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Two young children walking in a pasture.

Why Do Young People Leave Our Rural Communities?

It’s no secret that young people are leaving our rural communities in South Dakota. If you read the newspapers or watch the news on television, you also know this isn’t a challenge that only South Dakota communities are facing; it is happening across the nation.

Two angus crossbred calves.

Sell the Feeder Calf, or Create a Yearling?

Fall brings many weaning and selling time decisions for cattle operations. Learn some expert tips for evaluating your current situation and making informed management decisions given the price of calves, feed, and the futures market.

Three young farmers walking through a harvested field at sunset.

Secure Your Farm or Ranch’s Future with SDSU Extension’s Sustaining the Legacy Conferences

November 10, 2022

South Dakota State University Extension can answer your questions about planning for the future of your farm or ranch during the Sustaining the Legacy conferences that start in December and run through April. 

Young entrepreneur meeting with community members.

Connections: An Overlooked Factor in Startup Success

If you are considering starting a business, your community network will be one of your most-important tools. Learn some expert tips for connecting your business with your community today.

A young, freckled girl eating small, red tomatoes inside a greenhouse.

Agritourism

When a producer has decided to sell a product directly from the farm, entertainment or tourism-based activities could be incorporated to create larger appeal. Agritourism could add value to the farm visit though education, entertainment, outdoor recreation, dining, relaxation or other avenues, potentially drawing more customers in.

Woman preparing fresh herbs for canning in glass jars.

SDSU Extension offers training on updated Cottage Food Laws

October 23, 2023

South Dakota State University is providing training for food processors who would like to sell food products from their homes following updates to the state’s cottage food laws earlier this year.

A lush, green spinach patch growing in a community garden

Community Gardens: Liability Insurance

Groups organizing a community garden often ask about liability insurance. They will typically consider getting a policy if they have an organization to protect, or as coverage for the landowner in case a participant is injured and elects to sue.

Ag dialogues

Free online Ag Economic Dialogues to continue in 2023

December 28, 2022

South Dakota State University Extension will continue the Ag Economic Dialogues series in 2023 to address current economic issues that farmers and ranchers face.

A row of CSA subscription boxes with the words Green Market printed on them.

CSA Models

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) marketing is an outlet that allows a farmer to sell subscriptions or shares to consumers prior to the growing season. When the produce or food product is harvested it is then delivered on a scheduled basis to the customer.

Family touring a poultry farm.

Apply now to join the second cohort of AgritourismSD

January 26, 2023

Applications are now being accepted for the second year of AgritourismSD, an intensive educational program offered by South Dakota State University Extension.