By Scout Nelson
Six South Dakota youth expanded their livestock herds at the 2025 Western Jr. Livestock Show through the South Dakota Farmers Union’s Herd Builder program. The initiative aims to help young people start and grow their herds, supporting the future of family farms and ranches.
“Helping young people interested in making their future in livestock production is among the many ways our organization is able to support the future of South Dakota family farmers and ranchers,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union.
The program selected six youth based on an application and their family’s involvement in Farmers Union. This year’s recipients are Coy Petersen (Chamberlain), Huntley Urban (Kimball), Evelyn Bunker (Reliance), Jade Grieves (Hermosa), Mayli Forman (Huron), and Alexander Brixey (Bison).
Coy Petersen, 13, a third-generation livestock producer, received a heifer. “I am looking forward to having my own genetics and building my own herd,” he said. Petersen helps with feeding, calving, shots, and selecting genetics alongside his father and plans to save income from offspring for college.
Huntley Urban, 12, added a heifer to his herd of five cattle. “Expanding my herd is a slow process because the price for cattle is so high right now,” he said. Urban, a fifth-generation livestock producer, also competes in livestock judging and recently placed first with his teammates at Western Jr.
Evelyn Bunker, a high school junior, received her first heifer. “This heifer gives me a hands-on experience caring for my own animal, I am so excited for when I get to calve her,” Bunker said. She hopes to become a large animal veterinarian.
Jade Grieves, 9, received a meat goat doe. “I want to get more loveable goats,” he said. Mayli Forman, a sixth grader, also received a Herd Builder doe to strengthen her existing herd. “Showing goats is fun and if I ever struggle my dad helps me through it,” she said.
Alexander Brixey, 13, added a high-genetics doe to his herd of four goats. “Through livestock judging I get to improve my terminology knowledge and learn about different ways to better my herd,” he said. Brixey also raises sheep and helps care for the family’s cattle, planning to become a veterinarian.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-baranozdemir
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy, Livestock