April 10, 2023

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.
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:
Sheep — Emily Nold (Round Robin Reserve champion)
Beef — Lucas Bjorklund
Goat — Bradyn Lachenmeier
Dairy — Kelsey Erf
Horse — Rachel Coudron
Swine — Makayla Nelson (Round Robin champion)
The winners in the novice category are:
Sheep — Cassidy Strommen
Beef — Jacob Chapman
Goat — Kelsey Swearinger
Dairy — Jenna Dougherty
Horse — Alexis Stolicker
Swine — Aubrey Van Briesen
Fitting. The winners in the experienced category are:
Sheep — Zachary Schoelerman
Beef — Lucas Bjorklund
Goat — Trevor Mente
Dairy — Taylor Festor
Horse — Jaylynn Frandrup
The winners in the novice category are:
Sheep — Sydney Sheffield
Beef — Bryn Anderson
Goat — Jerson Kopka
Dairy — Drew Stock
Horse — Alexis Stolicker
Hardest-working exhibitors. The winners include:
Sheep — Sydney Sheffield
Beef — Carter Sanny
Goat — Jerson Kopka
Dairy — Sophie Kyllonen
Horse — Shelby Holmes
Swine — Mackenzie Hanssen
To find out more information about the 100th Little International, visit sdsulittleinternational.com.
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