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Authorized form of name
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Description area
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History
Little International is a two-day agricultural exposition planned, organized, and managed by students at South Dakota State University. Recognized as the largest student-run two-day agricultural event in the country, it offers high school and college students the opportunity to compete in livestock judging, showmanship, and fitting contests.
The event has been held annually since 1921, with only three cancellations: in 1926 due to a Scarlet Fever epidemic, and in 1944–1945 during World War II. Modeled after the Chicago International Livestock Exposition, the first Little International took place in what is now the Agricultural Heritage Museum. It was relocated to the Intramural Building in 1952 and has been held in the Animal Science Arena since 1977.
In the week leading up to the exposition, student staff transform the Arena by constructing the iconic red barn and white fence, setting up bleachers, and preparing the green-dyed wood chips for the show ring. Each staff member is responsible for fulfilling the duties of their assigned committee, which may involve organizing contests, managing livestock, or coordinating the event schedule.
Little International provides a dynamic, hands-on learning environment that helps students develop technical skills, time management, responsibility, and leadership. It also fosters camaraderie, school spirit, and networking among participants, making it a hallmark experience for students pursuing careers in agriculture.