Over 200 students gathered in Rotunda D to participate in the 103rd Little International Livestock Drawing on Jan. 28 to enter the Little I lottery system. Winners will be able to show an animal at Little International on March 27 and 28.

There were 190 animals for students to choose from out of six different species. Each species has a novice and experienced division, so that those with little to no experience can still participate. Livestock that students can draw for in the lottery include beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and horses.

Animals for the competition are donated, or shared, with students a month in advance by the livestock units on campus, or supporters of Little International.

The beef cattle, sheep, and horses all come from their respective units on campus, while the dairy cattle are brought to campus from an alumni of SDSU. The pigs and goats are brought in from producers off campus.

Lindsey Schmoll, junior agricultural business major and 103rd Little International Livestock Coordinator, explained who is able to partake in Little International. 

“Literally anyone (can participate), you don’t have to be an animal science major, you could be engineering, nursing,” Schmoll said. “It doesn’t matter as long as you are ready to learn and participate.”

Junior animal science major and 103rd Little International Assistant Livestock Coordinator Raesa Zelinsky, agreed with Schmoll.

“Students who draw an animal will have support from several different people. Each species has its own committee,” Zelinsky said. “People on the livestock committees have excellent leadership skills, past experience with the species, and are willing to be good communicators and people the participants can rely on.”

Those who drew an animal were then given further instructions from their specific committee members as there’s only three weeks for participants to train their animal.

“I’m incredibly excited to show a sheep at Little International,” said Lilli Steeke, junior agricultural communications major. “I’m proud to represent myself and grateful for the opportunity to experience something so unique.” 

Committee members and executive staff are available to assist Little I participants if help is needed.

Cassidy Strommen, manager of the 103rd Little International and senior agricultural communications major, explained that there is an informational meeting for high point club and high point individual. There’s also a lamb lead drawing as well as a drawing for team fitting animals.

Strommen said the three weeks students get to work with their animal is special. 

“It’s a really rewarding experience,” Strommen said. “Starting off with an animal that is not trained and then being able to train it and show off all your hard work is extremely rewarding.”