(ND Ag Connection) – The North Dakota State University campus buzzed with excitement as the 98th Little International, the largest student-run event, unfolded at Shepperd Arena. Organized by the NDSU Saddle and Sirloin Club, this annual showcase highlighted the skills and dedication of students in livestock showmanship.

Morgan Friede, hailing from Chinook, Montana, emerged as the overall showman, an honor reflecting her exceptional talent and hard work.

Jadah Poepping from Barnesville, Minnesota, secured the reserve champion spot, underscoring the competitive spirit of the participants.

MJ Jennings, the event’s publicity chair, emphasized the extensive student involvement required to bring this event to life, with over 300 students contributing to its success.

The competition spanned various categories, including beef, dairy, sheep, swine, goats, ham curing, and public speaking, demonstrating the diverse talents of the NDSU student body.

Highlights from the competition included top honors in dairy showmanship going to April Rademacher and Olivia Hollerman, with Andi Webber and Savana Rasmussen winning in the swine category.

The goat showmanship awards were clinched by Jadah Poepping and Reanna Schmidt. In the beef category, Morgan Friede and Chaela Rabas took the top spots, while Lindsey Vachal and Brody Erickson shone in the sheep showmanship.

The ham curing competition saw Kristin Schaaf leading, and Rose Wendel excelled in public speaking.

These achievements celebrate the students’ individual talents and reflect the supportive and enriching environment provided by NDSU for agricultural education.

The Little International remains a testament to the dedication and passion of students pursuing excellence in the field of agriculture, fostering a sense of community and shared success among participants.