SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NEWS RELEASE 

For Immediate Release: Sept. 15, 2009

Media Contact: Bryce Baker, 605-773-5146

 

Pierre, S.D. – When more than a dozen youth 4-H beef exhibitors passed their halters and show sticks to a group of state legislators for the first annual Legislative Beef Show at the 2009 South Dakota State Fair, the result was a fun and educational event for everyone involved.

 

The Legislative Beef Show, sponsored by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) and the SDSU Cooperative Extension Service, featured 15 state legislators paired with a youth 4-H beef exhibitor from their home district. Participants competed in a friendly cattle showmanship competition against fellow state legislators. Their youth coaches “fit” the animals, prepared them for the competition and offered the legislators a “crash course” in beef cattle showmanship. 

 

The legislators who participated included: Rep. Jim Bolin, Rep. Quinten Burg, Rep. Lance Carson, Rep. Paul Dennert, Rep. Dennis Feickert, Darlene Kutzler (showing for Rep. Peggy Gibson), Sen. Tom Hansen, Rep. Charles Hoffman, Sen. Jim Hundstad, Sen. Jean Hunhoff, Rep. Shantel Krebs, Rep. Kristi Noem, Rep. Larry Tidemann, Sen. Mike Vehle and Rep. Susan Wismer.

 

The youth 4-H beef exhibitors who coached them were: Chelsea Albrecht, Victoria Albrecht, Wyatt DeJong, Calder Eschenbaum, Blaine Geppert, Caroline Hansen, Janae Hansen, Courtney Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, Kaley Nolz, Calli Pritchard, Jill Stern, Maggie Stern, Dayton VanderWal, Mariah VanderWal, and Cassidy Wulf.

 

Sen. Hunhoff emerged as the Grand Champion Showman, narrowly edging Rep. Hoffman, who received second place, and Rep. Feickert, who finished third. For her efforts, Sen. Hunhoff received a gold belt buckle, sponsored by First Dakota Bank.

 

Sen. Hunhoff’s name will also be engraved on a traveling Legislative Beef Show trophy, sponsored by SDDA, SDSU Extension, the SD State Fair, the SD Cattleman’s Association, and First Dakota Bank. A trophy presentation ceremony will take place during the 2010 legislative session.

 

“Our legislators were able to see youth leadership and commitment on display,” said Peter Nielson, state 4-H director. “The event was a great success and everyone is looking forward to next year’s show.”

 

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