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Farmer signing a lease on the tailgate of a pickup.

SDSU Extension encourages switching to written land lease agreements when oral leases automatically renew on Sept. 1

August 22, 2025

Oral agricultural land lease agreements automatically renew on Sept. 1, 2025, and South Dakota State University Extension experts strongly encourage transitioning to written lease agreements.

People eat ice cream under a large tent

SDSU Extension experts to attend 2025 Dakotafest

August 06, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension experts will attend the 2025 Dakotafest trade show in Mitchell, providing educational resources and hands-on activities for a variety of topics.

Two women inspecting range plants

SDSU Extension seeking applicants to host Annie’s Project

July 10, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is seeking applications from individuals or organizations that would like to host an Annie’s Project in their community.

Sun rising over small town mainstreet.

SDSU Extension welcomes new community vitality expert

July 01, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Chase Moon as a new Community Vitality Field Specialist.

Landowner viewing information on a laptop computer in a farm office.

SDSU Extension offers new holistic farm planning program

June 17, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce a new farm planning program designed to provide a more complete look at what farm and ranch families need.

A brochure that says "Energize 2025" sits on a table with red roses laying next to it

SDSU Extension hosts successful Energize conference in Platte

June 03, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension hosted a successful Energize conference in Platte with 150 attendees.

Professional headshot of Karla Trautman

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.

Three people smile for the camera; the woman in the middle holds up a certificate in a glass frame

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.

Professional portrait of Rebecca Undem

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.

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.

Woman using a calculator

SDSU Extension introduces volunteer financial mentoring program

January 03, 2025

Over 10 weeks, the Money Mentor Volunteer program will help South Dakotans learn how to facilitate personal finance educational programming. Those who successfully complete the program will be certified to lead personal finance workshops in communities and to provide one-on-one financial education.

A piggy bank with stacks of coins next to it.

SDSU Extension to host Financial Fireside Chats webinar series

January 02, 2025

Financial Fireside Chats is a free series of webinars every Tuesday for six weeks that tackles timely topics designed to promote financial well-being for participants of all ages.

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.

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.

Participants Kari Feldhaus and Kelsy Hokana work together on an educational activity during Annie’s Project in Britton.

SDSU Extension to host virtual Annie’s Project for women in agriculture

December 09, 2024

Annie’s Project is designed to empower women in agriculture to be successful through education, networks and resources. All are welcome to attend.