When Little I began in 1921 it was strictly a livestock exhibition. It was patterned after the Chicago International Livestock Exhibition. The purpose of the South Dakota State College Little I was to offer students experience with fitting, training and showing livestock. It also provided students with practical experience in management of agricultural shows. In 1921, the Little I staff consisted of 11 people. Between 1922 and 1924 there were improvements made to the show. The grain show, poultry show, agronomy, horticulture, meat cutting and wool judging were added. In 1949 the Home Economics division was added to the exposition.
Little International, or “Little I” is the largest student run agricultural exposition in the country. It provides the opportunity for 4-H, FFA and college students to compete in judging contests, showmanship events and fitting challenges. Little I has been held every year since 1921. There have been only four years when it was not held: 1926, during a scarlet fever outbreak, 1944-1945 because of World War II, and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year Little International is celebrating its 100th exposition. On March 27, 2023, the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum is opening an exhibit celebrating Little International through the years. Visit the Museum and learn about all the fun and excitement of Little I! The Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
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