Welcome to another exciting Little International in Shepperd Arena. The Saddle and Sirloin members have been waiting and preparing for this 85th Little “I” since The 84th Little “I” was held 365 days ago. The Little International has been a tradition for the NDSU campus, in that it has been held for 85 years. Over the years the show has been built on many traditions from when it first started. It is the traditions and new changes that are made that make each Little “I” a success. No matter if this is your first experience or thirtieth, tonight’s 85th Little International will be a show for the record books and I guarantee you will have a great time.

Hello, I am Mitchell Becker and I am this year’s 85th Little “I” Manager.  My parents are Thomas and Shelly Becker and I have two brothers, Austin and Garrett. We operate a small ranch just east of Minot, ND where we raise a small herd of Angus, Maine, and Commercial cows.
   
“Proof That the Legacy Lives On” was selected as this year’s theme  and as you noticed on the front cover of this book there is appropriately a picture of Shepperd Arena.  Not only has Shepperd Arena held countless Little “I’s” over the years, but it represents the legacy and impact of many students who have participated and passed through this arena. With 85 years of Little Internationals being put on by many Saddle and Sirloin members, is living proof that the legacy lives on.
   
I would like to congratulate our three Agriculturalists of the Year, Dr. Paul Berg, Dr. Bert Moore and Russ Danielson. These three gentlemen have been a part of the NDSU campus for many years. The number of students that they have impacted through teaching, livestock and meat judging, and the Saddle and Sirloin Club is tremendous.  The impact they have made to agriculture and the animal science industry is overwhelming and it makes perfect sense to honor these three men for the legacy they have left behind.

Members and participants, I would like to thank you for both a great and fun year. With your support and enthusiasm, I know tonight’s show will be a great success. Whether this is your first Little “I” or your last, be sure to make and take in as many memories as possible.  I would like to thank my parents and family for always being there for me. To all the sponsors, parents and guests, I would like to thank you for continuous support. With the time drawing near and the participants ready to go, please sit back, relax as the Saddle and Sirloin Club presents the 85th Little International.

Welcome to the 85th Little International! We are thrilled to have so many people joining us here to celebrate the “Proof that the Legacy Lives On.”  In simple terms, the  Little International is a two-day agricultural exposition planned, organized, and implemented by the students of NDSU for the benefit of high school and college students.  The exposition provides students with an opportunity to compete in judging contests, showmanship competitions, and fitting challenges.  Digging deeper though, it is much more than that.  It is students working hard to promote and further agriculture through the strength of the younger generation.  It is a competitive, yet fun, opportunity to utilize all of the skills, hard work, and fortitude they have garnered throughout the year.  This amazing event has impacted the lives of many and is definitely proof that the legacy lives on.
    
Welcome, my name is Kelcey Holm and I am honored serve as the assistant Little “I” Manager.  I am from Forbes, ND where my parent’s, Barry and Roxanne Holm, run a cow/calf operation.  My four siblings and I have helped with every aspect of this operation and hope to carry on the legacy of agriculture for years to come. 
    
This year we have a unique situation with the 85th Little International Agriculturist of the Year.  Our three recipients are very deserving individuals and embody all aspects of this award.  They have each had a deep impact on my life and the lives of many of the students at North Dakota State.  Paul Berg, Bert Moore and Russ Danielson have been inspirational leaders that have helped mold the minds of countless individuals.  Their legacy lives on through them and their teachings it will never fade away. 
    
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those that have helped guide me through the past few years and support me in the years before that.  To my advisors, fellow S/S members and participants thank you so much for supporting me and Little “I” throughout the years. To all the sponsors, parents, and guests I would like to thank you for the continuous support of Little “I”, for without your support Little “I” would not be possible! Thank you, Mom.  Thank you, Dad.  Your love and support has brought me to where I am today.
    
With all of this said I encourage everyone to sit back and enjoy the accumulation of a year of hard work, love of the job, and preserving agriculture.  Enjoy the 85th Little International and share with us as we show that the legacy does live on!