North Dakota State University
Saddle and Sirloin

Introducing the 97th Little International Agriculturists of the Year,

Dean & Paula Swenson

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        The Swensons graduated in 1973 from NDSU, where they were both active in the Saddle and Sirloin club, as well as many other campus organizations. They married after graduation and later bought a farm in Walcott, North Dakota, where they still live. They raised crops, sheep and Angora goats, as well as club lambs and goats that they leased to 4-H and FFA youth, which allowed them the opportunity to show. They later transitioned from Angora goats to meat goats and expanded to include cattle in their operation. The couple started The Sandburs 4-H club and have worked with the local livestock judging teams. They are active in their local church and were instrumental in developing the meat goat shows at the Red River Valley Fair and North Dakota State Fair. Dean also worked on the Cass County Livestock Achievement Day Committee and was a member of the Red River Valley Fair Board. They are both active in the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association, where they have held various executive positions and helped with the starter flock program. They are also members of the American Sheep Industry Animal Health Committee and American Farm Bureau Federation. The Swensons have three sons and eight grandchildren. They continue to farm with their oldest son and his family. The Swensons truly embody our theme, "Leaving a Legacy," with their passion and drive to serve those in their community and in the agriculture industry. We are thrilled to be adding their portrait to our Hall of Fame and honoring them at our Hall of Fame Banquet on February 10th! 

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Congratulations Dean & Paula!

 

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