South Dakota State University’s Little International is set to hold this year’s event on April 5 and 6 on campus at SDSU’s Animal Science Arena.
The annual SDSU event is known as the nation’s largest two-day student-run agricultural exposition in the country. Little “I” is recognized as one of SDSU’s longest-standing traditions and provides 4-H, FFA, and college students opportunities to participate in judging showmanship and fitting competitions in goats, sheep, dairy cattle, beef cattle, or swine.
This year’s theme is “New Century, Same Legacy.” Isaac Berg, 101st Little International Manager, could not think of a better expression that encompasses the significance of this year’s event.
“The theme commemorates the enduring nature of Little International as an event that unites generations together,” Berg said. “It underscores Little International’s resilience in the face of change.”
Berg and this year’s staff members, comprised of 150 undergraduate SDSU students, have big visions for this year’s event. Spectators and participants can expect new attractions at the 101st Little International. The group is working to implement new contests and a concert and working hard to stay true to the traditions that have made Little “I” such a renowned tradition.
The event will start with 4-H and FFA contests held in the morning of April 5, with the preliminary rounds of collegiate fitting for each species to follow. That night, starting at 5 p.m., there will be opening ceremonies, with the final round for each species collegiate fitting.
The events held on Saturday, April 6, will proceed with the preliminary rounds of showmanship for experienced and novices for each of our species areas. That evening, the showmanship finals and round-robin will take place.
Additionally, on April 6, Ed Blair will be recognized as the 101st Honored Agriculturalist, and we will announce this year’s recipient of the Pete Pritchett Memorial Award.
For those unable to attend in person, Walton Webcasting will live stream the weekend’s lineup online via the SDSU Little International Facebook page.
For more information about this year’s event, check out our website, www.sdsulittleinternational.org, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
