NDSU’s 86th Little International gets underway Feb. 10-11

North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the Saddle and Sirloin Club are hosting 86th Little International Livestock Contest on Feb. 10-11 at Shepperd Arena on the NDSU campus in Fargo, ND.

The event is the largest student-run agricultural event in the state, with more than 200 members and 28 student-led committees to put together this long-standing tradition. The two-day event will start at 8 a.m. each day with contests to follow. This year’s show manager is Kelcey Holm of Ellendale, ND. She is assisted by Nick Austin of Westhope, ND.

This year’s event theme, which was chosen by club members, is “Agriculture in Action.” The 86th Little International will embrace this theme during all of the contests in which FFA and 4-H members compete in on Feb. 10, and NDSU students compete in the showmanship contest on Feb. 11.

NDSU students will compete in showmanship contests that include: beef, equine, sheep and swine. There is also a public speaking competition and a ham curing contest.

The tradition continues Friday night after the competition has ended, when the club will highlight their signature Hall of Fame banquet which honors the Agriculturist of the Year. This person is nominated by members of the club and then voted on. This person exemplifies what it means to progress and make great accomplishments within the agricultural field and instill a passion for agriculture within today’s youth.

Keith Bjerke of Casselton, ND, will be honored for his lifetime achievements at the banquet on Friday, Feb. 10 at the Ramada Inn in Fargo, ND. For banquet ticket information, contact Alisha Nord at 701-367-5609.

The public is invited to attend all events on both days.

– NDSU 86th Little International