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Farming Strategies for the Future

There was a time in agriculture when greater yields always meant greater profitability. Today’s economic environment is characterized by high input costs and depressed commodity prices. Under this scenario when the optimum input/output relationship has been attained, more inputs do not necessarily result in greater returns on investment. Therefore, todays’ agriculture paradigm requires management that addresses production “optimization”. This is the point where a previously known level of inputs maximizes outputs before incurring into greater investments that result into diminishing returns.

A young man sitting at a laptop discussing a project with a 4-H leader.

STEM on a Dime

Resources for quality science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities that are inexpensive.

Tashina Red Hawk petting her horse.

Red Hawk First South Dakotan To Win National 4-H Youth in Action Award

October 04, 2021

Distinguished for her “drive to inspire her peers and give back to her Rosebud Sioux Tribe community through charitable veterinary work,” Red Hawk is the first South Dakota 4-H’er to win a Youth in Action award.

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Workforce Development

SDSU Extension's Workforce Development course is designed to provide a suite of workforce development resources for employees to complete at their own convenience.

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Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

STEM programing supports youth in developing a variety of skills including critical thinking, team work and communication.

A group of young workers sitting at a table putting their hands together.

Engineering Cooperatives in the 21st Century: Education, Research, and Outreach

The Cooperative structure represents a unique organization type that is governed/owned by the users of the services and products. South Dakota has many types of Cooperatives, some organizations are not readily recognized as Cooperatives however, like mutual insurance, credit unions, etc. More commonly, Cooperatives are associated with Farmer Cooperatives that are prevalent in South Dakota.

A rancher and RMA agent reviewing insurance paperwork beside a off-road vehicle.

Livestock Risk Protection for Cattle

Price rallies, general price volatility and concern that prices may move lower could lead producers to insure livestock prices. Livestock Risk Protection is an insurance program that covers the single-peril or risk of lower prices on fed cattle and feeder cattle.

A series of three creep feeders placed on an open range. Courtesy: Robin Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Creep Feeding Options: Will it Pay?

Creep-feeding should be evaluated on yearly basis to determine if it will provide production and economic benefits to the operation.

Three youth showing horses

State Horse Show, Judging and Hippology

View contestant resources and results from the State 4-H Horse Show, Judging and Hippology contests.

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Roles, Influence, and Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Board Member

Fact sheet about the roles, influence, and responsibilities of a nonprofit board member.