Developing Communities

All Developing Communities Content

Young producers sampling produce outside a field with a young mother and her daughter.

Discussing Food and Agriculture in South Dakota: A Guide for Community Leaders

Food production and farming are issues that operate at the complex pivot point of where ecology and nature meet the marketplace and political systems. The way agriculturalists and communities handle their resources, both individually, and collectively, depends on their collective vision for the future.

Female creative director planning a space with an African American consultant.

Building Sustainable Places Through Diversifying Risk

When developing a place-based strategy for a community or town, many challenges can arise. Understanding business risk and diversification gives us the tools to recognize a well-built, functioning place-based strategy.

Young woman participating in a video conference at a remote work station.

Where Remote Work and Placemaking Meet: Driving Rural Change

With the launch of the South Dakota Remote Works program and the launch of our initial class in January, SDSU Extension reaffirms its role in preparing communities and residents alike as the nature of the workforce changes.

Diverse team of young professionals putting their hands together at a meeting.

Bridging Division: The American Exchange Project

SDSU Extension staff recently had the opportunity to attend a presentation by the American Exchange Project. This project allows students to meet with travel groups online and venture out to an American community different from the one in which they grew up to meet locals, participate in a town event and complete a project with their travel buddies.

a smiling woman with a black shirt

Energize! Conference: Save the Date! May 5-6, 2020

October 25, 2021

The SDSU Extension Community Vitality Team and the Community of Milbank are teaming up to host the Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference May 5-6, 2020 in Milbank, South Dakota.

A small town main street.

Energize! Conference Rescheduled to October 7-8, 2020 in Milbank, SD

October 25, 2021

SDSU Extension is rescheduling the third annual Energize Conference to October 7-8, 2020 in order to comply with CDC guidelines and to protect the population from COVID-19.

Julie Ross, Co-owner, Good Roots Farm & Gardens, Brookings, SD

Agritourism and Value-Added Agriculture: Legacy of a Tired Old Barn and 40 Acres

Driven by consumer interest, a growing numbers of farmers across the United States are embracing agritourism to improve their economic sustainability.

Vern Hanson, Faulkton Health Care System Board Member

Funding Community Projects: Keeping Healthcare in Your Community

Faulkton’s hospital was getting old. Something had to be done or it would be lost.

Dave Anderson, President, Mt. Vernon Economic Development Group

Engaging Community Members: Affordable Housing for Rural Communities – Our Story

Mt. Vernon’s housing story went from “group conception” to four complete houses, and three in development phase, within a two year time frame.

Sarah Calhoun, owner, Red Ants Pants presenting to a group of conference attendees

Entrepreneurial Experiences: Start a Brand With No Experience?

What happens if your business has never developed a brand, or if you’re just starting out, trying to build a business from scratch?