BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce the five SDSU students who received South Dakota Master Pork Producers Association scholarships on Jan. 14, 2026, during the 57th annual South Dakota Pork Congress in Sioux Falls.
Scholarship recipients were Preston Mattheis, of Parkston; Makayla Fouss, of Armour; Alexis Steckelberg, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; Tayler Franz, of Bingham Lake, Minnesota; and Carter Ross, of Lennox, South Dakota. Each of these students is an active leader on and off campus and plans to pursue a career in the swine industry.
More on the awardees:
Preston Mattheis
Mattheis is a junior majoring in animal science and agriculture science, with minors in agriculture marketing and ranch management. At SDSU, Mattheis serves as the treasurer of the swine club, livestock coordinator for the Jacks Classic Swine Show, and as a member of the swine committee for Little International. Following graduation, Mattheis would like to pursue a career in the animal nutrition sector and stay involved in the show pig industry.
Makayla Fouss
Fouss is a sophomore, majoring in agricultural education with a minor in animal science. She is an active member of the agricultural education and country swing dance clubs. Following graduation, Makayla plans to teach high school agriculture classes and serve as an FFA advisor while also owning her own livestock operation.
Alexis Steckelberg
Steckelberg is a senior agriculture science major with minors in agriculture science, agribusiness marketing and agribusiness, while also obtaining a swine science certification. She has held leadership positions in the swine club, Jacks Classic Swine Show and Little International swine staff. Following graduation, Steckelberg plans to return to her family’s diverse farming operation and market hogs to 4-H and FFA members.
Tayler Franz
Franz is a senior agricultural business major with a minor in agribusiness marketing. At SDSU, Franz was the founder of the Jacks Classic Swine Show and a leader of the swine club, Sigma Alpha Omega, dairy club and horticultural club. Following graduation, Franz plans on advocating for agriculture and the pork industry while pursuing a career rooted in strong values and leadership.
Carter Ross
Ross is a sophomore animal science major and was awarded the Duane Miller Endowment Scholarship. Ross has served as a leader for the swine and collegiate cattleman’s clubs. Additionally, he was a member of the 2025 Wool Judging Team and is a member of the 2026 Meat Judging Team. Following graduation, Ross would like to pursue a career in the animal nutrition sector, focusing on formulating new supplements and diets that support a healthy digestive tract.
From left: South Dakota Master Pork Producers Scholarship winner Preston Mattheis and South Dakota Master Pork Producers Association President Mark Vanderwerf.
From left: South Dakota Master Pork Producers Scholarship winner Preston Mattheis and South Dakota Master Pork Producers Association President Mark Vanderwerf.
From left: South Dakota Master Pork Producers Scholarship winner Alexis Steckelberg and South Dakota Master Pork Producers Association President Mark Vanderwerf.
From left: South Dakota Master Pork Producers Scholarship winner Tayler Franz and South Dakota Master Pork Producers Association President Mark Vanderwerf.
Carter Ross
