Twenty 4-H youth involved in the beef project area traveled to the Cottonwood Field Station to participate in the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Cattle AI Day Camp held Nov. 6.

During the day camp, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialists Olivia Amundson, Kiernan Brandt and Adele Harty, along with 4-H Youth Program Advisors Audra Scheel and Kaycee Jones, guided youth through the process of artificial insemination (AI) in beef cattle.

“Understanding how the female and male beef reproductive tracts work is critical to a successful AI program,” says Scheel, who serves as a 4-H Youth Program Advisor for Sanborn, Aurora, Jerauld and Buffalo counties.

“I learned the different stages of follicular development and the hormones that happen,” says attendee Autumn Skow.

Once they learned the basics, youth received hands-on practice in pulling, thawing and loading semen. Harty and Scheel led this station.

“This is a critical part of AI; you can have the best technician in the world inside the cow, but if the semen isn’t handled correctly outside the cow, your conception rates will show it,” Harty says.

Youth were also able to work with real, female beef cow reproductive tracts, led by Brandt. Hands-on experience with ultrasound, vaccinations and palpation, along with education on the importance of nutrition and using body condition score to determine the cow’s nutritional needs, completed the breakout sessions.

“At camp, we provided youth with knowledge and hands-on techniques of AI, but then followed that up with how to AI a real cow,” says Amundson. “This allows youth to see how successful AI is in a real-life scenario. It really brings the day full-circle for the kids.”

SDSU Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program is a partnership of federal (U.S. Department of Agriculture), state (Land Grant University), and county resources through youth outreach activities of SDSU Extension. Youth learn and experience leadership, workforce development, life and social connection through a network of professional staff and volunteers reaching more than 9,000 enrolled members with yearly programming efforts to an additional 35,000 youth participants.

On Tuesday, December 7, Governor Kristi Noem will deliver the 2021 Budget Address, updating the people of South Dakota on budget plans for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023.

The address will take place at 1pm CT/12pm MT in the South Dakota House of Representatives. The address will be livestreamed on South Dakota Public Broadcasting, SD.net, and Facebook.com/GovNoem.

The South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) will be keeping it simple this year with a new Holiday Campaign titled, “Simplify the Season with Beef”. This 2021 campaign will once again partner beef with retailers from across the state to deliver simple easy tricks and tips for creating that perfect family dining experience. Whether it is a large family gathering or a small intimate dinner with close friends, beef provides simple, easy to use options for holiday enthusiasts.

Team Beef SD and Celebrity Chef, Justin Warner, will once again be highlighting beef throughout several social media platforms. The SDBIC works alongside SD retailers in providing toolkits for consumers that highlight the versatility and simplicity associated with beef. In-store promotions include the opportunity to win $500, $300 and $200 in Beef Bucks. Consumers will also have several online chances to win as beef gives back.

SDBIC Director of Nutrition and Consumer Information, Holly Swee states “We know the holidays can be stressful and our goal is to help you plan ahead and provide simple, easy, beef recipes, tricks and tips so you can enjoy the season with what matters most…. friends and family.” Swee continues “We have a wide variety of beef recipes for in various price points and offer simple tutorials, cooking hacks and recipe ideas to simplify the season and help meet your needs.”

Join us throughout the holidays as we share simple beef tips, tricks and recipes through the “Simplify the Season with BEEF” campaign. Follow the South Dakota Beef social media pages or visit sdbeef.org to learn more information.

Find simple beef tips, tricks and recipes to Simplify the Season with Beef at https://www.sdbeef.org/programs-events/holiday-entertaining

The South Dakota Beef Industry Council works on behalf of South Dakota beef producers through the $1 Beef Checkoff program.

For more information on Beef Checkoff and statewide efforts visit www.sdbeef.org and www.MyBeefCheckoff.com or contact Suzy Geppert at sgeppert@sdbeef.org.02

The South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) encourages shoppers to “Look to Local” this holiday season. As we enter the “most wonderful time of the year,” retailers are gearing up to make this year’s shopping better than ever before.

“Local shops across South Dakota are opening their doors and welcoming customers,” said SDRA Executive Director Nathan Sanderson. “We encourage shoppers to look within their community for unique, memorable gifting opportunities.”

Ashley Berry of Someone’s in the Kitchen in Rapid City said customers are grateful to be able to shop, and she anticipates a good, steady holiday season. She sees customers focusing on top-quality basics such as cookware and cutlery for gifts as well as for themselves. She believes staying closer to home during the pandemic caused many people to reevaluate their surroundings.

“They are actively seeking items that will be a lifetime product rather than something that is just good enough to get them by for a while,” Berry observed. “They’re fed up with their old curtains and that carpet that they meant to replace a long time ago. They’re all wanting to make their living space something that is functional and quality and somewhere they want to be. And I think the kitchen is the heart of that.”

Caring for their customers and community is what Mom and Pop shops do best. When shoppers support their local communities, business owners, in turn, can support their cities and towns.

“Mom and Pop businesses help define the unique character of our towns,” said Executive Director Nathan Sanderson. “Let’s celebrate and look to these local establishments that genuinely know the wants and needs of shoppers and work hard to create special moments.”

Dick Murphy of Mrs. Murphy’s Irish Gifts in Sioux Falls says 2021 has been a good year.

“People took to heart messages to support their local businesses, not just on Phillips Avenue in Sioux Falls but all across the region,” he said.

He says customers are upbeat and enjoying themselves. And, like Berry, most of his customers are looking for quality gifts.

“People are seeking products that give them that sense that it’s going to last for some time. They want to give a gift that has that quality.”

Bring that same feeling of quality and support to your hometown shops this holiday season. Remember to “Look to Local” and promote the Mom and Pop shops that make our state a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension has boosted its statewide 4-H programming efforts with the latest addition of 4-H Youth Program Advisor, Lauren Sankey. Sankey, who is based in Roberts County, will be responsible for developing and delivering educational programs in the priority areas of leadership, science, agriculture, health and wellness, along with other topics identified through informal and formal needs assessments.

A native of southwest Minnesota, Sankey has a strong background in 4-H, exhibiting in baked goods, informational posters and visual arts, as well as participating in 4-H interstate exchanges with Texas and Virginia.

“We are excited to have Lauren join us in Roberts County,” says Tim Tanner, South Dakota 4-H Program Director. “Her people-centered skillset and servant leadership ethic will be real strengths as she joins our 4-H team.”

Prior to South Dakota 4-H, Sankey served as a certified nursing assistant in Edgerton, Minnesota and as a home health care provider in Britton. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from SDSU.

Sankey says she has always wanted to work with people and to have a career where she could make a difference in the lives of others.

“I know that my previous work with all ages, combined with my college degree, have given me the strengths and tools I need to begin this new career path,” Sankey says. “I believe, as the Roberts County 4-H Youth Program Advisor, I have been given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and the community. I am excited to see where this opportunity takes me and to learn more about Roberts County’s community and culture.”

Christmas in the Courthouse will begin at the Chamberlain Courthouse on December 8th and run through December 23rd.  Residents are encouraged to participate in the Ornament Hunt as well as vote for their favorite Christmas Tree Display during this time.

There are only two tables remaining for the winner regional holiday festival on Saturday, December 4^th.  If you would like to be a sponsor or reserve one of the last two remaining tables, please call 842-7231.

Governor Kristi Noem announced several staffing changes at the South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC). Doug Clark, Deputy Secretary of Corrections and Acting Warden of the State Penitentiary, will be the new Interim Secretary of Corrections. Interim Secretary Tim Reisch will be stepping down, effective December 8.

Governor Noem has also appointed Daniel Sullivan to serve as Warden of the South Dakota State Penitentiary, effective December 13.

“We are tremendously grateful to General Reisch for stepping in during a time of great need for DOC. Doug also stepped up and steered the Penitentiary through a challenging period,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Our top priority continues to be the safety of the men and women who work at our DOC facilities and those who are confined there. Daniel Sullivan will bring fresh eyes and a wealth of experience to our State Penitentiary, and we are glad to have him on the team.”

Daniel recently retired as an associate warden at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sandstone, MN. He has served as a correctional officer, case manager, unit manager, complex case management coordinator, associate warden, and acting warden during his 23-year career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Daniel served nearly 10 years in the United States Navy Reserve, attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He was mobilized to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2006-2007 at Lackland Air Force Base as the Leading Petty Officer at the Naval Corrections Academy.

Daniel has earned multiple degrees in criminal justice, including a Master of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

Licensed veterinarians across the state are invited to register for the upcoming South Dakota Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Trainer Certification course. Veterinarians that are current trainers, or those interested in becoming trainers, must attend a certification course with the State BQA Coordinator to offer in-person BQA certification trainings for producers.

The South Dakota BQA Trainer Certification course will be held Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. CST at the Ranch Café in Miller, located at 1109 E. Third St. The fee is $25 per person and covers the cost of materials and certification. Additionally, lunch will be provided.

The primary role of certified South Dakota BQA Trainers is to conduct in-person BQA certification courses. They can also assist producers with writing standard operating protocols (SOPs), employee training resources or providing example templates for required BQA records. South Dakota BQA Trainers may also assist producers with completing voluntary on-farm assessments.

The South Dakota BQA program is coordinated by South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension and is funded in part by the South Dakota Beef Industry Council and the Beef Checkoff.

“In South Dakota, veterinarians take a strong leadership role in BQA education and implementation of practices by producers,” says Heidi Carroll, SDSU Extension Livestock Stewardship Field Specialist and Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator. “The Beef Quality Assurance program focuses on many factors that will influence each production segment of the industry. These factors may have impacts on animal health, well-being, handler safety or meat safety. Implementing BQA practices helps to assure consumers that cattle shipped from a farm or ranch are healthy, well-cared for and will produce safe beef.”

The certification course will cover the following topics and procedures:

• 9 a.m. CST – Welcome and introductions
• Program overview and updates
• New Calf Care Quality Assurance program
• BQA Transportation
• South Dakota BQA Trainer procedures
• Producer BQA certification procedures
• 11 a.m. – Lunch
• Noon – Preparing producers for assessments, audits or evaluations (BQA, FARM)
• Critical industry topics and additional resources
• Open discussion
• 12:30 p.m. – Quiz
• 1 p.m. – Adjourn

South Dakota BQA Trainer Certification is good for three years. All current South Dakota BQA Trainer Certifications will expire Dec. 31, 2021, unless recertification is completed. This course is the last scheduled South Dakota BQA Trainer Certification for 2021.

To register, please visit the SDSU Extension Events page. For questions or more information, contact Heidi Carroll at Heidi.Carroll@sdstate.edu or 605-688-6623.

Eleven South Dakota 4-H members now have a better understanding of how state government operates while strengthening their youth voice opportunities with the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. A state-level civic and governmental education program, the second annual South Dakota 4-H Legislature Program concluded Oct. 16, with an in-person debate session held at the South Dakota State Capitol building in Pierre.

“Youth join the 4-H Legislature program because they hope to move South Dakota 4-H forward around a topic of interest. Sometimes they are successful, sometimes not, but what I really appreciate is the process itself,” says Tim Tanner, South Dakota 4-H Program Director. “It is truly an honor to watch as these youth gain advanced skills in collaborative research, civil discourse and critical thinking (sometimes on the fly!). Though only a few may go on to become civic leaders as adults, all participants gain workforce and life skills that add value to themselves and their communities.”

Launched in April, the seven-month program is designed to mirror the South Dakota legislature and engage young people in the process, from gathering petition signatures to be placed on a ballot and campaigning, all the way to carrying out a mock legislative session and passing bills. Since the nature of these governmental processes is complex with a multitude of steps, resources and necessary knowledge, webinars were broken down into more-focused topics that taught both the South Dakota legislative process and what was adapted for the 4-H Legislature.

Serving as their county’s representative, bills were written on 4-H-related topics with input from constituents and then debated at the session in October. In many cases, South Dakota 4-H Legislators had to learn about new project areas that their constituents had an interest in.

“The 4-H Legislature event was very fun. I enjoyed it, and I would recommend it to anyone,” says Tyrel Mansfield, who represented Haakon/Jackson Counties. “Some struggles I had were coming up with an idea for a bill and getting over the nervousness I had when presenting my bill. I learned a lot from this experience, and I am thinking about doing it again.”

In June, 4-H members across the state voted on the candidates they wanted to represent them during the inaugural 4-H Legislative Session. The following individuals were selected as 2021 South Dakota 4-H Representatives:

• Cally Faulhaber, Aurora County
• Zikia Fleming, Fall River County
• Bailey Feistner, Sanborn County
• Levi Gillespie, Union County
• Harlee Heim, Buffalo/Jerauld Counties
• Emily Maltsberger, Douglas County
• Tyrel Mansfield, Haakon/Jackson Counties
• Amber Potter, Faulk County
• Carissa Scheel, Buffalo/Jerauld Counties
• Cailey Sime, Grant County
• Ella Stiefvater, McCook County

“Some personal takeaways were that I learned how to address the speakers correctly, and I learned how to run different things through the Legislature that I would have never known how to do. A challenge would be that it can sometimes be really hard to follow the correct procedure,” says Faulhaber, who represented Aurora County. “I would recommend other 4-H members participate, because it gives you a look of what an actual session looks like. If you know nothing about the legislature, this will teach you everything, so don’t be afraid to do it!”

This year’s South Dakota 4-H Legislature Program also had input from several state legislators. For example, South Dakota Senator Mary Duval from District 24 served as Speaker of the House.

“I appreciated the opportunity to be part of the 4-H Legislative session. I think civic education is essential to understanding the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen, and I believe that there is nothing like ‘hands-on’ experience in seeing how the legislative process works,” says Senator Duvall. “The students did a great job of coming up with potential legislation, presenting their ideas during floor debate and voting their convictions. I hope to see some of these students back in Pierre in the future, as a page, an intern or even an elected official.”

In addition to all the guest speakers and volunteers in this year’s program, South Dakota 4-H would also like to recognize the generous supporters of the 2021 event: Agtegra Cooperative and the South Dakota Farmers Union.

For more information on how to get youth involved in next year’s program, please contact your county 4-H office or the state 4-H office at sdsu.4h@sdstate.edu.