By Scout Nelson
At the 2024 Western Jr. Livestock Show in Rapid City, five South Dakota youth took home more than just ribbons. Winners of the South Dakota Farmers Union Herd Builder Award were presented with breeding heifers and ewes, helping them build their livestock herds.
The Herd Builder Award aims to support the next generation of South Dakota farmers and ranchers by providing valuable livestock to youth involved in the Western Jr. Livestock Show. Winners are selected based on their applications, and the awards offer significant help in overcoming the costs associated with building a herd.
This year’s award winners include youth from across South Dakota, each receiving livestock to assist in growing their operations. One winner expressed her excitement, saying, “I have always loved working on my family’s ranch, and I know this breeding heifer will help me in the future.”
Another winner noted the rising costs of livestock, sharing how the award’s breeding heifer will help him start his own herd. Similarly, one of the young exhibitors who received a ewe shared her hope to inspire other young livestock owners to grow their own flocks.
The awards highlight the importance of supporting young people in agriculture, providing them with resources to pursue their passion for farming and ranching. The South Dakota Farmers Union continues to encourage youth involvement and build a brighter future for rural communities.
These awards, given to deserving youth, reflect the commitment to empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders in South Dakota.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-sisoje
Categories: South Dakota, General, Livestock