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How Livable is Your Community?

South Dakota offers great communities for people of all ages and is consistently highly ranked as a great place to age in.

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SDSU Extension welcomes new Community Vitality Field Specialist

November 24, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Dacia Hilkemeier as a new Community Vitality Field Specialist.

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Building and Retaining a Skilled Agricultural Workforce: Challenges and Strategies

Building a strong, motivated workforce is essential to the future of agriculture. A team from SDSU Extension is exploring the challenges and opportunities facing our agricultural community.

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Climate and Weather

View resources to predict, prepare and recover from weather-related events year-round, including the latest drought and flood information.

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SDSU Extension has launched a newcomer survey to gain a better understanding of the reason that people are moving to South Dakota and will use the results to develop programming efforts to help communities welcome and retain newcomers.

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SDSU Extension helps agritourism producers promote their strengths

January 09, 2026

In 2019, Good Earth Farm owners Nancy and Jeff Kirstein had to make a decision. The barn on their Lennox-based property, originally constructed in 1897, needed attention.

Community Education in South Dakota Schools: Benefits, Strategies, and Opportunities

Three school districts in South Dakota have community education programs. Learn more about the benefits of community education programs and how to support established programs.

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Thriving in the Cold: How Northern Cultures Build Community to Combat Winter Isolation

Whether it's sharing a meal, enjoying the outdoors, or simply staying in touch, winter is an opportunity to foster connections and build resilience in South Dakota communities.

People shopping inside De Smet small business.

Are Chamber Bucks a Thing of the Past or Still a Viable Economic Development Tool?

For many communities, Chamber Bucks, sometimes called community gift certificates or local currency, have been a long-standing tradition. Today, they remain a simple, meaningful way to keep dollars working close to home while supporting businesses that invest in your community.

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.