SDSU Extension Welcomes New Statewide 4-H Livestock Program Manager

Sep 12, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Sami Nordmann as the new statewide 4-H Livestock Program Manager.

As the SDSU Extension 4-H Livestock Program Manager, Nordmann will support the 4-H livestock programs and oversee all state 4-H livestock events, including livestock shows, judging and skill-a-thon competitions. She will be based in Brookings on the SDSU campus.

"Sami's a firm believer in the power livestock projects can hold in the lives of young people,” said Tim Tanner, SDSU Extension State 4-H Program Director. “She will be a real asset as 4-H strengthens young South Dakotans who share her passion for livestock.”

Originally from Chancellor, South Dakota, Nordmann grew up on her family’s farm raising show pigs and helping with the commercial sheep and beef cattle operations. She was heavily involved in 4-H as a youth, showing mostly swine and market lambs.

Nordmann graduated from SDSU with a degree in agricultural education, communication and leadership with a leadership specialization, and a swine science certificate. Prior to joining SDSU Extension, she served as the show assistant for the Turner County 4-H livestock shows and as show coordinator for the South Dakota Summer Spotlight Swine Division.

“I love all things livestock, so I am excited to get to work with the events from start to finish and see the progression of our members as they work with their animals and find that same love for livestock that I found,” Nordmann said.

"Livestock is so important to South Dakota and our state’s 4-H program. As such, having someone as talented and knowledgeable as Sami is a huge success for SDSU Extension 4-H,” said Oakley G. Perry, SDSU Extension 4-H County Operations and Professional Development Program Manager. “I am excited to see how she grows our livestock programs across the state as we continue to educate youth about one of our state’s largest industries, how to produce food safely and ethically, and create more knowledgeable consumers through livestock education. Sami has impressed us all and will do great things for the young people of South Dakota.”

Source : sdstate.edu

Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.