic unit provides students a multidisciplinary program with a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. Within the unit lies two core majors with different specializations. The agricultural education, communication and leadership degree program offers specializations in education, communication, and leadership. The communication specialization focuses on the importance of communication through journalism, industry promotion and marketing that students can use to pursue careers into public relations, advertising, marketing and more. The education specialization allows students to complete a professional education curriculum that leads to a secondary teaching certificate with a specialization in agriculture. With a leadership specialization, students receive training in leadership skills development and are prepared for careers of service in agricultural organizations, government and businesses. Students also have the option to pursue either a bachelor’s or an associate degree in agricultural science at SDSU. This flexible program allows students to select a two or four-year track and receive a wellrounded education in a variety of agricultural disciplines. For more information related to CAFES, visit sdstate.edu/ cafes.
Compiled by Kira Gifford
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99th Little International Staff
Secretary - Logan Tesch Treasurer - Dalton Howe Asst. Secretary - Anna of Henderson, MN is is a senior majoring in Karels is a Precision the son of Jeremy and Agronomy with an Ag Ag sophomore with Lisa Tesch. Logan is Business minor. Dalton minors in Agronomy a senior majoring in is from Redfield, SD and and Animal Science. Animal Science and Ag is the son of Lance and She is the daughter of Business with a minor in Shirley Howe. Outside Todd and Kristen Karels Ag Marketing. Logan is of Little “I”, Dalton is the of Norwood Young actively involved on campus as he serves as Agronomy and Precision Ag Club president America, MN. Anna is involved in Dairy the Swine Club President, an Animal Science and the Alpha Zeta Honors Fraternity Club, Sigma Alpha Sorority, Block & Bridle, Ambassador, and is a member of FarmHouse treasurer. and Swine Club. Fraternity. Asst. Treasurer - Emmett Bickett is the son of Tim and Stacy Bickett of Worthington, MN. Emmett is a sophomore Animal Science major with a minor in Ag Business. Besides serving on Little “I” staff, Emmett is actively involved with Alpha Gamma Rho. In his free time he enjoys fishing and makes custom fishing rods.
Exec Member - Cara Teigum is a senior majoring in Ag Leadership with minors in Animal Science and Ag Business. She is the daughter of Thor and Natalie Teigum of Madelia, MN. On campus, Cara is involved with Sigma Alpha, Students’ Association, Alpha Zeta Ag Honors Fraternity, and serves as a CAFES Ambassador.
Exec Member - Aaron Linke is a senior majoring in Agronomy, Animal Science, and Ag Science with minors in Ag Business and Ag Marketing. He is the son of Henry and Paula Linke of Woonsocket, SD. This is Aaron’s third year serving on the Executive Committee, and he is also a member of Collegiate Farm Bureau. Aaron was the High Point Freshman of the 95th Little “I”.
Exec Member - Tessa Herman, a junior Animal Science student with minors in Meat Science and Ag Marketing, is the daughter of Pat Herman and Tara Hanson of Barnesville, MN. She is a member of the SDSU Livestock Judging Team and is the secretary of Block & Bridle. Tessa enjoys showing cattle, reading and hanging out with friends.
Exec Member - Nathan Linke, a Mechanical Engineering senior, is the son of Henry and Paula Linke of Woonsocket, SD. Nathan’s previous Little “I” experience includes being named the 2019 High Point Freshman and having served on the Fundraising Committee. Additionally, Nathan serves as the president of Collegiate Farm Bureau.
Exec Member - Adrienne Lipinski is a junior Ag Communication major with minors in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, and Digital and Social Media. She is from Eden Valley, MN and is the daughter of Randy and Joyce Lipinski. She is involved in Swine Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Sigma Alpha, The Collegian, and CAFES Prexy Executive Council.
Exec Member - Sadie Vander Wal, the daughter of Jeff and Beth Vander Wal of Brentford, SD, is a senior majoring in Animal Science and Ag Communication. Sadie is involved in Sigma Alpha sorority, Prexy Council, Alpha Zeta, 2021 SDSU Meat Judging team, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Honors College and is a CAFES and Animal Science Ambassador.
Exec Member - Karmen Sperr of Donnelly, MN is a sophomore Ag Communication and Ag Leadership major with a minor in Animal Science and Journalism. She is the daughter of Lori and Duane Sperr. Besides previously serving on Little “I” staff, Karmen is also involved with Sigma Alpha, CAFES Prexy Council Executive Team, Swine Club, and CAFES Ambassadors.
Exec Member - Evan Wittry is a junior Ag Science major from Sioux Falls, SD. He is the son of Shawn and Tammi Wittry. In addition to having previously served on Little “I” staff, Evan is also a member of Alpha Gamma Rho. In his free time, Evan enjoys hunting, fishing, and helping out with his cousin’s feedlot.
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99th Little International Staff
Exec Member - Leona Meyer is a senior double majoring in Ag Science and Animal Science with minors in Meat Science, Food Safety and Microbiology. She is the daughter of John and Debra Meyer of Fredonia, WI. She is also involved in Alpha Zeta Ag Honors Fraternity, the Pride of the Dakotas, Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team, and serves as a CAFES Ambassador.
Exec Member - Zoey Schentzel is a sophomore Ag Communication major with minors in Animal Science and Entrepreneurial Studies. She is the daughter of Ken and Malissa Schentzel of Farmington, MN. Zoey was the Lamb Lead champion at the 98th Little “I”. She is a CAFES Ambassador and is involved in Sigma Alpha and CAFES Prexy Council.
Livestock Transport Coordinator - Derrek Russenberger is a senior Precision Ag major with minors in Agronomy and Ag Business. He is the son of Duane and Wendi Russenberger of Trimont, MN. Last year he was part of the equipment staff on Little “I”. A few of his hobbies are being outdoors, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling.
Livestock Transport Livestock Transport Coordinator - Dylan Coordinator - Braden Brandt is a sophomore Keller is the son of Ag Business major with Clifford and Julie Keller an Animal Science minor. of Tolstoy, SD. He is He is the son of Paul and a senior Mechanical Lisa Brandt of Clear Lake, Engineering major. SD. He was the 98th Little On campus, Braden is “I” Transportation Coordinator. Outside of involved in Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Little “I”, Dylan is involved in Alpha Gamma Pipestone Senior Design Group. A few of his Rho and Swine Club. hobbies are showing cattle and 3-D printing.
Livestock Transport Coordinator - Teigen Hadrick is the son of Troy and Stacy Hadrick of Faulkton, SD. He is a freshman Animal Science major. In high school Teigen participated in the Little “I” Livestock Judging contest. A few of his hobbies include short walks to the fridge and watching TV.
Beef Superintendent - Jake Thompson of Maple Park, IL is the son of Mike and Jennifer Thompson. He is a senior majoring in Ag and Biosystems Engineering with a minor in Animal Science. Besides exhibiting at Little “I” in previous years, Jake was also on the Quarter Scale Tractor Team.
Asst. Beef - Lauren Verlinde of Tracy, MN is the daughter of Ryan and Marla Verlinde. She is a freshman majoring in Ag Communication with a minor in Ag Business. Lauren grew up showing cattle and was a MN State Youth Beef Ambassador for 5 years. On campus, she is involved with Block & Bridle and Jackrabbits Memorial Jackpot Show.
Asst. Beef - Mataya Dairy Superintendent Geppert of Fort Pierre, - Abbey Hoffman is a SD is the daughter of Rod double major in Animal and Suzy Geppert. She is Science and Ag Science a sophomore majoring in with a minor in Ag Business Economics with Business. The senior a minor in Marketing. is from Benson, MN. Mataya is a member of Abbey’s parents are Tom Block & Bridle and exhibited a bull at the and Sara Hoffman. She has participated in 98th Little “I”. Little “I” both on staff and as a contestant. Abbey is involved with Sigma Alpha Sorority, Collegiate Farm Bureau and Block and Bridle.
Exec Member - Trevor Frost is a junior Agronomy major with a minor in Ag Business. He is the son of Travis and Kaylin Frost of Redfield, SD. Trevor served as the superintendent of the Equipment Committee in the 98th Little “I”. In his free time, Trevor enjoys hunting and fishing.
Asst. Beef - Kourtney Schaff of Saint Anthony, ND is the daughter of Kelly and Martie Schaff. Kourtney is a freshman majoring in Animal Science and grew up showing Angus cattle through 4-H and FFA. On campus, she is a member of Block and Bridle.
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99th Little International Staff
Asst. Dairy - AnnaMarie Asst. Dairy - Kelsey Sachs is a senior Erf is a Dairy majoring in Ag Education Production major and and Animal Science Communications minor with a minor in Dairy from Oakdale, MN. Industry. AnnaMarie is Kelsey is the daughter the daughter of Charlie of Dave and Kathy Erf. and Carrie Sachs of She is a member of Dairy Eyota, MN. She is a member of the Dairy Club, Sigma Alpha, and the Dairy Cattle Club, Ag Ed/FFA Alumni Club, Alpha Zeta Judging Team. Kelsey also enjoys showing Ag Honors Fraternity and is currently a Brown Swiss dairy cattle. Students’ Association Senator.
Asst. Dairy - Makenna Skiff is a Dairy Production and Dairy Manufacturing freshman from Norfolk, NE. She is the daughter of Matt and Angie Skiff. Makenna is involved in Dairy Club and intramural sports on campus and enjoys showing dairy cattle, traveling and staying active.
Goat Superintendent Ryan Franz of Windom, MN is a senior Animal Science student with minors in Ag Marketing and Ag Business. Ryan is the son of Todd and MK Franz, and he was the Round Robin Champion at the 98th Little “I”. On campus Ryan is a member of Block & Bridle and Jackrabbits Memorial Jackpot Show.
Asst. Goat - Abbigale Asst. Goat - Branigan Steeke is a junior Steichen is a junior majoring in Ag Science majoring in Animal with minors in Ag Science. The daughter of Business and Animal Mike and Julie Steichen is Science. She is the from Sibley, IA. Besides daughter of Trevor her previous involvement and Misty Steeke from on staff, she is an active Rhame, ND. At SDSU, Abbigale is involved member of the Horse Club. in Block and Bridle and the Livestock Judging Team. She enjoys showing sheep and goats and working on her family’s ranch.
Asst. Goat - Bella Philips of Marshall, MN is the daughter of Mark and Susan Phillips. Bella is a freshman majoring in Ag Leadership with minors in Event and Facilities Administration and Leadership and Management of Non-Profit Organizations. Bella is involved with Block & Bridle and the Junior American Boer Goat Association.
Horse Superintendent - Charles Marshall is a sophomore Dairy Manufacturing major with a minor in Food Safety. He is the son of Don and Nancy Marshall of Brookings, SD. On campus, he is a member of Dairy Club and he previously exhibited a horse in the 98th Little “I”. Charles’ hobbies include hunting and fishing with friends.
Asst. Horse - Elise Knapp is a freshman Animal Science major with minors in Equine Studies and Ranch Management from Westfield, IA. She is the daughter of Noelle Knapp. Elise participated in many Little “I” competitions throughout high school, including Livestock Judging and Veterinary Science. On campus, she is also a member of Block & Bridle.
Asst. Horse - Courtney Lundin is a senior Animal Science/Pre-Vet student with minors in Animal Health and Equine Studies. She is the daughter of Ardell Lundin of Watertown, SD. In addition to serving on Little “I” staff, she is a member of Horse Club and Pre-Vet Club on campus.
Asst. Horse - Elise Johnson is a sophomore Ag Education major with minors in Animal Science and Equine Studies. She is from Seward, NE and is the daughter of Jill and Brady Johnson. On campus, Elise is involved with Horse Club, Ag Ed/FFA Alumni Club, and was a Hobo Day Bumbassador and is an Admissions Ambassador.
Sheep Superintendent Justin Taylor is a junior Ag and Biosystems Engineering major. He is the son of Todd and Lynnette Taylor of Arlington, WI. Justin is a member of FarmHouse Fraternity and ABE Club. He has exhibited in the experienced sheep division and Lamb Lead with Little “I”. Justin enjoys showing sheep at state and national shows.
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99th Little International Staff
Asst. Sheep - Haley Van Nurden is a freshman Ag Business major with a Commodity Risk Management minor. She is the daughter of Paul and Pauline Van Nurden of Sunburg, MN. Outside of Little “I” Haley is a member of Block & Bridle and Navigators. Haley was involved in 4-H and FFA and enjoys showing market lambs with her family.
Business minors.
Asst. Sheep - Ty Skartvedt is the son of Paul and Shannon Skartvedt of Radcliffe, IA. He is a freshman Ag Science major with Animal Science, Precision Ag, and Ag
Asst. Sheep - Whitney Ten Napel is a senior Dairy Manufacturing and Ag Leadership double major with Food Safety and Ag Business minors. She is the daughter of Dan and Michelle Ten Napel of Ireton, IA. On campus she is a member of Dairy Club, Block & Bridle, Jackrabbits Memorial Jackpot Show, and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.
Swine Superintendent - Kallista Roers is a sophomore double major in Animal Science with a minor in Commodity Risk Management. Kallista is the daughter of Royce and Janelle Roers of Alexandria, MN. She currently works at the SDSU Swine Unit and is an undergrad research assistant while being involved in Swine Club.
Asst. Swine - Logan Asst. Swine - Lucas Doll Frigaard is a sophomore is a junior studying Ag Animal Science student Science with a minor in with a minor in Ag Agronomy. The son of Business. He is the son of Mitch & Karla Doll is Greg and Tina Frigaard from Saint James, MN. of Dalton, MN. Logan is a In his spare time, Lucas Swine Club member and enjoys helping with 4-H enjoys golfing, hunting and showing pigs. livestock shows, working out, fishing and hunting.
Lamb Lead Superintendent - Taylor McMartin is a junior double major in Ag Communications and Journalism with a minor in Public Relations. On campus she is a Senator At-Large on Students’ Association as well as a member of the Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow club. In her free time she also writes for the Collegian.
Asst. Lamb Lead Joella Chamberlain is a sophomore Ag Systems Technology major with minors in Precision Ag and Ag Business. She is the daughter of Jeff and Casey Chamberlain of Hastings, MN. Joella has previously exhibited a dairy heifer in Little “I”. She is also involved in Sigma Alpha, Block & Bridle, Dairy Club, ABE/AST/PRAG Club and Swine Club.
Asst. Judging Coordinator - Hannah Berg is a senior Dairy Manufacturing major with Food Safety, Meat Science, and Management minors. She is the daughter of Laurel and Philip Berg of Pipestone, MN. In the 96th Little “I”, Hannah participated in Lamb Lead. On campus she is involved in Dairy Club, Food Science Club, and Cru.
Milk Quality & Products Asst. Milk Quality Superintendent & Products - Nicole Courtney Sellner is a Baumann is a junior senior from Sleepy Eye, from Winsted, MN. MN. The Animal Science The daughter of Nate major is the daughter of & Melissa Baumann is Gary and Rebecca Sellner. majoring in Agronomy Aside from involvement with minors in Precision in Little “I”, Courtney is involved with Swine Ag and Ag Business. Nicole is involved Club and enjoys cooking and spending time with Alpha Zeta Ag Honors Fraternity and outdoors and with family and friends. Agronomy and Precision Ag Club.
Asst. Judging Coordinator - Hannah Wichmann is the daughter of Shawn and Nicole Wichmann from Balaton, MN. She is a sophomore Ag Communication major with minors in Ag Business, Digital and Social media, and Marketing. On campus Hannah is involved with Sigma Alpha Sorority. She enjoys working on her family’s cow-calf operation and hunting.
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99th Little International Staff Dairy Judging Superintendent Johannah Nielsen of Tyler, MN is the daughter of Bruce and Roxanne Nielsen. Johannah is a senior majoring in Animal Science/Pre-Vet and Dairy Production with minors in Ag Business, Animal Health, and Chemistry. On campus, she is in Sigma Alpha Sorority, Block & Bridle and Alpha Zeta Ag Honors Fraternity.
Asst. Dairy Judging Colin Frey, a freshman from Claremont, SD is the son of Mike and Sara Frey. Colin is an Ag Business major with a minor in Precision Ag. In his spare time he enjoys working on the farm and showing dairy cattle.
Asst. Dairy Judging - Taylor Jerde of Northfield, MN is a senior Dairy Production major with a minor in Animal Science. Taylor is the daughter of Sarah Hallcock and Michael Jerde. Taylor is involved with Dairy Club, where she serves as the activities coordinator and is a member of Swine Club and Block & Bridle.
Horse Judging Superintendent Cheyenne Hulstein is a sophomore Animal Science major with a minor in Equine Studies and Meat Science. She is the daughter of Jeff and Lorna Hulstein of Chandler, MN. Cheyenne grew up showing horses, cattle, and sheep and has judged horses at state and national levels. She is also involved with Horse Club and Block & Bridle.
Asst. Horse Judging - Grace Kock is a sophomore Animal Science major from Lennox, SD. She is the daughter of Larry and Kim Kock. Grace served on the 98th Little “I” staff and is involved with Horse Club, Navigators, and is a Community Assistant in Pierson Hall. In her free time, Grace enjoys hiking and horseback riding.
Asst. Horse Judging Kyerra Carter is a junior Animal Science and Biology major with a minor in Equine Studies. She is the daughter of Dale and Nada Carter of Starbuck, MN. Kyerra is involved with Sigma Alpha, Horse Club and Swing Dance Club on campus.
Asst. Livestock Judging - Samantha Richert is an Ag Communication sophomore with minors in animal science, marketing, and digital and social media. She is the daughter of Chris and Sally Richert of Springfield, MN. Samantha is a member of Block & Bridle and showed a bull at the 98th Little “I”. Her hobbies include showing cattle, fitness and traveling.
Asst. Livestock Judging - Jenna Smith, a senior majoring in Ag Leadership with a minor in Ag Business, is from Benson, MN. Jenna is the daughter of Scott & Sue Smith. Having previously served on staff and exhibiting livestock during Little I the last 4 years, on campus Jenna is involved in Block and Bridle, serving as the president, and is involved in the Jackrabbits Memorial Jackpot Show.
Asst. Livestock Judging Meats Judging - Mitchell VanderWal Superintendent - Jadee is a double major in Mattheis is a senior Animal Science and Ag Animal Science major Education. The freshman with Meat Science and Ag is from Brentford, SD and Business minors. She is is the son of Jeff and Beth the daughter of Michael VanderWal. At SDSU, and Amy Mattheis of Mitchell is a member of AgEd/FFA Alumni Parkston, SD. Jadee has previously served on Club and Block & Bridle. He enjoys both Little “I” staff and is also a member of Block judging and showing livestock of all species. & Bridle, Collegiate 4-H, and the Meats Judging Team on campus.
Asst. Meats Judging - Jasmine Witty is a junior Ag Education major with a minor in Animal Science. She is the daughter of Jason and Jessica Witty of Saint Peter, MN. She has served on Little “I” staff for the past three years and previously received a Little “I” scholarship. Outside of Little “I”, Jasmine is the secretary of the Ag Ed/FFA Alumni Club.
Livestock Judging Superintendent Josephine Jenson of Welch, MN is a junior majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Ag Business. She is the daughter of Andrew and Lisa Jenson. On campus Josephine is involved with Block & Bridle and Swine Club. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano and working on the family farm.
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Asst. Meats Judging - Ryeleigh Laib is a junior Animal Science and Ag Business double major with a Meat Science minor. She is the daughter of Sheldon and Anita Laib of Mercer, ND. On campus she is a member of Sigma Alpha Sorority and the Meats Judging Team. She grew up on her family’s farm showing cattle, goats, and hogs.
Wool Judging Superintendent - Isaac Berg is an Animal Science major, Dairy Science minor from Pipestone, MN. The sophomore is the son of Philip and Laurel Berg. On campus Isaac is the Swine Club treasurer and works at the swine unit. Off campus, he is the Vice President of the National Junior Red Angus Association and enjoys showing cattle and sheep.
Asst. Wool Judging - Ty Schoelerman, a junior Animal Science major from Everly, IA, and is the son of Jim and Denice Schoelerman. Along with Little “I”, Ty also participates in Block & Bridle and Pre-Vet Club at SDSU.
Dairy Products Superintendent Madison Dahna of Bingham Lake, MN is the daughter of Todd and Darcy Dahna. Madison is a junior majoring in Dairy Manufacturing with a minor in Food Safety. She is currently a member of the Dairy Products Judging Team on campus.
Asst. Dairy Products - Kendra Ericson is a Dairy Production sophomore with a minor in Animal Science. Kendra is the daughter of Gene and Kristina Ericson and of Alcester, SD. Kendra grew up being involved in 4-H and FFA where she showed and judged dairy cattle.
Asst. Meat Products Aubrina Melville is a freshman Animal Science and Ag Business major from Enterprise, OR. She is the daughter of Kurt and Heather Melville. Aubrina enjoys working with her sheep, as well as reading, writing, and hiking. On campus, she is involved with Oasis, Navigators, and is a member of the Economics Quiz Bowl Team.
Ag. Product Sales Superintendent - Lucas Tesch is a sophomore majoring in Ag Business with minors in Animal Science and Commodity Risk Management. He is the son of Jeremy and Lisa Tesch of Henderson, MN. On campus, he is actively involved with FarmHouse Fraternity and Swine Club.
Asst. Ag Product Sales - Leah DiPippo is a senior majoring in Animal Science with minors in Ag Business and Ag Marketing. She is the daughter of David and Shelia DiPippo of Mitchell, SD. Leah has previously been involved with Little “I” as the agronomy assistant. On campus she is involved with Oasis and the undergraduate swine research program.
Machinery Sales Superintendent - Kaleb Koerselman is the sophomore son of Keith and Kristin Koerselman of Le Mars, IA. Kaleb is an Ag Science major with Precision Ag and Ag Business minors. Kaleb is involved in ABE/ AST/PRAG Club on campus. In his free time he enjoys golfing, spending days at the lake and working on his family’s farm.
Asst. Machinery Sales - Rosalyn Madsen is the daughter of Jared and Katie Madsen of Franklin, MN. She is a junior Precision Ag major with minors in Agronomy and Soil Health Management. On campus Rosalyn is involved in Sigma Alpha Sorority, Agronomy and Precision Ag Club and ABE/AST/PRAG Club. She enjoys hunting and fishing in her spare time.
Agronomy Superintendent - Aubrey Weishaar is majoring in Agronomy with minors in Precision Ag, Pest Management and Soil Science. The senior from Lemmon, SD is the daughter of Shawn and Sarah Weishaar. Aubrey is involved in Agronomy and Precision Ag Club, Alpha Zeta Ag Honors Fraternity and is a member of the Collegiate Crops Judging Team.
Meat Products Superintendent - Liz Steever is a senior Food Science major with minors in Meat Science and Food Safety from Lennox, SD. She is the daughter of John and Sara Steever. Liz is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists and American Meat Science Association. She is involved with Alpha Zeta Ag Honors Fraternity, Food Science Club and Oasis.
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Asst. Agronomy - Jack Farquhar is a freshman from Sutherland, IA. The son of Ryan & Heidi Farquhar is majoring in Agronomy and has a minor in Ag Business. Jack is involved in the Agronomy and Precision Ag Club and is currently working towards his American FFA Degree.
Farm Business Management Superintendent Kendrick Bickett is a senior Ag Business major with minors in Ag Marketing and Animal Science. Kendrick is the son of Tim and Stacy Bickett of Worthington, MN. He has been an active member of Little “I” in the past through serving on the equipment committee and being a lamb lead exhibitor.
Floriculture Superintendent - Megan Linke is a sophomore Community and Public Health and Ag Leadership double major from Woonsocket, SD. She is the daughter of Henry and Paula Linke. In addition to having previously served on staff, she is also involved with Collegiate Farm Bureau, the Hobo Day Committee, State-A-Thon, and Alpha Xi Delta.
Asst. Floriculture Natural Resources Regan Jacoby, a junior Superintendent Horticulture major with Catherine Bechen is a a minor in Botany, is the senior Animal Science daughter of Mark and student with minors in Lori Jacoby of Vesta, MN. Rangeland Ecology and Regan is the treasurer Management and Ranch for the Horticulture and Management. She is Urban Ag club. In her free time, she enjoys from Letcher, SD and is the daughter of John experimenting with plant care as well as and Gayle Bechen. In addition to having sewing and embroidery. previously served on staff, Catherine has shown goats and volunteered to score tests in Little “I”.
Asst. Natural Resources - Hunter Haberman is an Animal Science/Pre-Vet major from Olivet, SD. He is the son of Brent and Jill Haberman. Hunter enjoys team roping and riding horses. On campus, he is involved with Alpha Zeta Ag Honors Fraternity and Swing Dance Club.
Nursery Landscape Superintendent - Dustin Kohn is a sophomore Ag Leadership and Horticulture double major. He is the son of Gerard and Donna Kohn of Cherokee, IA. Dustin is currently involved in the Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Club. Last summer Dustin worked for Iowa State Extension in four counties in Northwest Iowa as their Horticulture Intern.
Asst. Nursery Landscape - Logan Helgoth is a junior Ag Leadership major with a minor in Horticulture. He is the son of Ryan and Pam Helgoth from Garrison, NE. Outside of Little “I”, Logan is involved in Dairy Club, FarmHouse Fraternity, intramurals and enjoys hunting and fishing.
Range Superintendent - Miguel Mena is a senior majoring in Agronomy with minors in Soil Science and Spanish. Miguel is the son of Miguel Mena & Maria Artemisa Mena of Harlan, IA. At SDSU he is involved with Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Zeta Ag Honors Fraternity, Range Club, and is on both the soil and crops judging teams.
Asst. Range - Frank Huber, a sophomore from Martin, SD, is majoring in Ag Systems Technology with a minor in Ag Business. He is the son of Scott and Sandy Huber. Frank is involved in ABE/AST/PRAG Club, Alpha Gamma Rho and Jackrabbits Memorial Jackpot Show and enjoys hunting, fishing and playing basketball.
Vet Science Superintendent Madison Thieman is a junior Animal Science major from Winner, SD. She is the daughter of Craig and Karey Thieman. Madison is involved with the Pre-Vet club and is a necropsy student at the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Lab.
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Asst. Farm Business Management - Gage Gullickson of Flandreau, SD is the son of Jason and Gail Gullickson. Gage is a freshman majoring in Ag Business. In his spare time, Gage enjoys showing and raising sheep and cattle.
99th Little International Staff
Asst. Vet Science Grace Phinney, a junior from Mitchell, SD, is the daughter of Brian and Ranae Phinney. Grace is majoring in Animal Science/Pre-Vet with minors in Spanish and Animal Health. On campus, Grace is involved in Alpha Zeta Ag Honors Fraternity and is the Prexy Council Representative for the Pre-Vet Club.
Advertising and Advocacy Superintendent - Haley Ringkob is the daughter of Chuck and Jennifer Ringkob from Lake City, SD. She is a senior Elementary Education major with a Dance minor. On campus she has served as an EHS Ambassador, SDSU Support Desk technician, member of Kappa Delta Phi, Order of Omega Honors societies, and Chi Omega sorority.
Asst. Advertising and Advocacy - Tiffany Van Buren is a senior Dairy Production and Ag Communication double major with Ag Marketing, Animal Science, and Social Media minors. She is the daughter of Rich and Wanda Van Buren of Waupun, WI. On campus, she is also active in Sigma Alpha Sorority, Dairy Club, Jackrabbit Dairy Camp, AFA, Dairy Fest and Dairy Digest.
Asst. Advertising and Advocacy - Madison Weishaar is the daughter of Shawn and Sarah Weishaar from Lemmon, SD. She is a freshman Ag Communication and Ag Education major with a minor in Animal Science. Madison enjoys spending time showing beef cattle and sheep and being outdoors with family and friends.
Asst. Advertising and Advocacy - Tessa Erdmann is the daughter of Darrin and Julie Erdmann of Groton, SD. She is a freshman Ag Business and Ag Communication major. In high school she competed in the Little “I” Dairy Cattle Evaluation contest. Outside of Little “I”, she is part of Sigma Alpha Sorority and Block and Bridle.
Asst. Advertising and Advocacy - Ariana Schumacher is a senior Ag Communication and Journalism double major with an Animal Science minor. She is the daughter of Marv and Mel Schumacher from Pierre, SD. Ariana has been involved with Little “I” since her freshman year and is also involved with Oasis and Journalism Club as well as working various on campus jobs.
Alumni Relations Superintendent David Hassing, the son of Pete Hassing and Lois Snethen, is from Springfield, SD. David is senior majoring in Ag Business with minors in Banking and Financial Services and Land Valuation and Rural Real Estate. At SDSU he is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, FIRE Club and Omicron Delta Epsilon Honors Fraternity.
Asst. Alumni Relations - Anna Poull is a junior from Port Washington, WI. She is majoring in Animal Science, Ag Leadership and Ag Science with minors in Communication Studies and Ag Business. Anna is the daughter of Robert and Debra Poull. She is involved in Adopt-A-Grandparent Club, American Sign Language Club, Horse Club and is a member of the Pride of the Dakotas.
Asst. Alumni Relations - Alicia VanderWal is majoring in Ag Education with minors in Animal Science and Ag Business. The junior from Volga, SD is the daughter of Kelly & Vickie Vander Wal. Along with Little “I”, Alicia is involved with Block and Bridle and is a Teach Ag Ambassador.
Asst. Alumni Relations Antique Tractor Show - Mary Dybedahl, an Superintendent - Sam Ag Leadership senior, is Greiner is the daughter from Colton, SD. Mary is of Greg and Dona the daughter of Craig and Greiner of Donnelly, Bonnie Dybedahl. On MN. She is a senior campus Mary is involved Ag Communication with the Hobo Day major with Social Committee, University Program Council and Media and Advertising minors. Outside is an Admissions Ambassador. of Little “I”, Sam is part of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow club.
Asst. Antique Tractor Show - Wyatt Garten is the son of Joel Garten and Denise Karlen of Owatonna, MN. He is a junior Ag Education major with an Ag Business minor. Wyatt was previously involved with Little “I”. He is also a member of the Pride of Dakotas and the SDSU Winter Pep Band. One of Wyatt’s hobbies is restoring antique tractors.
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99th Little International Staff Awards Superintendent - Kayla Weinzierl is a senior Animal Science and Ag Science double major with minors in Ag Business and Ranch Management. She is the daughter of Kevin and Kim Weinzierl of Winsted, MN. In addition to having previously served on staff, Kayla is also involved with Block and Bridle, Jackrabbits Memorial Jackpot Show and intramural sports on campus.
Asst. Awards - Emily Nold is a sophomore majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Ag Business. The daughter of Jerry and Rosie Nold is from Rutland, SD. In addition to serving on Little “I” staff, Emily is also involved with Sigma Alpha, Block and Bridle, and was a previous member of the Wool Judging Team.
Catalog Superintendent - Marie Robbins is a senior double majoring in Ag Business and Ag Communication with a Land Evaluation and Rural Real Estate minor. She is the daughter of Dan and Susan Robbins of Elkton, SD. This is Marie’s third year serving on Little “I” staff, and she is also involved with Alpha Zeta, the PREXY Council Executive Team and the Hobo Day Committee.
Asst. Catalog - Danika Gordon is a sophomore Ag Business major with minors in Marketing and Human Resources. She is the daughter of Bruce and Kindra Gordon of Whitewood, SD. In the 98th Little “I”, Danika served on staff and showed a goat. She is also involved with Block and Bridle, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and FIRE Club on campus.
Asst. Catalog - Sydney Sheffield is a freshman majoring in Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine with minors in Animal Health, Equine Studies, and Microbiology. She is the daughter of Doug and Julie Sheffield of Winterset, IA. Sydney enjoys raising and competitively showing mini rex rabbits. She is also involved with Horse Club and Pre-Vet Club.
Asst. Catalog - Jenna Belt is a junior Ag Communication major with minors in Marketing and Animal Science She is the daughter of Garret and LeAnn Englin of Sioux Center, IA. In addition to having previously served on staff, she is involved with Block and Bridle, Jackrabbits Memorial Jackpot Show, and Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow.
Booth and Banquet Asst. Booth and Superintendent - Trenna Banquet - Destrie Jeppesen is a senior Ag Morris is the daughter of Leadership student. She Don and Melissa Morris is the daughter of Ben of St. Lawrence, SD. She and Kristel Jeppesen of is a freshman Pre-Vet Morgan, MN. Trenna student. On campus competed in various Destrie is part of the PreLittle “I” events while in high school and was Vet Club and was a Bumbassador for Hobo the 98th Little “I” she was the Scoring and Day. Some of her hobbies consist of racing, Tabulations Assistant. 4-H shooting sports, youth group, and working at a local vet clinic.
Asst. Booth and Banquet - Kelsie Ehrenberg is a senior Communication Studies major with Human Resources and Psychology minors. She is the daughter of Darin and Kristi Ehrenberg from Ortonville, MN. Kelsie is a member of the Hobo Day Committee and works as an Admissions Ambassador for the SDSU Admissions Office. In the 98th Little “I” she exhibited a pig.
Asst. Booth and Banquet - Hailey Solomon is sophomore Nursing major with a Biology minor. She is the daughter of Derek and Katie Solomon of Yankton, SD. Hailey is currently involved in Jacks for Life, Drone Club, and Swing Dancing Club. She was involved in 4-H throughout high school and worked with sheep and horses.
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Entertainment Asst Entertainment Superintendent Tyler Schone of Tulare, Hannah Crownover is a SD is majoring in Ag senior from Unadilla, NE. Science with minors in The daughter of Donna Animal Science, Equine and Tyler Crownover is Studies, Ag Business and studying Animal Science Rangeland Ecology and with a minor in Equine Management. She is the Studies. At SDSU Hannah is involved in daughter of Brian and Tammi Schone. Tyler Swing Dance Club and CHAARG. was previously involved in Little “I” on the Silent Auction Committee. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family and riding horses.
99th Little International Staff
Asst Entertainment Katherine Moening is an Animal Science freshman from Lakeville, MN. Katherine is the daughter of Mike and Sherry Moening. On campus she participates in Jacks for Life, Swing Dance Club, and Block & Bridle.
Equipment Superintendent Michael Donnay of Kimball, MN is the son of Brad and Leanne Donnay. Michael is a junior majoring in Dairy Production and Dairy Manufacturing. On campus, Michael is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho.
Equipment Superintendent - Regan Heine of Vermillion, SD is the son of Todd and Kelly Heine. He is a junior majoring in Precision Ag and is the Recruitment Chair for Alpha Gamma Rho.
Equipment Superintendent - Jacob Weber of Sauk Rapids, MN is the son of Steve and Jill Weber. Jacob is a junior majoring in Precision Ag with a minor in Agronomy. He is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and Little “I”.
Asst. Equipment - Jacob Hill of Blair, NE is a junior majoring in Ag Science. He is the son of Tim Hall and Janet Thompson and is an active member of Alpha Gamma Rho, as well as the Agronomy and Precision Ag Club.
Asst. Equipment Connor Domonoske of Waterville, MN is the son of Chad and Brenda Domonoske. He is a junior majoring in Ag Science with a minor in Ag Business. On campus, Connor is involved in Swine Club and FarmHouse Fraternity.
Asst. Equipment - Zach Asst. Equipment - Alexis Asst. Equipment -Tyler Zuber is the son of Bart Rahm of Turton, SD is Gilliland of Wayne, NE and Mellissa Zuber of the daughter of Jason is a junior majoring in Williamsburg, IA. Zach and Tamara Rahm. She Dairy Production with is a freshman majoring is a freshman studying a minor in Ag Business. in Ag Science and is Animal Science. In her Tyler is the son of Terry involved with Alpha free time, Alexis enjoys and Shelley Gilliland. On Gamma Rho and Block & hunting, fishing and campus, he is involved Bridle. In his free time, Zach enjoys raising working on the family farm. with Alpha Gamma Rho, SDSU Dairy Club, and showing club lambs. and Alpha Zeta Ag Honors Fraternity.
Asst. Equipment Asst. Equipment Asst. Equipment - Ethan Ryan Peterson is an Ag Hannah Schochenmaier Wright of Brandon, SD Systems Technology is from Pierre, SD and is is the son of Kelly and junior with a minor in Ag the daughter of Neil and Julie Wright. Ethan is a Business. Ryan is the son Pamela Schochenmaier. sophomore majoring in of Russ and Pam Peterson Hannah is a freshman Ag Science with minors of Grove City, MN. majoring in Animal in Animal Science, Besides being on Little “I” Science with an emphasis Precision Ag, and Ag staff, Ryan is involved with Alpha Gamma in Pre-Vet and a minor in Equine Studies. Marketing. On campus, he is involved with Rho and ABE/AST/PRAG Club. Hannah grew up being involved in 4-H, FFA, Agronomy & Precision Ag Club. and rodeo.
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99th Little International Staff
Asst. Equipment - Alex Fundraising Louwagie is a junior Superintendent majoring in Ag Education Lindsey Vander Wal is with a minor in Ag the daughter of Dean Business. Alex is from and Polly Vander Wal Redwood Falls, MN and of Bruce, SD. She is a is the son of Lewis and sophomore Ag Education Tammy Louwagie. In his major with an Animal free time, Alex enjoys hunting, fishing, and Science minor. Outside of Little “I”, Lindsey being an active member of Alpha Gamma is involved in Sigma Alpha Sorority, FFA Rho. Alumni/Ag Ed club, Block & Bridle and the Wool Judging asst. coach.
Asst Fundraising Nicole Matter is a junior Biology and Biotechnology double major with Microbiology and Chemistry minors. She is the daughter of Roland and Shannon Matter of Burnsville, MN. Nicole’s past Little “I” experience includes exhibiting a horse at the 98th Little “I”. On campus she is involved in Horse Club, Swing Dance Club, and ASL. Club.
Asst Fundraising Elizabeth Ross is a sophomore majoring in Communication Studies and Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organization, with a minor in Graphic Design. She is from Milford, NE and is the daughter of Mark and Wendy Ross. On campus she is a Community Assistant, part of Chi Omega, ASL Club, and the Brookings County Youth Mentoring Program.
Sponsorships Superintendent Samantha Thyen is an Animal Science junior with a minor in Meat Science. Samantha is originally from Waverly, SD and her parents are Jim and Penny Thyen. On campus she is a member of Ceres Women’s Fraternity, is a Community Assistant, and works at the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory.
Asst. Sponsorships Hadley Stiefvater is majoring in Animal Science and Ag Leadership and has a minor in Ag Business. Hadley is a sophomore from Salem, SD and is the daughter of Dr. Mike and Carie Stiefvater. She is the current SD FFA State Secretary and enjoys working at her family’s vet clinic, traveling and working with livestock.
Asst. Sponsorships - Brook Geiken is an Animal Science/Pre-Vet sophomore with minors in Animal Health, Ag Business and Equine Studies. Brook’s parents are Dan and Missy Geiken of Worthing, SD. She is a member of Pre-Vet Club and enjoys reading, drawing and caring for animals.
Media/Website Asst. Media/Website Superintendent - Karly - Maggie Molitor is a Schaunaman is a senior sophomore double major majoring in Business in Dairy Science and Ag Economics with minors Communication. Maggie in Ag Business and is the daughter of Joe Social Media. The Molitor of Rockville, daughter of Kirk and Kim MN. On campus she is Schaunaman is originally from Aberdeen, involved in Dairy Club and Sigma Alpha SD. She is a member of Sigma Alpha Sorority. Sorority. This is Karly’s fourth year on Little “I” staff working with media and website.
Photography Superintendent Christine Moening is a senior Ag Communication major with minors in Ag Business and Ag Marketing. She is from Elko New Market, MN and is the daughter of Mike and Sherry Moening. She’s been on Little “I” staff for the past two years and is involved with Jacks for Life and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.
Asst. Photography - Lauren Weishaar is a freshman double majoring in Ag Communication and Animal Science. She is the daughter of Shawn and Sarah Weishaar of Lemmon, SD. Lauren enjoys showing livestock, taking pictures, and being outdoors with her friends and family.
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Asst. Photography Samantha Schoenbauer is a junior Ag Communication major with minors in Ag Business and Social Media from Hamburg, MN. She is the daughter of Eric and Robynne Schoenbauer. Besides serving on staff, Samantha is involved with Sigma Alpha, Dairy Club, Dairy Digest Committee, and The Collegian.
99th Little International Staff Scoring and Tabulations Superintendent Michelle Dykstra, a junior majoring Animal Science and Ag Education with a meat science minor, is the daughter of Russ and Andrea Mileham of Brookings, SD. In her free time, Michelle enjoys baking and spending time with her pets.
Asst. Scoring and Tabulations - Sarah Fast is a senior majoring in Ag Science from Manteca, CA. The daughter of Michael and Parris Fast is minoring in Meat Science and Animal Science. Sarah has been a previous member of Little “I” staff and is also involved in horse club on campus. In her free time she enjoys hunting, baking, fishing and horseback riding.
Asst. Scoring and Tabulations - Amber Hoefling is the daughter of Joey and Christy Hoefling of Odebolt, IA. She is a freshman majoring in Ag Ed with a minor in Biology. Amber grew up being heavily involved with 4-H and FFA, and is excited to be involved with Jackrabbit Invite, Jacks For Life, and Bible Study this year.
Asst. Scoring and Tabulations - Dylan Frey of Claremont, SD is the son of Mike and Sara Frey. He is majoring in Ag Business with minors in Accounting, Ag Marketing, and Banking & Financial Services. Dylan is a member of the Investment Club and Agriculture Future of America.
Silent Auction Superintendent Jaylynn Frandrup is a sophomore Ag Business major with an Equine Studies minor. She is the daughter of Jay and Janet Frandrup of Hastings, MN. On campus she is also involved in Horse Club, Swing Dancing, FFA Alumni/ AgEd Club, and Sigma Alpha Sorority. She enjoys snowmobiling, showing dressage, and tractor pulling.
Asst. Silent Auction Hannah Braaten is a junior Animal Science and Ag Leadership major with Agronomy and Ag Business minors. She is the daughter of Tracy and John Fadness and Brent Braaten of Glenwood, MN. This is Hannah’s third year on staff. On campus, Hannah is involved in Alpha Zeta Ag Honors Fraternity and Swing Dance Club.
Poultry Superintendent - Cindy Pohlen, an Animal Science/Pre-Vet major, is from Hospers, IA. The freshman is the daughter of Joe and Lori Pohlen. Cindy grew up raising cattle, hogs and chickens and is involved with Swine Club and Pre-Vet Club at SDSU.
Asst. Poultry - Aubrey Historian Van Briesen is a Superintendent freshman majoring Samantha Olson is in Animal Science a junior studying Ag and minoring in Ag Education with minors Leadership. Originally in Coaching and Ag and from Boyden, IA, Aubrey Environmental Law. is the daughter of Craig Samantha is the daughter and Jessica Van Briesen. She is a member of of Darrin and Michelle Olson of Aberdeen, Block & Bridle and Swing Dancing Club and SD. At SDSU, she participates in Women’s enjoys showing cattle, sewing and singing. Club Volleyball, AgEd/FFA Alumni Club and is an ambassador for both CAFES and the Admissions Office.
Asst. Historian Karina Walvatne, a senior majoring in Ag Communication with minors in Advertising and Social Media, is from Battle Lake, MN. Karina is the daughter of Wayne and Becky Walvatne. She is involved with Sigma Alpha Sorority and Alpha Zeta Ag Honors Fraternity.
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Little “I” Hardware Winners Over the Years Little International Contestants work hard throughout the season prior to the big show grooming their animals and honoring their showmanship skills to win one of the grand champion awards. We apologize for the incompleteness of this list. If you know any names of the past winners who are not listed, please let us know. 2021 High Point Freshman: Emily Nold High Point Upperclassman: Adam Bierstedt Grand Champion Round Robin: Ryan Franz Reserve Champion Round Robin: Adam Bierstedt
High Point Freshman, Kendra Davis
2013
Grand Champion Showmanship, Tim Anderson Reserve Champion Showmanship, Matt Purfeerst High Point Upperclassman, Tim Anderson High Point Freshman, Adam Krause
2012
Grand Champion Showmanship, Jason May Reserve Champion Showmanship, Ashley Beer High Point Upperclassman, Jay Wolff High Point Freshman, John Weber
2011
Canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic and campus closure
Grand Champion Showmanship, Kyle Sommers Reserve Champion Showmanship, Sara Sample High Point Upperclassman, Brett Tostensen High Point Freshman, D.J. Buseman
2019
2010
Grand Champion Showmanship, Jeremiah Johnson Reserve Champion Showmanship, Cole Jackson High Point Upperclassman, Maggie Post High Point Freshman, Nathan Linke
Grand Champion Showmanship, Lauren Wheeting Reserve Champion Showmanship, Kyle Sommers High Point Upperclassman, Trent Kubik High Point Freshman, Kalen Manthei
2018
2009
Grand Champion Showmanship, Tyler Myers Reserve Champion Showmanship, Adam Bierstedt High Point Upperclassman, Andy Socha High Point Freshman, Aaron Linke
Grand Champion Showmanship, Caleb Englin Reserve Champion Showmanship, Colton Buus High Point Upperclassman, Caleb Englin High Point Freshman, Trent Kubik
2017
2008
2020
Grand Champion Showmanship, Dallis VanderWal Reserve Champion Showmanship, Lacey Schmitz High Point Upperclassman, Brady Wulf High Point Freshman, Kalyn Naatz
2016
Grand Champion Showmanship, Brand Weidert Reserve Champion Showmanship, Tyler Jensen High Point Upperclassman, Kaley Nolz High Point Freshman, Amy Beckstrand
2015
Grand Champion Showmanship, Andrew Berg Reserve Champion Showmanship, Kaitlyn Kline High Point Upperclassman, Tyler Jensen High Point Freshman, Andrew Berg
2014
Grand Champion Showmanship, Jacob Englin Reserve Champion Showmanship, Calli Pritchard High Point Upperclassman, Lane Peterson
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Grand Champion Showmanship, Tyler Fruechte Reserve Champion Showmanship, Caleb Englin High Point Upperclassman, Amanda Nolz High Point Freshman, Tyler Fruechte
2007
Grand Champion Showmanship, Justin Fruechte Reserve Champion Showmanship, Caleb Englin High Point Upperclassman, Arne Harstad High Point Freshman, Amanda Nolz
2006
Grand Champion Showmanship, Katie Wirt Reserve Champion Showmanship, Joe Donnelly High Point Upperclassman, Keith Larson High Point Freshman, Melissa Goetz
2005
Grand Champion Showmanship, Steven Muller Reserve Champion Showmanship, Katie Wirt High Point Upperclassman, Nicole Potter High Point Freshman, Keith Larsen
2004
Grand Champion Showmanship, Lindsey Reister Reserve Champion Showmanship, Justin Fruechte High Point Upperclassman, Travis Reith High Point Freshman, Justin Fruechte
2003
Grand Champion Showmanship, Ben Olsen Reserve Champion Showmanship, Ted Norling High Point Upperclassman, Brian Fruetche High Point Freshman, Jared Knock
2002
Grand Champion Showmanship, Sarah Wirt Reserve Champion Showmanship, Kyle Caskey High Point Upperclassman, Erik Risa High Point Freshman, Kyle Caskey
2001
Grand Champion Showmanship, Jeff DeRouchey Reserve Champion Showmanship, Mike Schmidt High Point Upperclassman, Travis Hoffman High Point Freshman, Clint Gherke
2000
Grand Champion Showmanship, Janna Johnke Reserve Champion Showmanship, Stephen Thiesen High Point Upperclassman, Pam Hanson High Point Freshman, Travis Hoffman
1999
Grand Champion Showmanship, Adam Wirt Reserve Champion Showmanship, Stacy Insley High Point Upperclassman, Aaron Insley High Point Freshman, Pam Hanson
1998
Grand Champion Showmanship, Jeanne Johnke Reserve Champion Showmanship, Curtis Alexander High Point Upperclassman, Stephen Thiesen High Point Freshman, Tim Vanderham
1997
Grand Champion Showmanship, Stacy Franz Reserve Champion Showmanship, Dan Nelson High Point Upperclassman, Heather Bruner High Point Freshman, Aaron Insley
1996
Grand Champion Showmanship, Chris Effling Reserve Champion Showmanship, Stacy Insley High Point Upperclassman, Chris Effling High Point Freshman, Matt Bruner
1995
Grand Champion Showmanship, Carie Dressen Reserve Champion Showmanship, Joel DeRouchey High Point Upperclassman, Erin Pettigrew High Point Freshman, Mark Beitelspacher
1994
Grand Champion Showmanship, Jon DeRouchey Reserve Champion Showmanship, Kristi Wager High Point Upperclassman, Reid Holverson High Point Freshman, Joel DeRouchey
1993
Grand Champion Showmanship, Sarah Muller Reserve Champion Showmanship, Karen Rentschler High Point Upperclassman, James Murphy High Point Freshman, Ryan Wagner
1992
Grand Champion Showmanship, Darcy Franz Reserve Champion Showmanship, Rod Geppert High Point Upperclassman, Bob Scanlan High Point Freshman—Reid Holverson
1991
Grand Champion Showmanship, Dan Kohls Reserve Champion Showmanship, Don Sutera High Point Upperclassman, Brian Thiesen High Point Freshman, Kristy Strasburg
1990
Grand Champion Showmanship, Todd Franz Reserve Champion Showmanship, Michael Stiefvater High Point Upperclassman, Kenny Thiesen High Point Freshman, Chuck Ringkob
1989
Grand Champion Showmanship, Meg Benda Reserve Champion Showmanship, Joey Effling High Point Upperclassman, Jon Rentschler High Point Freshman, Nicole Sittner
1988
Grand Champion Showmanship, Kevin Hoff Reserve Champion Showmanship, Joey Effling High Point Upperclassman, Kevin Hoff High Point Freshman, David Schriever
1987
Grand Champion Showmanship, Darrel Rennick Reserve Champion Showmanship, Duane Wulf High Point Upperclassman, Cathy Wolles High Point Freshman, Brad Hillman
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Little “I” Hardware Winners Continued... 1986
Grand Champion Showmanship, Alan Eikmeier Reserve Champion Showmanship, John Buchholz High Point Upperclassman, Roland Van Der Werff High Point Freshman, Ann Marie Rice
1985
Grand Champion Showmanship, Bret Healy Reserve Champion Showmanship, Jeff DeVries High Point Upperclassman, Barry Bruner High Point Freshman, Dan Berg
1983
Grand Champion Showmanship, Deb Stade Reserve Champion Showmanship, Paul Rentschler High Point Upperclassman, Bed Stade High Point Freshman, Brenda Pankonin
1982
Grand Champion Showmanship, Mark Leddy Reserve Champion Showmanship, Mike Stade High Point Upperclassman, Jackie Benson High Point Freshman, Mike Stade
1981
1976
Grand Champion Showmanship, Dave Wilson Reserve Champion Showmanship, Randy Wirt
1975
Grand Champion Showmanship, Mike Sweeney Reserve Champion Showmanship, Gary Schwartz
1974
Grand Champion Showmanship, Miles DeJong High Point Upperclassman, Berry Krueger High Point Freshman, Terry Beastrom
1973
Grand Champion Showmanship, Dale Werning Reserve Champion Showmanship, Mike Brink High Point Upperclassman, Dale Werning High Point Freshman, Miles DeJong
1972
Grand Champion Showmanship, Terry Jaschke Reserve Champion Showmanship, Dale Werning High Point Upperclassman, Tom Scott High Point Freshman, Mark Varilek
Grand Champion Showmanship, Dan Rentschler Reserve Champion Showmanship, Matt Waller High Point Upperclassman, Dan Rentschler High Point Freshman, Greg Harder
1971
1980
Grand Champion Showmanship, Eldon Wilson Reserve Champion Showmanship, Dave Steen
Grand Champion Showmanship, Lynette Jauert Reserve Champion Showmanship, Bret Oekle High Point Upperclassman, Lynette Jauert High Point Freshman, Paul Rentschler
1979
Grand Champion Showmanship, Dave Sweeney Reserve Champion Showmanship, Warren Drews High Point Upperclassman, Dave Sweeney High Point Freshman, Wayne Rickard
1978
Grand Champion Showmanship, Dan Lewis Reserve Champion Showmanship, Calvin Kramer High Point Upperclassman, Dan Lewis High Point Freshman, Roger Leitheiser
1977
Grand Champion Showmanship, Steve Pomerenke
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Grand Champion Showmanship, Kathy Norman Reserve Champion Showmanship, Reid Merrill
1970
1969
Grand Champion Showmanship, Ron Stee Reserve Champion Showmanship, Dan Leo High Point Upperclassman, Steven Tofteland High Point Freshman, Reid Merrill
1968
Grand Champion Showmanship, Larry Miller Reserve Champion Showmanship, Daryl Goodroad High Point Upperclassman, Gary Bruns High Point Freshman, Larry Miller
1967
Grand Champion Showmanship, Larry Miller Reserve Champion Showmanship, Gary Bruns High Point Upperclassman, Jerry Ketterling High Point Freshman, Bill Bruns
1966
1951
1965
1948
Grand Champion Showmanship, Frank Schwartz Reserve Champion Showmanship, Lee Leiferman
Grand Champion Showmanship, Robert Osborne
1964
Grand Champion Showmanship, Rich VanZee Reserve Champion Showmanship, Robert Johnson
Grand Champion Showmanship, Lowell Eikmeier Grand Champion Showmanship, John Gross
Dairy, Reuben Peterson Beef, Myron Gauger Horse, Helen Altfillisch
1947
Grand Champion Showmanship, James Bush Reserve Champion Showmanship, Richard VanZee
Dairy, Max Oviat Beef, David Craford Horse, Carl Ryther Swine, Gerhardt Schaal
Grand Champion Showmanship, Larry Ridinger Reserve Champion Showmanship, Howard Hillman Reserve Champion Showmanship, Walt Wosje
1946
1961
1942
1963 1962
Kenneth Lounsbery
Grand Champion Showmanship, Gary TeStroete Reserve Champion Showmanship, Larry Wright
Dairy, Kenneth Gross
1960
Dairy, George Leidheiser Beef, Robert Dailey (Fitting and Showmanship Champion) Horse, Milton Trask (Showmanship Champion and Freshman Plaque Winner) Swine, Ray Larson Sheep, Lyle Johnson
Grand Champion Showmanship, Jerry Fitzgerald Reserve Champion Showmanship, Larry Munger
1959
Grand Champion Showmanship, Roger Hunsley Reserve Champion Showmanship, Marion Fitzgerald
1958
Grand Champion Showmanship, Jim Leafsteadt Reserve Champion Showmanship, Jack Duxbury
1957
Grand Champion Showmanship, Clark Anderton Reserve Champion Showmanship, Lloyd Hardy
1956
Grand Champion Showmanship, Chuck Claussen
1955
Grand Champion Showmanship, Glen Eikmeier Reserve Champion Showmanship, Bob Christensen
1954
Grand Champion Showmanship, Darwin Stolte
1953
1941
1940
Dairy, Lloyd Shinnick Beef, Vernon Welch Horse, Merrill Gunderson (Best Aggie Award) Swine, Gerald Pietz (School of Agriculture boy) Sheep, Robert Dailey (Best Freshman)
1939
Dairy, Milford Vrooman Beef, Clark W. McCone Horse, Rayburn Butrum Swine, Stanley Gilman Sheep, Harlan Olson
1938
Horse, Keith Swanson Sheep, Doyle Barton
1937
Beef Cattle Fitting and Showmanship Champion, Ray Lein
Grand Champion Showmanship, Richard Petterson
1952
Grand Champion Showmanship, Lowell Eikmeier Grand Champion Showmanship, John Gibson
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Fourth Annual Little “I” Photo Contest Little International is excited to share the results of the Fourth Annual Little “I” Photo Contest!
Open to all SDSU students, entries were required to be the original work of the student taken within the past year.
Categories included animals, landscapes and events. All entries remained anonymous during judging and winners were chosen by a judge appointed by the 99th Little International Photography Committee. Photo submissions were judged on artistic expression, creativity, originality and image quality.
Three categories were selected, and students were allowed to submit up to two photos per category.
Thank you to all students who participated in this year’s photo contest!
Grand Prize Winner Emmie Dittmar “Pink Dream”
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Category Winner - Events Winner - Mikayla Thorson “Like Father Like Son”
2nd Place - Josephine Jenson “Sunrise at the County Fair”
3rd Place - Josephine Jenson “The Calm After the Storm”
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Category - Animals
2nd Place - Emmie Dittmar “Green Eyed Pup”
Category Winner Josie Jenson
“Constant State of Curiosity”
3rd Place - Emmie Dittmar “A Person’s Best-friend”
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Category Winner - Landscapes
3rd Place - Ryan Huesmann “Bold”
2nd Place - Josie Jenson “Day Meets Dusk”
South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum Looking for Little “I” Memories The South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum is searching for photographs, memorabilia and oral histories from previous Little International, or Little I as it is better known, participants for an exhibit celebrating its centennial in 2023.
The museum will start collecting photographs, memorabilia and oral histories during the 2022 Little International exposition, which will be April 1-2. People are encouraged to visit the museum from 1-5 p.m. April 1 and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. April 2 to scan or donate photographs, record their memories through a voice recording or check with museum staff about a possible donation or loan of artifacts or other
memorabilia. Former Little I staff members and participants are also encouraged to visit the museum from 3 to 5 p.m. April 2 to reminisce and enjoy free refreshments during the annual alumni social. The museum will be accepting photographs, artifacts and other memories through Hobo Day, which will be Oct. 29. For additional information on how to donate photos or memorabilia, submit an oral history or find out more about the upcoming exhibit, visit www.agmuseum.com or call 605-688-6226. 87
2022
WE BELIEVE IN THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE TH & RURAL AMERICA.
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$3 FR OM EVERY TICKET SOL D G OES DIR ECT LY TO T H E SDSU R ODEO T EA M
Pete Pritchett Memorial Award The Pete Pritchett Memorial Award was established to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Little International Staff Members. Pete was the livestock coordinator in 1988 and was tragically killed in an auto accident that summer. This award was started the following year to keep Pete’s memory alive, and to recognize individual staff members for their dedication, just as Pete exemplified while he participated on the Little “I” staff. Recipients of this award are nominated and voted on by the entire staff, which makes this award all the more special for those who receive it. This year’s award was sponsored by Rosie Nold. Past winners include: 1989 Sean Groos, Colman, SD 1990 Shane Odegaard, Lake Preston, SD 1991 Leland Olsen, Arlington, SD 1992 Kurt Netzke, Lamberton, MN 1993 Jeff Rabey, Akron, IA 1994 Dave VanderWal, Volga, SD 1995 Mike Fischbach, Mansfield, SD 1996 David Grinde, Colton, SD 1997 Darin Zuehlke, Britton, SD 1998 Chad Hastad, Madison, MN
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Matt Gunderson, Mission Hill, SD Aaron Singrey, Hazel, SD John Blachford, Lake Preston, SD Philip Schmidt, Alden, MN Wendy Mohrhauser, Hartford, SD Jeff Paul, Swea City, IA Kyle Caskey, Pipestone, MN Eric Gjerde, Hazel, SD Ben Hollingshead, Ogden, IA Scott VanderPoel, Pipestone, MN Blake Harms, Dell Rapids, SD Amanda Fehrman, Lake Benton, MN Greg Lalemen, Currie, MN Trent Kubik, Hamill, SD Cody Rehder, Suterland, IA Austin Mann, Crofton, NE Joe Gathje, Richmond, MN Emma Christenson, Milbank, SD Devin Jacobs, Newcastle, NE Lisa Smith, Kimball, SD Madison Hokanson, Goodhue, MN Addison Magill, Verona, ND Luke Groos, Howard Lake, MN
Good luck to the Little "I" Manager, Staff, and all Participants!
Ehrenberg Farms Correll, MN
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TEAMWORK.
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Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon Team Finishes Second at Regional Contest interest, I was reminded of the many opportunities within the industry.”
Academic Quadrathlon consists of four divisions: lab practicum, oral presentation, exam and quiz bowl. On March 6, teams completed the lab practicum and oral presentation portions of the event. Oral presentation topics were sent to teams the day before the event, providing one day for teams to choose and create a presentation on a topic. The SDSU team presented on the impact of COVID-19 on the meat, milk and egg industries. Teams then competed in an exam and quiz bowl rounds on the second day of competition. The South Dakota State University Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon Team placed second at the Midwest American Society of Animal Science competition held March 6-7. The team also placed first in the lab practicum and third in the oral presentation and written exam. Team members included Riggen Zelinsky, senior animal science student from Brookings, South Dakota, Sarah Vos, senior animal science student from Caputa, South Dakota, Murray Perkins, junior animal science student from Buchanan, Tennessee, and Sadie Vander Wal, junior animal science and agricultural communications student from Brentford, South Dakota. “I had a lot of fun participating in Academic Quadrathlon and was super excited at how well our team did, but I was also excited because I got to see firsthand the impact my SDSU education has had on me and the knowledge I will take with me when I graduate,” Vos said. The competition, typically held in conjunction with the Midwest ASAS scientific meetings at an in-person event, took a virtual format via Zoom and Google Forms. In addition to SDSU, six other teams competed in the event, including University of Wisconsin - River Falls, Kansas State University, Iowa State University, University of NebraskaLincoln, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and University of Missouri. “As a transfer student fairly new to campus, I was excited for the chance to represent SDSU and the Animal Science Department,” Perkins said. “By networking with other students from various universities with an Animal Science
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“I believe the team’s placing really highlights the overall quality of the Animal Science students and program at SDSU,” Dr. Rosie Nold, Department of Animal Science assistant department head, said. “The quadrathlon is unique among collegiate competitions because guidelines are that students should not be coached as a judging team would be. So, without coaching on specific topics or activities, our students did extremely well in all aspects of the academic quadrathlon, but especially excelled in the practical applications of knowledge and communication skills. They have developed these skills through a combination of the rigorous and applicable courses and extra-curricular activities that are offered at SDSU, along with their own personal drive and work ethic.” Written by Sadie Vander Wal
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Supporter Sponsorships The Little “I” supporter sponsorship program continues to grow with the support of corporate donations. These funds help finance Little International activities such as awards, scholarships and other expenses incurred from organizing and running Little “I”. We want to give these sponsors a sincere THANK YOU for their generous donations for the 99th Little International:
Elite ($2,000+) PIPESTONE SoDak Labs, Inc Agropur
FFA and 4-H Judging Contests ($2,000)
SDSU College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Platinum ($1,000)
South Dakota Pork Producers Council South Dakota Wheat First Dakota National Bank FarmHouse Fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho
Gold ($750)
PIC DeSmet Farm Mutual Insurance First Bank and Trust
Silver ($500)
Thyen Farms Barron Road Herefords Farm Credit Services of America Krause Kooking Show Lage Club Calves 605 Sires + Donors Compeer Financial Dacotah Bank SD Soybean Checkoff Millborn Seeds Wright Stock Farm Mark & Anita Muller
Bronze ($250)
Sudenga Industries, Inc. Blair Brothers Angus Ranch Richland State Bank Ludens Inc Gullickson Family Livestock A Bar K Trailer New Fashion Pork Volga Ag Center Christensen Farms Cattle Business Weekly
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Form-A-Feed Foundation Livestock Service Paulsen Channel Seed Beef Bucks, Inc Custom Genetic Solutions Prairie View Veterinary Clinic SDSU Dairy Club Gullickson Auction Service VanderWal Simmentals Double W Ranch Rausch Herefords Ehrenberg Farms
Ryan & Marla Verlinde Knock’s Wolf Creek Ranch Kirk and Kim Schaunaman
Awards
Matt Gunderson - Honored Agriculturalist President Barry and Jane Dunn - Round Robin Awards Bryce & Mary Healy - Manager Award Mari Berggren Agency - Beef Hardest Worker Riverview, LLP - Dairy Hardest Worker Noelle Knapp - Horse Hardest Worker Schwartz Farms - Swine Hardest Worker Big Stone A.I. - Swine Hardest Worker Bill, Dawn, and Lauren Taylor - Goat Hardest Worker Schafer Farms, Inc - Beef Hardest Worker Fruechte Crop Service - Sheep Hardest Worker Salem Veterinary - Sheep Hardest Worker Adam & Taylor Krause - Sheep and Swine Hardest Worker Taylor Family - Lamb Lead Hardest Worker Rosie Nold - Pete Pritchett Award Beef Bucks Inc - Beef Hardest Worker
Friends of Little “I”
Sioux Nation Ag Center Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC Alpha Zeta Agronomy and Precision Ag Club Brandon Kinney Three Corners Agency Wade & Bonnie Risse Susan Vander Wal Black Velvet Ranch Dan & Susan Robbins Bonanza Bean LLC Minnesota Pork Producers Association Mike & Betty Brink Brent & Jill Haberman County Line Seed
Lance & Shirley Howe Western Vet Clinic
Founded in 1942 as a veterinary clinic, PIPESTONE has stayed true to its mission of Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow. PIPESTONE is helping farmers through expertise and resources in health, management, nutrition, research, marketing and business services.
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Apply online at www.pipestone.com Follow us for career opportunities
Contact: hr@pipestone.com or call 866.918.7378
Integrity
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Teamwork
WELCOME TO THE 99TH LITTLE INTERNATIONAL! GOOD LUCK TO ALL LITTLE “I” STAFF MEMBERS & PARTICIPANTS Departments: • Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering • Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science • Animal Science • Dairy and Food Science • Natural Resource Management • Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Academic Units: • Agricultural Business and Economics • Agricultural Leadership, Education, Communication and Science For more information: visit: sdstate.edu/cafes | email: sdsu.academic.programs@sdstate.edu | call: 605-688-5133
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