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Sarah Calhoun presenting during a breakout session at the 2018 Energize! conference.

Write Your Own Small-Town Success Story

Big things can happen in small towns, and many rural success stories have taken place right here in South Dakota. Learn some tips to start writing your own small-town success story today!

Stagecoach at a parade in Fort Pierre, South Dakota.

SDSU Extension to Host Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference May 11-12 in Fort Pierre

July 06, 2022

The conference is designed to energize South Dakota’s rural communities by inviting them to network with community leaders, share success stories, get ideas and take action to improve their communities.

Dawn Johnson preparing watermelon in a school kitchen.

Benefits of Farm to School and Early Care and Education

Farm to school (F2S) programs have potential to create substantial positive impacts on an array of F2S stakeholders, including kids, schools (foodservice and education), early care and education (ECE) programs, agricultural producers, families and communities. Benefits exist in the areas of public health, economic development, education, environment and community engagement.

Woman delivering a bag food donations to a food bank manager.

Product Donations for Food Manufacturers

Interested in donating some of your slightly flawed food products to a food drive? View some food safety tips and donation considerations for food manufacturers in South Dakota.

A camera and black and white photos sitting on top of a map.

A Glimpse Into Life Story Writing

Learn some tips for identifying important milestones, events and themes when writing a life story to pass on to future generations.

A picture of a tombstone in a cemetery with an American flag laying on it.

A Glimpse Into Obituary Writing

Learn some basic considerations for writing an obituary that captures significant life milestones and events.

Hand holding Purple Heart, Bronze and National Defense War Medals.

A Glimpse Into Family History Writing

Learn some writing tips for researching family history and genealogy and organizing your findings into compelling stories.

Wireless Point of Sale Device dispensing a sales receipt at a farmers market.

SNAP EBT Devices for the Farmers Market or Direct Market Farmer

Interested in offering SNAP EBT as a form of payment at your direct market farm or farmers market? Get started today with this resource that explores how to apply and how to select a payment device that fits your market's needs.

Young couple discussing a concern with a distressed small business team member.

How To Get Fired by Your Constituents

For both business and community leaders, one thing is true – without customers, you don't have a job. Examine some common reasons for losing loyalty among community constituents.

Group of children eating school lunch in a cafeteria.

Farm to (More Than) School

Opportunities for local food procurement go beyond just school lunch! Learn about several child nutrition programs and settings that may accept local foods.