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Left: Maggie DeMers showing a dress on stage. Right: Maggie with a harnessed cow at a 4-H event.

Perseverance: An Important Skill Learned in 4-H

Maggie DeMers is a member of the Clovervale 4-H Club in Tripp County, S.D. Through 4-H, she has influenced many people with her passion, learned skills and shared experiences.

Hope Baysinger presenting a special foods project at a table.

Gaining Life Skills and Helping Those in Need

Hope Baysinger, a fourth-generation 4-H member out of Sanborn County, S.D., credits 4-H for teaching her valuable life skills and giving her opportunities to help those in need.

Ellie Wagner posing next to a cow at the Yankton County Fair.

Yankton Teen Gains Livestock Experience Through 4-H

4-H has allowed Ellie Wagner of Yankton, S.D. to explore different aspects of life that she normally wouldn't. Even though she lives in town, her club leader helped her become involved with showing livestock.

A patty of dung with several holes in it and grass growing through it. It has been broken down by dung beetles.

Dung Beetles and Other Insects Can Help Breakdown Dung and Control Pests

This article summarizes findings related to dung beetle ecology and how dung beetles advance the breakdown of dung pats.

A male and femail dung beetle rolling a ball of dung in a pasture. Courtesy: Beverly Skinner/USFWS (CC BY 2.0)

Managing Livestock for Dung Beetles and Other Beneficial Species

South Dakota researchers have taken a closer look at the function of dung beetles in Eastern South Dakota over the last few years. This article summarizes findings related to management of livestock grazing and chemical pesticides in relation to dung beetle and insect community health.

A father, mother and daughter walking in a field in the countryside.

Talking With Teens and Youth During Challenging Times

Youth are regularly faced with uncertain situations, disappointments and potential mental health challenges. It is important for caring adults in their life to be able to know how to talk to them during these times.

Small black fly on pale skin.

Monitor Livestock, Pets and Yourself for Eye Gnat Activity

While being outside this week, I noticed a lot of small gnats flying around my legs and really bothering my dogs. I caught a few and identified them as eye gnats. Although this pest is considered a nuisance in most cases, it is capable of transmitting diseases and pathogens.

NOAA climate map with preciptation outlook as of July 12, 2020. Most of South Dakota is predicted to have average to above average precipitation.

Late Summer 2020 Climate Outlook

Drought concerns in South Dakota may be relieved later this summer, according to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal outlook released this week.

Three John Deere Tractors moving silage and packing the corn silage to make a drive over silage pile.

Be Safe and Smart Around Silage

Corn silage making season will soon be upon us. It is important to take the time to communicate with employees proper protocols while making silage, along with safe practices around silage piles or silos.

Ryan Sell and several other kids collecting warm clothes for donation.

Community Service is the Name of the Game for 4-H’er Ryan Sell

For Ryan Sell, a senior 4-H member out of Tripp County, the name of the game is community service. Sell is an active participant in both 4-H service projects as well as helping other organizations.