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Legend-Dairy: SDSU Students Claim National Judging Awards

By Kay Norton

Students in the South Dakota State University Department of Dairy and Food Science brought home high honors in national collegiate dairy competitions this spring. 

The SDSU Dairy Cattle Judging Team placed first overall at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Judging Conference held in Canyon, Texas. Dairy cattle judging evaluates the physical conformation of different breeds of dairy animals and helps students to learn decision-making skills and communication through giving oral reasons for those placings. 

Evelyn Scheffler was high individual overall. Vanessa Gonzalez placed first in reasons and third overall. Dillion Sparrgrove placed 10th overall. The team is coached by SDSU faculty member Turner Swartz and will judge in additional contests in the 2025-26 academic year.

Source : sdstate.edu

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How AI Is Changing Family Hog Farms | Duane Stateler on Technology & the Future of Pork Production

Video: How AI Is Changing Family Hog Farms | Duane Stateler on Technology & the Future of Pork Production

Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape pork production, and longtime pork producer Duane Stateler believes the industry is only getting started.

Recorded at World Pork Expo 2026, Stateler shares how technology has already transformed modern hog farming—from automated barn climate control and feed monitoring to real-time alerts—and explains why AI will play an even bigger role in improving animal care, efficiency, and decision-making.

As a fifth-generation hog farmer, he also discusses the importance of family farms, succession planning, labor, and how technology is helping today's producers care for more animals while maintaining high welfare standards.

In this interview:

The future of AI in pork production

How smart barns improve pig care

Feed bin monitoring and automation

Labor challenges and family farming

Why technology is shaping the next generation of producers