Animal science awards banquet honors students, faculty, supporters of department

The South Dakota State University Department of Animal Science hosted its annual Celebration of Animal Science Achievements and Excellence on April 23 at McCrory Gardens.

“The Celebration of Animal Science Achievements and Excellence reflects the very best of our department,” said John Jaeger, Calvin and Mary Hayenga Endowed Department Head of Animal Science. “From our judging teams and undergraduate researchers to our outstanding seniors, alumni and supporters, this event highlights the collective commitment to excellence that defines our program.”

The event began with the recognition of last year’s judging teams, where coaches shared highlights from the season and presented any special awards.

Livestock Judging Team: Team members included Haley Mouser, Brett Roberts, Drew Stock, Haley Dodge and Jack Link. The team was coached by Tommy Norman and former master’s student Grace Olinger.

Mouser was named the recipient of both the Roger Hunsley and Dallas L. Larsen Livestock Judging Awards. All members of the team were recognized with Leonard and Violet Wulf Travel Awards.

Meats Judging Team: Team members included Gavin Romshek, Cindy Pohlen, Revin Bruck, John Boerboom and Kansas Kroll. The team was coached by associate professor Keith Underwood, master’s student Carrie Gill and former animal science student Charlee Peterson.

All members of the team were recognized with Leonard and Violet Wulf Travel Awards.

Wool Judging Team: Team members included Cortney Copeland, Parker Walahoski, Lydia Rose and Brooklyn Walden. The team was coached by doctoral student Reanna Byrnes-Schoen.

The evening continued with more team recognitions. Lisa Roker, academic advisor in the Department of Animal Science, recognized the 2025-2026 Animal Science Ambassadors, which included Megan Van Den Hemel, Abigail Morse, Jenna VanHolland, Kory Storm, Elle Ploeger and Lauren Ballard. Last spring, these six students were selected through a competitive application and interview process, making their selection a significant achievement in itself. During their year of service, they met with more than 200 prospective students and their families and represented the department at various recruitment events.

The 2025 Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team was also recognized for their participation at the 78th annual Reciprocal Meats Conference last June. Team members included SDSU animal science alumni Teigen Hadrick, Brynn Lozinski, Cindy Pohlen and Charlee Peterson. Haley Mouser was the alternate and competed on a mixed-university team that advanced to the semifinals. Additional accomplishments from Reciprocal Meats Conference were highlighted at the banquet.

Team recognitions concluded with the 2026 Academic Quadrathlon Team, which competed at the Midwest American Society of Animal Science regional competition in March. The team placed third overall, earning first in the written exam and third in the laboratory practicum and quiz bowl. Team members included Makayla Fuoss, Ella Stiefvater, Haley Mouser and Elle Ploeger. Stiefvater was unable to attend, so senior animal science student Cody Williams competed in her place.

Following recognition of these various teams, 15 undergraduate students were recognized for their participation in conducting research throughout the academic year. These students included Sydney Aldrich, Kendahl Andresen, Ian Byington, Brooklyn Goelz, Martina DeBoer, Abigail Morse, Haley Mouser, Elle Ploeger, Isabella Radunich, Cassandra Rohrbaugh, Haylie Trowbridge, Jenna VanHolland, Hannah Warmbrand, Ean Wetzel and Cody Williams.

Of these students, Morse, Mouser, Radunich and Van Den Hemel, along with Blake Koehl and Gabe Stevens, were recognized for graduating with honors.

Several individual awards were also presented at the Celebration of Animal Science Achievements and Excellence.

Jazmine Unglaub and Sophie Kyllonen – Outstanding Swine Education and Research Facility Student Employee

The Outstanding Swine Education and Research Facility Student Employee Award, first established in 2022 by Dick Nicolai, was presented to sophomore animal science student Jazmine Unglaub and senior animal science student Sophie Kyllonen. Unglaub was recognized as the fall 2025 recipient and Kyllonen as the spring 2026 recipient. Both students exemplify the dedication and strong work ethic this award is intended to recognize.

Santana Hanson – Outstanding Animal Science Graduate Student Teaching Assistant

Santana Hanson, originally from Parker, was named Outstanding Animal Science Graduate Student Teaching Assistant. Hanson, a doctoral student in ruminant nutrition under Ana Clara Baiao Menezes, has served as a teaching assistant for AS 101: Introduction to Animal Science for two years, in addition to other animal science-related courses. Her commitment to helping students succeed in the classroom makes her a deserving recipient of this award.

Haley Mouser – Outstanding Student in Animal Science

Haley Mouser, a senior animal science student from Tenstrike, Minnesota, was named Outstanding Student in Animal Science. Throughout her time at SDSU, Mouser has been actively involved in various clubs and organizations on campus, including Little International, Block and Bridle, Collegiate Cattlemen’s and Meat Science Club. She also competed on the Livestock Judging Team and conducted undergraduate research.

Mouser graduated in May with her bachelor’s degree in animal science. Among her many accomplishments, she was selected as the featured speaker at the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering commencement ceremony. After graduation, Mouser will continue at SDSU in the accelerated human nutrition and dietetics master’s program this fall.

Warren Rusche – Richard Wahlstrom Award for Excellence in Scholarship

Warren Rusche, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science and SDSU Extension feedlot specialist, received the Richard Wahlstrom Award for Excellence in Scholarship. Rusche’s role at SDSU includes a combination of teaching, research and Extension responsibilities, making him an integral member of the SDSU feedlot research team. His research has helped improve cattle feeding practices across the country, and he shares those findings with beef producers through his Extension programming. In the past five years, Rusche has published 38 peer-reviewed articles, written two book chapters and produced many Extension resources. He’s also mentored six master’s students.

Dakotaland Feeds – Friend of the Department

Dakotaland Feeds LLC was named Friend of the Department. Based in Huron with additional regional locations, the company specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of livestock feeds, serving a wide range of customers across the region. Over the past decade, Dakotaland Feeds has provided significant in-kind and financial support to the Department of Animal Science. Each year, the company generously hosts feed mill tours for students enrolled in AS 319: Livestock Feeds and Feeding, in addition to other courses. The company also provides valuable internship and full-time employment opportunities for students, among other contributions. Faculty members and students of the Department of Animal Science remain appreciative of Dakotaland Feeds’ ongoing support.

Bart Borg – Distinguished Alumni

Bart Borg was named the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Borg has built a distinguished career in the swine industry. He currently serves as vice president of feed and nutrition at Passel Farms LLC. Prior to this role, he spent nine years as the director of nutrition for Standard Nutrition Services and 14 years as the director of feed operations for Murphy Brown LLC.  In addition, he has held leadership roles on the American Feed Industry Association board of directors and National Pork Board committees, where he helped shape industry direction. Borg earned his Master of Science (1985) and Doctor of Philosophy (1988) in swine nutrition and management from SDSU.

More information about the Department of Animal Science is available on its website.