The 34th annual Lamb Bonanza is happening Saturday, Jan. 31. Five sheep pelts will be auctioned off at halftime of the men’s basketball game with proceeds supporting undergraduate scholarships for students in animal science and athletics.
BROOKINGS, S.D. — Jan. 21, 2026 — The South Dakota Sheep Growers Association is partnering with the South Dakota State University Department of Animal Science and Jackrabbits Athletics to host the 34th annual Lamb Bonanza on Saturday, Jan. 31, at First Bank & Trust Arena in Brookings. The event coincides with the men’s basketball game against Oral Roberts at 2 p.m. CST.
“Lamb Bonanza is a proud SDSU tradition that brings together the university and its partners in production agriculture to celebrate and share the important story of lamb and wool,” said John Jaeger, Calvin and Mary Hayenga Endowed Department Head of Animal Science. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to recognize and thank the producers who dedicate their time and talent to produce high-quality lamb right here in South Dakota.”
Ahead of tipoff, from 1-2 p.m., members of the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association will serve leg of lamb sliders, providing attendees an opportunity to sample lamb while engaging with producers and industry professionals who play a vital role in the state’s lamb and wool industry.
At halftime, five SDSU lettered lamb pelts will be auctioned off, with proceeds supporting undergraduate scholarships in the animal science and athletics departments at SDSU.
In addition to game day activities, SDSU Signature Wool products, including blankets, scarves and yarn, are available for purchase in-store or online at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. All items are made from 100% South Dakota-grown wool, and proceeds support scholarships for students in animal science and apparel merchandising programs.
Tickets for the game can be purchased on the athletics website or at the box office, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. All attendees can participate in sampling the lamb sliders without an additional ticket purchase.
For more information about the Department of Animal Science or the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, visit their respective websites.
