Content by Peggy Schlechter

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 - 07

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 2024 Impact Report

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

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.

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.