February 1, 2001

NDSU’s Little International Celebrates 75th Anniversary on Feb. 9-10

Tradition has always been a major part of agriculture. The Little International Livestock Show at North Dakota State University is no exception. The show will celebrate it’s 75th anniversary on Feb. 9-10.

Little I is sponsored by NDSU’s Saddle and Sirloin (S&S) Club. Every year, the 250 members of S&S form 27 committees and devote much of their time throughout the school year to plan this two-day event. "These members make Sheppard Arena their second home in the weeks leading up to Little I. They work hard because this is something they believe in. It’s their chance to demonstrate their love and respect for the agriculture industry," said Beth Payne, 75th Little I Queen and a junior in agriculture communication from Elgin, N.D.

NDSU’s first Little I was presented in 1923, and every year since the tradition has been carried on, with the exception of 1941-1943 when the show was canceled because of World War II. What started out as a show with just a handful of contestants has grown to become the largest student production and oldest tradition at NDSU, Payne said.

"With the devotion and hard work of the S&S members it is made certain that no detail is left untouched, creating a show to remember for everyone who attends," said Jason Frey, 75th Little I Manager, a senior in animal and range science from Granville, N.D.

Throughout the weekend, 150 students from all majors and backgrounds will compete in the Little I activities. "Agriculture is always the prevailing theme, but other events add aspects that aren’t production related so there is something for everyone," said Tina Henke, S&S member and committee chairperson. Not only do contestants compete in the showmanship of swine, sheep, dairy, beef and horses, but they can also enter the lamb lead, ham curing or memorized public speaking contests.

"The highlight of Little I is honoring the Agriculturist of the Year," Frey said. Every year the S&S Club chooses a man or woman who is a distinguished leader in the agriculture industry of North Dakota, who also possesses traits members of the club seek to exemplify. The Agriculturist of the Year is honored at the Hall of Fame Banquet and his or her portrait is hung in the Hall of Fame Gallery in Sheppard Arena. The 75th Little I Agriculturists of the Year are Jim and Jody Hauge of Carson, N.D.

The 75th Little I will begin on Friday, Feb. 9, with a 4-H and FFA livestock and crops judging contest. That evening Agriculturists of the Year will be honored at the Hall of Fame Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the banquet are $20 and can be reserved by calling (701) 231-7641. On Saturday, Feb. 10, the showmanship preliminaries will start at 8 a.m. at Sheppard Arena on the NDSU campus. The showmanship finals will be at 6 p.m. with a dance in the chips following with music by Red Horizon.

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Writer: Beth Payne, (701) 231-7881, bepayne@yahoo.com
Editor: Becky Koch, (701) 231-7875, bkoch@ndsuext.nodak.edu