Little International Endowment

In 1921, Little International was held on South Dakota State University’s campus for the first time, sparking an event that would live on well into the future. Modeled after the Chicago International Livestock Exposition, SDSU’s Little “I” is known not only as a beloved SDSU tradition, but as the largest student-run, two-day agricultural exposition in the nation. Little “I” provides both high school and college students with hands-on experiences within the agriculture industry, spanning from exhibitions to competitions to connections that last far after the event. 

To make this gathering a reality, around 130 SDSU students are selected each year to serve on Little “I” staff and orchestrate every facet of the event. From organizing FFA/4-H contests to spearheading marketing and promotion, this student-led group comes together to keep this important tradition alive, learning valuable skills for their future careers along the way. 

Over the last century, Little “I” has grown into one of the largest and most competitive 4-H/FFA judging events in the state of South Dakota. Because of substantial and continued growth, endowed funding will serve as the cornerstone to build Little International’s future here at SDSU. 

This endowment will fund:

• Student scholarships
• 4-H/FFA and collegiate contest expansion
• Equipment for livestock exhibitors
• Positive experiences in agriculture

Little “I” is a formative experience for current Jackrabbits and high school students who may someday choose SDSU to pursue a higher education, serving as a key tool for recruiting and retaining undergraduates. The event offers participating students the chance to gain hands-on lessons in the field of agriculture, build networking connections, and make lifelong memories. 

Your donation will not only directly affect SDSU students, but it will also preserve this time-honored tradition for generations to come. This event is an irreplaceable opportunity for personal and professional growth for our Jackrabbits, and your gift can ensure we fuel another century of SDSU Little International.