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A large group of people stands on a stone staircase to smile for a photo

Energize conference inspires small SD communities

January 17, 2025

Hosted in a different South Dakota town of 5,000 or fewer people each year, Energize is an opportunity for community and business leaders to gather, gain new perspectives and share ideas about revitalizing rural communities.

Professional portrait of Emily Kluin

SDSU Extension welcomes new Community Vitality field specialist

December 31, 2024

As a Community Vitality field specialist, Kluin will support the well-being and sustainability of South Dakota’s communities through focused programs and discussions. She is based at the Sioux Falls Regional Center.

Map of 4-H regions in South Dakota

SDSU Extension 4-H launches regional support for county operations

December 16, 2024

SDSU Extension has organized operations support into four regions: North, South, Central and West. Each region consists of about 16 counties and is supported by an assigned regional youth educator.

2024 4-H Capitol Day group

SDSU Extension to host fifth annual 4-H Capitol Day

December 10, 2024

Held in conjunction with Brookings and SDSU days at the Capitol, the event provides educational legislative experiences for 4-H members and the opportunity to meet 4-H supporters from across the state.

A woman on a stage shows a paper application to her audience, with an Energize banner behind her

Platte to host 2025 SDSU Extension Energize conference

December 09, 2024

The seventh annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference will be on May 6-7, 2025, in Platte. The conference schedule and registration details will be announced in early 2025.

A girl and a woman stand on either side of a table stacked with donated hygiene items

SDSU Extension 4-H donates 894 care kits to people in need

November 22, 2024

For the project, members collected personal hygiene items and packaged them into Clover Care Kits. The kits contained hygiene items like a bath towel, washcloth, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo/conditioner, soap and deodorant. 4-H members and their families donated 894 kits to organizations that serve people in need across the state.

A group of people in green jackets smile for the camera

SDSU Extension 4-H State Ambassadors for 2024-25 announced

November 04, 2024

The State 4-H Ambassador program provides leadership and mentoring opportunities as participants support 4-H and serve as positive role models. Through their service, State 4-H Ambassadors develop skills that can prepare them for future career opportunities, including public speaking, event planning and public relations.

A girl in a cowboy hat holds two plaques and several large rosette awards

SDSU Extension 4-H recognizes 2024 Premier Exhibitor awards

November 04, 2024

Sixty 4-H members are being recognized for their hard work and accomplishments in the 4-H animal project areas with the Premier Exhibitor Award. The award is divided into four categories: large animal (beef, sheep, swine, meat goat); small animal/dairy (poultry, rabbit, dairy goat and dairy cattle); horse; and dog.

Children seated at desks in a classroom raise their hands

SDSU Extension Farm to School supports 'feeding kids great food’

September 05, 2024

In 2024, 69 schools in South Dakota reported serving local beef in school meals in what’s commonly called Beef to School, a component of the Farm to School program supported by SDSU Extension.

Baby seated at a highchair with a variety of soft, cut-up foods on its tray.

SDSU Extension working to bolster rural child care needs in South Dakota

September 05, 2024

South Dakota needs more child care providers, and SDSU Extension is part of a growing collaboration to meet that need.

2021 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame awards arranged on a table.

SDSU Extension 4-H to recognize volunteers during 2024 State Fair

August 23, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce it will recognize 12 volunteers on Sept. 1, 2024, during the South Dakota State Fair in Huron.

Graduation cap and tassel. Text reading “Scholarship.”

SDSU Extension 4-H awards 2024 state Shooting Sports scholarships

August 01, 2024

Six youths in the shooting sports program will receive scholarships funded through entrance fees paid at the shooting sports state match. A committee of volunteers reviews the applicants and selects the top candidates.

Graduation cap and tassel. Text reading “Scholarship.”

SDSU Extension 4-H awards 2024 scholarships

August 01, 2024

Fourteen youth from across the state were selected to receive these awards. Youth with at least five years of active membership in 4-H, current high school seniors, or those enrolled at SDSU are eligible to apply for the scholarships. These scholarships are funded through donors and SDSU Extension’s 4-H program.

State 4-H Ambassador sitting at a table filling out an application

SDSU Extension State 4-H Ambassador applications now open

July 25, 2024

Registered 4-H members between ages 14-18 who are interested in a unique opportunity to represent SDSU Extension 4-H are encouraged to apply by Aug. 10, 2024. To apply, visit https://extension.sdstate.edu/become-state-4-h-ambassador.

A row of targets is full of arrows in an outdoor field

Shooting sports driving growth in SDSU Extension 4-H program

July 19, 2024

Though not a new 4-H program, SDSU Extension 4-H Shooting Sports has seen a steady uptick in interest in recent years. In 2023, the team saw one of its best showings at the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships with a third-place finish in the team sweepstakes award. And they’re itching to go back.