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Story by Lexi Gloege

Students from South Dakota State University are preparing to attend the annual Commodity Classic, the nation’s largest farmer-led and farmer-focused agricultural trade show, thanks to the continued generosity of alumni and industry donors.

This year, 42 SDSU students from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science will travel to San Antonio to immerse themselves in one of agriculture’s most influential events.

For sophomore agricultural engineering major Kole Hawkins, the experience is both professionally and personally transformative. A native of Cedaredge, Colorado, Hawkins is part of the student leadership team helping coordinate SDSU’s presence, alongside fellow students Dawson Gulizia and Ryan VanPelt.

“Commodity Classic gives students direct access to the people and companies shaping agriculture,” Hawkins said. “You’re surrounded by equipment manufacturers, seed companies, agronomists and policymakers. It helps students understand the opportunities available and the challenges the industry is working to solve.”

Commodity Classic draws more than 11,000 attendees over four days, offering educational sessions, policy discussions, product launches and unmatched networking opportunities. Students have the chance to interact with government leaders, industry representatives and producers from across the country, gaining valuable insights beyond the classroom.

In addition to career exploration, the trip fosters meaningful personal growth. For some SDSU students, the event marks their first time traveling by plane or visiting a new region of the country. For all attendees, it builds friendships and professional networks that last well beyond graduation.

“These 42 students leave as a group and come back with lifelong connections. You realize how interconnected agriculture is and how many opportunities there are to be involved,” Hawkins said.

SDSU’s strong student presence has not gone unnoticed. Hawkins recalled industry professionals commenting on the visibility of SDSU students at past events.

“Seeing all the blue shirts at the convention makes me proud,” he said. “It shows that SDSU values experiential learning and is committed to preparing students for the future of agriculture.”

This opportunity has been made possible for the last three years through the generous support of commodity groups and alumni donors, including , and the .

When asked what the biggest thing Hawkins wanted to emphasize was, he said, “The biggest thing is a huge thank you,” he said, “not only for the funding, but for the time sponsors spend with us during Commodity Classic. It helps students understand where checkoff dollars go and shows that these organizations believe in us. There aren’t many schools that have this level of support.”

For SDSU students, Commodity Classic represents more than a conference. It is a direct investment in their education, their careers and the future of agriculture. Through the continued generosity of alumni and industry partners, SDSU remains committed to providing students with life-changing experiences that prepare them to lead and serve the agricultural community.