SD Farmers Union Herd Builder program supports kids in livestock production
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Investing in the future of South Dakota’s livestock industry, South Dakota Farmers Union awarded five rural youth breeding stock during the 2026 Western Jr. Livestock Show held Oct. 6-10 in Rapid City as part of the organization’s Herd Builder Award.
“Youth learn by doing. So, the younger they get a start taking over responsibility and making decisions for their own livestock the better,” explained Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union. “We all know quality breeding stock are expensive, so herd expansion may be out of reach for many youth and their families. This Herd Builder Award is one way Farmers Union works to invest in the future of South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers.”
Youth were selected to receive a breeding heifer or ewe through an application process. All qualifying youth show livestock during the Western Jr. Livestock Show held in Rapid City each fall. The youth selected are: Ottilie Lau, from Parkston received an ewe; Oakleigh Reis-Elwood of Reliance received an ewe; Rett Blume of Pierre received a heifer; Avery Antelope of Ideal received a heifer and Teagan Scheel of Alpena received a heifer.
Ottilie Lau, Parkston
Fourth-grader Ottilie Lau enjoys the chores she does on her family’s Parkston farm.
“I feed the sheep and give them water and I help in the garden – planting, weeding and watering – I really like helping out,” Lau explained.
Through the Herd Builder Award she was able to increase her sheep flock from two to three ewes. “I wanted to improve my flock genetics, and this ewe will do that.”
In addition to caring for her ewe’s needs, Ottilie also trains them so she can show them in 4-H shows. She is a member of the Douglas County 4-H Club.
“4-H is fun. I really like showing sheep and cattle.”
Pictured left are Ottilie Lau, Parkston and Oakleigh Reis-Elwood, Reliance won breeding ewes from SDFU through the Herd Builder Award Program. Also pictured are Rocky Forman, Members Services Coordinator, SDFU (far left) David Reis, Reliance rancher and SDFU State Board Member and Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director, SDFU. Pictured right is Avery Antelope, Ideal; Teagan Scheel, Alpena and Rett Blume, all who won breeding heifers from SDFU through the Herd Builder Award Program. (Photos: SDFU)
Oakleigh Reis-Elwood, Reliance
Chamberlain High School junior, Oakleigh Reis-Elwood enjoys caring for her small flock of sheep.
“They are one of the easiest animals to raise, but yet they are challenging to show. I like the challenge they present – it makes me want to succeed,” explained Reis-Elwood, who received grand champion in sheep showmanship for the last five years during the Lyman County Fair.
“Also, caring for my sheep has taught me a lot about responsibility because you can’t just pick and choose when you want to feed or work with your animals. It is something you need to do every day,” added the president of the Lyman Longhorns 4-H Club.
In addition to sheep, Reis-Elwood also raises cattle and meat goats. She is saving the money she earns from their offspring for college.
After high school, she plans to pursue business and esthetician degrees. Her plan is to build a career in her hometown and continue to raise livestock.
Rett Blume, Pierre
Thirteen-year-old Rett Blume was eager to win the Herd Builder heifer because the middle schooler is focused on expanding his herd of eight, and its genetics.
“Right now, all I have is Herefords, so I want to add new genetics,” explained the sixth-generation cattle producer.
Rett enjoys helping his parents, Michael and Becky select genetics for the family’s cow/calf herd.
“We have a catalogue that has bulls and we see if there is a bull we like and then we pick out the cow we think will go good with that bull.”
An active member of the Prairie Wranglers 4-H Club, Rett said after high school and college, he plans to stay involved in the cattle business.
“The markets are good and I love working with cattle.”
Avery Antelope, Ideal
Winner FFA member, Avery Antelope said he was excited to win the Herd Builder heifer because, “I have been raised around cattle, and I show them, so I want to increase my herd and stick around them my entire life.”
With the Herd Builder heifer, Antelope now has a herd of three breeding animals that he raises and cares for on the DeJong Ranch.
Because he also shows cattle, in addition to typical livestock chores, Antelope said he also spends a lot of time working with his show animals.
“To do well in the showring, you need to spend a lot of time in the barn with them, I probably spend an hour or two each day.”
A sophomore in high school, Antelope plans to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine after high school and hopes income from his herd will help pay for college.
“I have watched a lot of veterinarians and I have helped vets do their work before and I am really interested in doing this.”
Teagan Scheel, Alpena
Teagan Scheel got his first cow when he was 8.
“My parents gave her to me,” explained the Wessington Springs High School senior. “I actually have a few of her daughters and granddaughters today.”
Eager to continue to expand his herd of four, Scheel was excited to win the Herd Builder heifer.
“I’ve been wanting to apply for the Herd Builder for a few years now and it just worked out this year, and I feel fortunate to get one because heifers are expensive animals,” Scheel said. “If you have a big herd, maybe one heifer doesn’t make a huge difference, but since I only have a herd of four, one more really helps.”
After high school, Scheel plans to pursue an agriculture business degree and return to his home community to work and continue to expand his cattle herd.
“I’ve grown up raising livestock and it’s a great industry,” Scheel said. “By showing cattle, I have met a lot of people and made a lot of friends. I can tell you people that I met when I was 8 or 9 years old in the show ring who are my friends today and will probably be lifelong friends.”
To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union supports farm and ranch youth and families, visit www.sdfu.org.
