SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - It's billed as the the largest two-day, student run agricultural exposition in the country, and the 94th Little International at South Dakota State University is also a rite of spring.
Student Manager Dalen Zuidema says college students show animals under unique conditions.
Zuidema says the collegiate competitors have only three weeks to make their animal "a puppy." He says they don't have months and months to establish a bond with the livestock and to really thrive in the show ring.
Zuidema says for students who have never shown any animal there's a novice ring. He says novices learn a little bit into fitting and showing of animals. The get to try out their new-learned skills against other people "who are in the same boat."
Hundreds of high school students from Minnesota and South Dakota join college students in judging contests.
An alumni reception is scheduled Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Animal Science lobby. Most events are in the Animal Science Arena on the north side of campus off Medary Avenue. They are free and open to the public.
Saturday's showmanship contest wraps up with a round robin competition and an awards ceremony.
Little International ends Saturday night with a dance, featuring live music from Carolina Reign, at the Swiftel Center in Brookings. Tickets are $10 at the door.
