NDSU Animal Sciences

On June 14th, two class of '26 grads, Megan Larson and Lathan Demontigny, competed at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.

Read more: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/academics/news/2026-06-11-ndsu-class-26-grads-compete-national-college-rodeo

Last week we celebrated a major investment in the future of livestock research, education and North Dakota agriculture.

Our upgraded Swine Research Facility features a new 600-head expansion barn and classroom addition. The upgrades enhance our opportunities for research in swine nutrition, production efficiency, and animal welfare all while providing hands-on learning experiences for students in the NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources.

Private support played a critical role in bringing the project to life. Thank you to North Dakota Corn Utilization Council, North Dakota Soybean Council and North Dakota Farmers Union who were principal contributors, providing more than $3 million in funding. Their investment underscores the strong connection between livestock production and North Dakota’s crop-based economy.

Read more https://www.ndsu.edu/news/2026-06-15-ndsu-celebrated-opening-enhanced-swine-research-facility-advancing-livestock

Did you know NDSU Agriculture has a frequent newsletter highlighting the latest stories from CAFSNR, Extension, and Research?

One featured story from the newest edition celebrates the 100th anniversary of Saddle and Sirloin’s Little International, the longest-running and largest student-sponsored event on campus. From student leadership to livestock showmanship, Little “I” continues to leave a lasting impact on generations of NDSU students.

Read more here: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-home/impact-stories/ndsu-saddle-and-sirloin-host-100th-annual-little-international

NDSU Saddle & Sirloin NDSU Animal Sciences

As part of the CAFSNR AgXperience event during the North Dakota State FFA Convention, our department had a great time helping students celebrate June Dairy Month. Attendees tested their skills with dairy trivia and met a few dairy cattle from our animal units. A huge thank-you to Cass-Clay Creamery for generously donating milk and cottage cheese for student to enjoy!

Now, it’s your turn to join the fun. What was the first flavor of ice cream ever created? Drop your guess in the comments below!

The fall ewe lambs are officially on lawn mowing duty! After a week of electric net training, these girls are ready to spend the summer on pasture.

This group of dorset and hair ewes are a favorite of the students! This spring they helped with a bunch of classes, most notably ANSC 114 Intro to Animal Science, ANSC 115 Intro to Animal Health, and VETS 482 Large Animal Techniques 🐑

Congratulations to the freshly pinned veterinary technologists!

Before the semester wraps up, the ANSC 220: Livestock Production course squeezed in one final adventure! Students headed to Northland Sires, Inc. for a behind-the-scenes tour and collection demonstration. A HUGE thanks to Derek and the entire Northland Sires team for sharing their time and expertise with our students. What a fantastic way to finish the semester strong!

Congratulations to everyone!