Content by Peggy Schlechter

Agritourism proprietor and a local official meeting at a pumpkin patch.

SDSU Extension identifies challenges, opportunities in agritourism

April 07, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension has identified key challenges and opportunities operators face in agritourism, an emerging industry in the state.

Two women and a man smile while holding their agritourism awards

SDSU Extension AgritourismSD graduates receive state tourism awards

March 24, 2026

Two South Dakota State University Extension AgritourismSD graduates were recently recognized by Travel South Dakota for their achievements and contributions to the tourism industry.

A mean in a red button-up shirt smiles for the camera

Nebraska entrepreneur announced as 2026 Energize conference keynote

March 06, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce Nebraska Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame member Craig Schroeder as the 2026 Energize conference keynote speaker.

A large, wooden barn stands in the background, with tree branches in the foreground

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.

Group of farm employees and managers gathered at a table.

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.

Aerial view of the Wall high school and athletic complex
May 06

Energize Conference

SDSU Extension will host the next annual Energize conference on May 6–7, 2026, in Wall, South Dakota.

Producer holding soil in cupped hands over a bare field in early spring.

SDSU Extension Annual Impact Highlights

This brief report highlights how SDSU Extension strengthens people and places across South Dakota through every program, contact, volunteer hour and digital outreach effort.

Sun rising over small town mainstreet.

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.

Sun rising over small town mainstreet.

Rural Communities: Addressing Declining Population by Developing Entrepreneurial Communities

As the population decreases, schools close. Businesses close. Services become less and less. Research shows that people want to live in rural areas but don’t believe the opportunities are there. If communities develop a system to connect people to opportunities, rural communities can stabilize their population, keep their schools, businesses and services, and maybe even increase them.

Professional portrait of Rebecca Undem

ND author, podcast host to keynote SDSU Extension Energize conference

March 07, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality is pleased to announce North Dakota businesswoman and rural advocate Rebecca Undem as the 2025 Energize conference keynote speaker.