… Little International celebrates 100 years of tradition For 100 years, South Dakota State University’s Little International has been “Built on Tradition, Powered by a Vision,” providing multiple generations of students with a rich tradition of legacy and learning. In addition to being the largest two-day, student-run livestock exhibition in the nation, Little “I” is one of SDSU’s most beloved traditions. The 100th Little International staff was made up of 164 student volunteers. To commemorate the 100th year, Little “I” staff members worked with the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum and SDSU Archives to document the exhibition’s evolution. The early … and experts in their field. At this first event, judging contests for beef, swine and sheep were offered. Now: At the 100th Little International, over 2,000 local FFA and 4-H students registered to participate in career development events. These students were planning to travel from Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin in addition to South Dakota schools. Students would …
… SDSU student investigates relationship between wildflowers, cattle In South Dakota, half of the state's approximately 50 million acres are considered rangeland and provide the grazing area needed for more than 4 million beef cattle. South Dakota is also home to a diverse range of native plants and wildflowers, scattered throughout the … amount of dry matter was grown, digestibility tests were conducted. "The tests were able to find the percentage of the plant that is indigestible to cattle," Preszler said. "We then compared these results to other feed options used throughout South Dakota. We compared our results among the different species to see if some were statistically better than others." … of 215 to 245 indicated a high-value forage for the native wildflowers. "Although all species tested had high nutritional value, statistical differences indicated that certain species may be more valuable than others," Preszler said. For example, the prairie cinquefoil, a native South Dakota wildflower, was more digestible than purple coneflower, another native …
… enrollment to its highest number in five years. Figures released by the South Dakota Board of Regents today shows total enrollment for fall 2023 at South Dakota’s largest and most comprehensive university at 11,505—the largest enrollment since 2019, when 11,518 students attended SDSU. The total enrollment includes a first-year class of 2,275 students, the third largest to enroll in SDSU … dreams and eventually move into careers that positively impact our communities and make society better for everyone,” SDSU President Barry Dunn said. “We are very excited about having the third-largest class of first-year students ever at SDSU, and to surpass an 80% retention rate for the third time in four years is amazing.” The 2,275 first-year student class …
… SDSU Sheep Research and Teaching Unit to host open house March 16 South Dakota State University’s Department of Animal Science is hosting the SDSU Sheep Research and Teaching Unit open house from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 … to colostrum quality. Five undergraduate students will discuss their work and research related to different types of banding with males. The SDSU Hampshire flock is the oldest registered flock in the United States with registration that dates back to 1898. A lunch of pulled lamb sandwiches and SDSU ice cream will be served at noon. Contact John Jaeger, …
… their advisor and the Graduate School staff. April 1-5 is Graduate Student Appreciation Week, a great opportunity to highlight a few graduate students at SDSU and the work they are accomplishing. Cierra Sazue, Alexis Barnes and James Okechukwu Kemeshi each have a unique story and path leading to SDSU. Their research, passions and goals are made possible with the academic … Master Gardeners would get so excited talking to grad students,” Barnes said. Alexis Barnes Barnes and her research were also featured in the February edition of Vegetable Grower News magazine. She points to the experience and expertise of her advisor in the field of sustainable horticulture as a benefit of her graduate education. She sought to learn more about …
… Nominations sought for 2024 Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Awards The Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Selection Committee is seeking nominations of individuals for South Dakota State University's Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Award Program. Founded in 1927, the program is marking its 97th … unselfishly of their talent, time and leadership. There is no age requirement, but the nominees must be living at the time honorees are notified. Spouses may be nominated, but a separate nomination form is needed for each individual. Recipients must be residents of South Dakota. If nominees were previously employed by SDSU, employment cannot have been within the …
… McKenna Sick receives 2023 SDSU Outstanding Swine Education and Research Facility Student Employee Award McKenna Sick, a sophomore majoring in animal science and working to obtain her swine certificate at South Dakota State … said Sick, of Carson, Iowa. "I get to learn how to care for the animals and utilize different technologies in the barn that make our job easier." Sick's passion for the swine industry comes from her involvement in showing swine on the county, state and national levels. "I have been showing pigs since I was 9 and now have my sow herd at home where I raise and sell … Engineering professor, established the Outstanding Swine Education and Research Facility Student Employee Award. Before pursuing his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in his 50s, Nicolai and his wife, Jeune, spent most of their lives farming near Hector, Minnesota. Pork production was a mainstay of their operation. Nicolai and his partners have established …
… Jackrabbits near, far rally together to break records on seventh annual One Day for STATE Jackrabbits in all 50 states and across 15 countries united to tackle historic philanthropy on Sept. 7 during One Day for STATE. The South Dakota State University Foundation’s seventh annual giving day celebrated all things SDSU and the impact that can be made through private gifts. In 24 … said Erin Glidden, SDSU Foundation director of pipeline strategy. “This is our chance to work together and make a really bold impact for SDSU.” The celebration culminated with the community favorite Yellow and Blue Block Party. The festivities featured all the classics for the party’s lineup: performances by The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band followed by the …
… thrilled to be selected to join South Dakota State University," Blanton said. "One of the key aspects that drew me to this position is South Dakota State University's focus on improving the lives and livelihood of the state producers." Previously, Blanton served as a professor and department head in Purdue University's Department of Animal Science. Prior to Purdue, … on animal growth and development. Over the course of his career, he has led research programs in eight different countries, received nearly $26 million in external funding, published 50 refereed journal articles and 75 abstracts and obtained two patents. "The college's dedication to agricultural research, innovation and outreach aligns perfectly with my passion for making meaningful agricultural impacts," Blanton added. Blanton also brings a wealth of industry experience to SDSU, having worked for the Delaware companies KVS Service and Intervet Inc. (now Schering-Plough). He is also the co-founder of the Center for Excellence in Cryobiology. He will assume his duties at SDSU on Oct. 22, …
… SDSU researchers explore automated controlled drainage systems South Dakota State University's Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering has recently been exploring the viability of automated controlled drainage systems in eastern South Dakota. The systems would allow farmers to maximize the available water … and gained valuable insight into this technology's potential. The research team installing a system at SDSU's Southeast Research Farm. "My experience with this project has been eye-opening," Becker said. "Growing up in an agricultural background, I had gained a fair understanding of tile drainage used for crop production. However, controlled drainage was a new … in either real-time or through pre-programming." Preliminary data will be gathered first after the spring growing season and then again in the fall, after the harvest season is complete in October 2024. Algorithm development Murad Ellafi is a postdoctoral research associate working under the guidance of McMaine. He had previously earned his doctorate from …