The Little International at South Dakota State University marked its 100th year March 31 to April 1. This capstone event focused on the traditions of where Little “I” started and the vision of its future at SDSU.

Cody Gifford, a senior studying agriculture science from Arco, Minn., served as the event’s manager, with Isaac Berg, a junior studying animal science from Pipestone, Minn., as assistant manager. While these two were the main leaders of the event, more than 150 other students worked as event staff.

Each year, Little I selects an Honored Agriculturalist based on his or her dedication, passion and impact for the agriculture industry. The 2023 recipient was Rod Geppert, of Fort Pierre, S.D. An alumnus of SDSU, he is a regional manager with the American Angus Association.

OVERALL CHAMP: Makayla Nelson won top honors at the Little “I” contest, taking home Grand Champion Experienced Swine Showman and Round Robin Champion.

Current students competed in showmanship and fitting contests during the main show, including sheep, beef, goat, swine, horse and dairy. Students can compete in either novice or experienced categories. Honors were also given for hardest-working competitors. Results of the contests are below:

Showmanship. The winners in the experienced category are:

The winners in the novice category are:

Fitting. The winners in the experienced category are:

The winners in the novice category are:

Hardest-working exhibitors. The winners include:

To find out more information about the 100th Little International, visit sdsulittleinternational.com.