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About

As the outreach arm of our state’s land grant, South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension is able to provide farmers, ranchers, agri-business people, communities, families and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed. SDSU Extension meets the changing needs of South Dakotans with progressive outreach services.

4-H, Special Foods, Youth boy and girl cooking in kitchen, State Fair

Educational Opportunities

At the state level, 4-H opportunities are generally broken into the three Cs: camps, competitions  and conferences.

Teachers and students in an early childhood education classroom.

Building Thriving Parent-Teacher Relationships

Childcare providers and educators spend countless hours watching children develop and grow. It is important for parents to build a strong reciprocal relationship with educators that helps support healthy learning and development.

Organic crop field

SDSU Extension invites growers to Sioux Falls Organic Conference

February 17, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension and the Southeast Research Farm at SDSU invite farmers to attend the Sioux Falls Organic Conference on March 12.

Five youth smile for the camera holding a sign that says "South Dakota"

SDSU Extension 4-H members participate in national FCS competition

February 17, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension 4-H members won second place in the national Family and Consumer Sciences Skill-a-thon.

Grandmother, parents, and daughter preparing vegetables in a kitchen.

Nutrition

SDSU Extension works with South Dakotans young and old, teaching them about menus that are healthy, balanced and work within the household budget.

A map of South Dakota indicating libraries that are participating in the Rural Libraries Hotspot Lending Program

SDSU Extension collaborates with AARP South Dakota and rural libraries to provide better internet access

February 17, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is collaborating with AARP South Dakota and South Dakota’s public libraries to give the state’s rural citizens better access to the internet.

A prescribed burning taking place in a field.

Prescribed Fire

SDSU Extension works collaboratively with state and federal partners to educate landowners about the use of fire as a grassland management tool.

three older ladies laughing while looking at an iPad

Aging Mastery

The Aging Mastery Program offers a framework of creating and fulfilling purposeful retirement by guiding participants toward a healthier lifestyle, stronger social connections and increased civic engagement.

Cow with calf in winter pasture.

Matching Winter Forage Supply to Herd Needs

Most operations feed hay based on convenience rather than cow requirements. Feeding the same hay to all cattle throughout the winter may be simple and efficient, but it often leads to overspending, or underfeeding.