Content by Peggy Schlechter

People eat ice cream under a large tent
Aug 18

Dakotafest

Stop by the SDSU Extension booth at Dakotafest to meet specialists, ask questions, get recommendations and learn about programming and events.

Group of young students touring the SDSU campus.

Creating the Pathways for Young People to Return Home

Is your community ready to direct the investments in your youth to help them discover the career paths that lead home? Our young people are the future business owners and civic leaders of our rural communities. We need them.

A group of people smiles underneath a huge Jackalope statue

2026 Energize conference touts benefits of youth staying in SD

June 09, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension hosted a successful 2026 Energize conference in Wall with 144 attendees.

Group of Energize conference attendees standing in front of a sculpture
Jul 31

Energize 2027 Host Community Application Deadline

SDSU Extension is seeking applications for a host community for the ninth annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference.

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.

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.