Latest News
Director Karla Trautman retires after 37 years with SDSU Extension
May 27, 2025
For Karla Trautman, it has always been about the people. As she prepares to retire after 37 years with SDSU Extension, Trautman said that focus on people has remained constant.
2025 SkillsX by 4-H conference to explore leadership through board games
April 01, 2025
The 2025 SkillsX by 4-H conference will explore leadership through board games and strategic thinking.
SDSU Extension 4-H members earn high marks at national contests
April 01, 2025
SDSU Extension 4-H members continued to shine at national livestock contests in 2024-2025, including a third-place finish for the hippology team.
Watertown entrepreneur wins SDSU Extension business plan contest
March 24, 2025
A Watertown woman won a South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality business plan contest with her compelling plan for a cancer support group.
2025 Rangeland and Soil Days for youth is June 10-11 in Belle Fourche
March 20, 2025
The 41st annual Rangeland and 20th annual Soil Days for youth is June 10-11, 2025, at the Belle Fourche Community Hall.
ND author, podcast host to keynote SDSU Extension Energize conference
March 07, 2025
South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality is pleased to announce North Dakota businesswoman and rural advocate Rebecca Undem as the 2025 Energize conference keynote speaker.
SDSU Extension 4-H members compete at national FCS contest
February 20, 2025
The FCS skill-a-thon team won fifth place in the life skills assessment. The team members were Anna Johnson, Norman Johnson and Ada Sharp, of Brown County; and Mercedes Jones, of Buffalo/Jerauld counties. Their team coach is Aubrey Anderson, SDSU Extension 4-H Educator, Minnehaha County. Samantha Brenden, of Clark County, placed fourth in modeling and fifth overall for a constructed outfit in fashion revue.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.