Content by Peggy Schlechter
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.
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.
Energize conference inspires small SD communities
January 17, 2025
Hosted in a different South Dakota town of 5,000 or fewer people each year, Energize is an opportunity for community and business leaders to gather, gain new perspectives and share ideas about revitalizing rural communities.
Platte to host 2025 SDSU Extension Energize conference
December 09, 2024
The seventh annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference will be on May 6-7, 2025, in Platte. The conference schedule and registration details will be announced in early 2025.
Agritourism Provides Economic Benefits
Not only can agritourism support communities by generating income, agritourism has the potential to create jobs and support local economies.
SDSU Extension to offer Mental Health First Aid training
July 31, 2024
South Dakota State University Extension is offering a virtual Mental Health First Aid training for anyone who supports people experiencing stress and other emotional issues.
SDSU Extension accepting applications for 2025 Energize conference hosts
July 08, 2024
South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality is accepting applications from communities that would like to host the 2025 Energize conference.
Energize conference inspires new Wessington Springs business owner
April 24, 2024
Dacia Mitchell opened Modest Moxie, a clothing boutique, in Wessington Springs after attending the 2023 SDSU Extension Energize conference.