BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota 4-H, a program of South Dakota State University Extension, is pleased to announce the 2026 Premier Exhibitor award winners.
Premier Exhibitor awards recognize 4-H members for their hard work and overall accomplishments in the 4-H animal project areas. This year, the competition expanded to offer awards in each animal division: beef, sheep, swine, meat goat, dairy, poultry, rabbit, horse and dog.
“I am excited to see this contest continue to grow and see more youth meet the criteria to be considered for Premier Exhibitor of their species,” said Kelsey VanderWal, SDSU Extension 4-H Livestock Program Manager.
Placings are determined by the highest combined score of showmanship, skillathon and animal show results from performance or market/breeding classes. VanderWal said this is a special contest because it brings together the three sides of 4-H that help youth understand all aspects of successfully raising and caring for animals.
“The Skillathon brings the industry knowledge we want youth to learn within their species. Showmanship brings the hard work and responsibility aspect, and the importance of working with your animal often. And doing well in your animal’s class brings the understanding of animal selection/evaluation, nutrition and breeding decisions,” VanderWal said. “It’s truly impressive to see 4-H members succeed in each of the categories.”
In the horse division, the top two exhibitors each received a belt buckle. In all other age and animal divisions, the top two youth received a cash award. All youth who attended the 4-H showcase during the South Dakota State Fair in Huron received a certificate.
2026 Premier Exhibitor Awards:
BEEF
Beginner
1st – Kazney Rolfsmeier, Deuel County
2nd – Roy Knock, Spink County
Junior
1st – Paisley Johnson, Minnehaha County
2nd – Emorie Timmons, Deuel County
Senior
1st – Jayna Blume, Hughes/Stanley County
2nd – Natalie Marshall, Miner County
DAIRY
Beginner
1st – Huxley McCloud, Kingsbury County
2nd – Kaydee Neuharth, Stanley/Hughes County
Junior
1st – Braden Mueller, Grant County
2nd – Eli McCloud, Kingsbury County
Senior
1st – Jonathan Neuharth, Stanley County
2nd – Brityn Davies, Kingsbury County
MEAT GOAT
Beginner
1st – Ellie Olsen, Yankton County
Junior
1st – Torree Olinger, Buffalo/Jerauld County
2nd – Abby Spatz, Roberts County
Senior
1st – Taylor McGraw, Clark County
2nd – Alana Olsen, Yankton County
SHEEP
Beginner
1st – Roy Knock, Spink County
2nd – Camie Johnson, Minnehaha County
Junior
1st – Kreyton Karstens, Miner County
2nd – Torree Olinger, Buffalo/Jerauld County
Senior
1st – Josie Nold, Brookings County
2nd – Taylor McGraw, Clark County
SWINE
Beginner
1st – Weston Eichler, Kingsbury County
2nd – Ellie Olsen, Yankton County
Junior
1st – Carson Eichler, Kingsbury County
2nd – Hayes Eichstadt, Beadle County
Senior
1st – Tyler Warkenthien, Clark County
2nd – Clayton Weber, Brookings County
POULTRY
Beginner
1st – Grace Fossum, Union County
2nd – Vayentha Hill, Brookings County
Junior
1st – Kaylin Gjernes, Brookings County
2nd – Tara Harms, Lake County
Senior
1st – Bailey Gjerns, Brookings County
2nd – Raymond Klein, Brookings County
RABBIT
Beginner
1st – Madysen Dvorak, Tripp County
2nd – Lola Tveito, Lake County
Junior
1st – Bridgette Leitheiser, Hanson County
2nd – Madelyn VanLith, Grant County
Senior
1st – Brianna Gilchrist, Tripp County
2nd – Anna Sieperda, Lincoln County
HORSE
Beginner
1st – Emma Nicolaus, Bon Homme County
2nd – Brace Tapio, Hutchinson County
Junior
1st – Emersyn Schwagel, Grant County
2nd – Kyler Schmidt, Butte/Lawrence County
Senior
1st – Bailey Schwagel, Grant County
2nd – Alexis Roesler, Buffalo/Jerauld County
DOG
Beginner
1st – Piper Graham, Davison County
2nd – Clara Granum, Brookings County
Junior
1st – Willow Brandt, Davison County
2nd – Kate Graham, Davison County
Senior
1st – Makayla Meland, Day County
2nd – Bailie Lapcinski, Pennington County
