South Dakota State University Extension is a source of un-biased, vetted, and relevant new knowledge generated from research. Welcome to SDSU Extension.
We are South Dakota’s source of un-biased, vetted, and relevant new knowledge generated from research. As a cornerstone of SDSU’s land-grant university mission, SDSU Extension empowers citizens to be more competitive in a growing global economy through education and technical training or assistance. Our purpose is to foster a learning community environment that empowers citizens to advocate for su
stainable change that will strengthen agriculture, natural resources, youth, families, and the communities of South Dakota. In pursuit of this purpose, several core values support the mission of SDSU Extension and provide the foundation for the organization. They include:
-A defined public value
-A learning community focus
-Prioritized effort
-Access for all citizens
-A setting that is inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable
-A culture that embraces change
We accomplish our outreach mission by prioritizing efforts in the following program areas:
-Competitive Crop Systems
-Competitive Livestock Systems
-4-H Youth Development
-Community Development
-Food and Families
-Rural and Urban Initiatives
-Native American Programs
We actively seek partners who can help us accomplish what we cannot do alone. Our partners include state and federal agencies, peer education institutions, community based groups, non-profit organizations, agricultural commodity groups, and volunteers. The benefits of these partnerships are better service for citizens as well as efficient use of our state's precious and limited resources. Our greatest resource is the people we employ to do this important work. Field Specialists work directly with citizens, based from one of eight Regional Extension Centers across South Dakota. The Regional Extension Centers are located in Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Winner. In addition, 4-H Youth Program Advisors, based in County Extension Offices, work directly with 4-H Youth Development programs. Extension Specialists support Field Specialists and 4-H Youth Program Advisors, based from the campus of SDSU or the West River Ag Center in Rapid City. Contact these areas for more specific information. SDSU Extension relies heavily on technology to offer educational programs to citizens. Combined with traditional face-to-face methods of learning, citizens now have access to SDSU Extension’s new virtual office and online learning portal called iGrow. The site features 24/7 access to educational materials and information via news articles, publications, podcasts, webinars, video features, smartphone apps, radio segments, and the SDSU Extension Marketplace. South Dakota State University, South Dakota counties, and USDA cooperating. South Dakota State University adheres to AA/EEO in offering educational programs and service. SDSU Extension is an equal opportunity provider
and employer in accordance with the
nondiscrimination policies of South Dakota State
University, the South Dakota Board of Regents and
the United States Department of Agriculture. Learn
more at extension.sdstate.edu.
08/08/2025
Learn more about the sheep industry through the Elevate Ew program!
Elevate Ewe is designed for beginning sheep producers who want to develop or improve a full or part-time sheep operation. Participation in Elevate Ewe is a great opportunity to increase knowledge of all aspects of the sheep industry and improve the skills needed to be successful shepherds. Applications to participate in the 2025-2026 cohort are due Friday, August 29, 2025.
The SDSU Extension Women on the Range (WOTR) 2025 Grazing Workshop concluded yesterday and wrapped up a second successful year! This workshop is a partnership between SDSU and Principled Land Managers LLC and was held at Wedge Tent Ranch this year in Faith, SD. Over 3 days, participants learned plant ID, body condition scoring, handling difficult conversations, and how to measure and allocate forage, and so much more! 🌱🐂🌸The WOTR Program is run by Dr. Krista Ehlert, with help and support from Kaylee Wheeler, Robin Salverson Sdsu Extension, Emily Rohrer (NRCS), and Jaelyn Whaley. If you're interested in learning more about the WOTR program, email [email protected]
08/08/2025
07/25/2025