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A produce stand with yellow wagon wheels and a green canopy.

Roadside Stand

Local food producers have many options when it comes to marketing their locally grown produce. Roadside or farm stands can be either permanent or temporary structures near a road or in a parking lot that sell directly to consumers.

Children seated at desks in a classroom raise their hands

SDSU Extension Farm to School supports 'feeding kids great food’

September 05, 2024

In 2024, 69 schools in South Dakota reported serving local beef in school meals in what’s commonly called Beef to School, a component of the Farm to School program supported by SDSU Extension.

up of people having a discussion in a re-purposed firehall.

Why Third Places Are Vital to Rural Communities

From community centers to small businesses, third places are social spaces outside of one’s home that support connection, economic growth, and civic engagement in rural communities.

A home with ample defensible space throughout the property.

Protecting Your Home and Landscape Against Wildfires

Wildfires pose a significant risk in western South Dakota, particularly within the Black Hills region, where periods of minimal precipitation can lead to drought conditions that elevate fire risk.

Losing Schools in Small Towns: What’s Next?

School closings are often bookmarks in a community’s history. Do you live in a town that has closed its school? Population decline in many rural communities has forced school closings in South Dakota.

Team discussing business strategy at a table.

Be Strategic About Using an Outside Facilitator

Working with an SDSU Extension Community Vitality Field Specialist facilitator can help create an actionable strategic plan for your business with goals and tactics to align your team, board and stakeholders.

A Little Free Library book box along a sidewalk in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Opportunities for Addressing Book Deserts in Rural Communities

By fostering a culture for reading, placing books into community spaces, and partnering with libraries to extend their reach, rural communities can transform book deserts into book-rich environments.

Two woman reviewing a building plan in a community workshop.

Truly Authentic Leaders Build Community

Authentic people build successful communities. If community leaders practice and share the habits that foster authenticity, positive change can and will happen.

SDSU Extension welcomes new community vitality expert

July 01, 2025

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

SDSU Extension Welcomes Joshua Hofer to Community Vitality Team

July 14, 2020

Joshua Hofer is the newest member of SDSU Extension’s Community Vitality team of field specialists who assist with business, leadership and community development needs across the state.