Category Archives: News
SDSU, NDSU Extension to Host Inspired by Annie’s Project ‘Meat Marketing 101’
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is excited to join North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension in offering a collaborative Inspired by Annie’s Project women’s program, titled “Meat Marketing 101.” The program will be held at the Cow Chip Creations event barn in Bowman, North Dakota on Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m. MT. An optional facility tour at the Bowman Ranch in Rhame will be offered before the program at 3 p.m.
The evening program will include opportunities for discussion and networking, as well as a taste panel of beef and lamb products to sample.
“Over the last year and a half, direct marketing has been a hot topic. By providing an Inspired by Annie’s Project program, which is a primarily woman-focused program, we are hoping participants are able to make connections within the industry that will help them differentiate their product, better connect with consumers, as well as troubleshoot areas of growth for their direct marketing business,” says NDSU Extension Agent Hannah Nordby, who is based in Adams County.
This year organizers hope to reach women who are already experienced in the direct marketing industry, along with any newcomers that are hoping to start marketing meat products to consumers. Industry specialists from both South Dakota and North Dakota will discuss topics, such as consumer preferences, marketing plans, processing and product distribution, while allowing ample time for questions. The program will also feature a discussion panel with producers who are currently direct marketing their own meat products.
“We are excited to offer a great networking opportunity with a knowledgeable panel of specialists, producers and a meat processor to learn, firsthand, what it takes to successfully direct market meat products to consumers,” says Jaelyn Quintana, SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist.
The Cow Chip Creations event barn is located at 9202 152nd Ave. SW in Bowman, while the Bowman Ranch is located at 8301 158th Ave. SW near Rhame.
Registration for the workshop is $25, which includes the taste panel supper. Register by contacting Hannah Nordby at 701-567-2735 or Hannah.Nordby@ndsu.edu. An extra fee will be charged for the optional sign creation project with Amanda Njos of Cow Chip Creations.
SDSU Extension Releases New ‘Cattle HQ’ Podcast Series
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialists Robin Salverson, Adele Harty, Kiernan Brandt and Olivia Amundson are excited to announce the launch today of a new podcast titled, “Cattle HQ.”
“If you are a cow/calf producer interested in cutting-edge information about cow/calf production from experts and producers in nutrition, reproduction, health and economics, this podcast is for you,” says Amundson.
The podcast will be featured on Spotify as well as the SDSU Extension website (extension.sdstate.edu/tags/cattle-hq) along with resources related to each podcast. New episodes will be released bi-weekly.
The podcast will also routinely host an “In the Cattle Markets” update with Matt Diersen, SDSU Extension Risk Management Specialist, who will provide an analysis of current market trends.
“This is a podcast that will stimulate conversations on emerging technologies and advanced production strategies in the beef industry,” says Brandt.
To submit questions and/or topic areas of interest to be addressed on upcoming podcasts, contact Brandt at Kiernan.Brandt@sdstate.edu.
Shop Small Saturday in Chamberlain
Shop Small Saturday will take place in Chamberlain, South Dakota on Saturday, November 27th. The event is hosted by the Chamberlain-Oacoma Chamber of Commerce and will be posting updates specific sales and events that day over the coming week on their Facebook page.
South Dakota 4-H Hall of Fame Recipients Honored at 2021 State Fair
Four individuals were welcomed into the South Dakota 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame, as well as three more into the 4-H Shooting Sports Volunteer Hall of Fame this month during the 2021 South Dakota State Fair in Huron. The public ceremony was held Sunday, Sept. 5 at the Nordby Exhibit Hall.
The 2021 Volunteer Hall of Fame inductees are:
Ree Reich, Butte County
Recognized for her 40-plus years of volunteering with the South Dakota 4-H Positive Youth Development program and Butte County, Ree Reich is often described as “an individual who leaves an amazing footprint of legacy wherever she goes.” She has served on the local Redwater Youth Leadership Foundation and the Executive Committee for the Western Junior event for many years. Her expertise, intense passion and loyalty have been poured into thousands of lives, youth and elders, on behalf of 4-H. Outside of 4-H, Reich volunteers at church, the Belle Fourche Long-Term Care Sunday services and weekly sing-a-longs, Meals on Wheels and the Belle Fourche grade schools. She has been involved in the Cowboy Band for more than 30 years, as well as the Mixed Company singing group and other community choirs in the tri-state area.
Ardyce Elwood, Pennington County
With 50 years of service to Pennington County and South Dakota 4-H, Ardyce Elwood has had a lasting impact on many 4-H Families. When her oldest son was eligible for 4-H, she made the decision to become a volunteer leader and continued that service during her daughter’s tenure and now with her grandchildren. Elwood has led three different clubs, including the Valley Rangers and Triceratops. As a member of the Leaders Association, she volunteered to judge, run food booths, lead judging schools for going to state, organize measuring contests and more. She has also volunteered for the Western Junior show, running the rabbit show for several years and gathering donations for 4-H member recognition. Elwood is known for transporting 4-H members in her van on tours around the hills to learn about different rocks and minerals, as well as to the state fair each year. She has been recognized as a State 4-H Leader and attended the National 4-H Convention in Washington D.C.
Cindy Riley, Butte County
Cindy Riley has built a prolific 4-H resume with 33 years of service to Butte County and the South Dakota 4-H program. In 1980, Riley started a “little girls club,” which evolved into what is still known today as “4-H Club, Center of The Nation.” She has also served as volunteer leader for the Crow Peak Valley Rangers. Riley spent many years, with her newlywed husband back in the day, leading the local Junior Leaders youth group. She has served as a 4-H judge in many areas and even led a local 4-H food stand during the county fair. Riley continues to work with 4-H youth and their families while serving as the administrative assistant for Butte County 4-H and in the Extension Club, where members complete countless community service hours and share their expertise with a diverse community population.
Carole Curtis, Edmunds County
For 45 years, Carole Curtis has been a prominent figure in keeping 4-H programming going in Edmunds County. She started her career as an Extension Educator in Edmunds County in 1976, putting on many youth programs, including safety camps, judging schools and quiz bowls. She also started a 4-H club in Ipswich, which she continues to lead. Following her retirement, Curtis helped new 4-H staff become familiar with her job and people in the community. She has also stepped up when Edmunds County was without an educator, filling the gap and making sure 4-H members continued to have the opportunity to participate at their county achievement days. Her 4-H club is known for its community service efforts, and Curtis also personally serves the community as a member of the development corporation and on the Trail Days committee.
The 2021 4-H Shooting Sports Volunteer Hall of Fame inductees are:
Tom Smith
For more than 15 years, Tom Smith has served as the head shooting sports instructor for Lawrence County. In his time, he has helped 4-H members with BB gun, air pistol, air rifle, Precision 22 and CMP rifle in addition to being the volunteer range officer at local 4-H competitions and junior high rodeo shoots. Smith has served as a National 4-H shooting sports coach and has given time and money to the promotion of 4-H shooting sports in Lawrence, as well as surrounding counties. He has had a profound impact on numerous 4-H members, and he takes teaching safety and the basic principles of shooting seriously.
Art and Audrey Kneen
Art and Audrey Kneen have devoted more than 25 years to the Sanborn County and South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports program. Long after their children completed their 4-H careers, the couple’s devotion to the shooting sports projects continues, inspiring many 4-H members. Art has served as a coach for BB gun, air rifle and air pistol, while Audrey is responsible for paperwork and scoring. Art is always seeking out knowledge and tips to help kids improve their shooting skills, and he often offers little challenges or contests to push them one step further. Since 2012, he has also served as a national shoot coach. Audrey works to keep everyone organized by ensuring coaches and members have everything they need. She has manually scored hundreds of targets and manages required paperwork, recordkeeping, supplies and research on the best equipment.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame inductees were unable to be recognized in a public ceremony during the 2020 State Fair. During this year’s ceremony, the 2020 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame inductees were also recognized and include Patricia Casteel, Meade County; Calvin Finnesand, Roberts County; Mike Steiger, Dewey County; Patty Brunner, Pennington County; and Margaret Williams, Clay County.
The 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame commemorates the 4-H Centennial, which occurred in 2002. Each summer, individuals who have made significant contributions to county or state 4-H programming are honored through the 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame.
“Congratulations to all of our 2020 and 2021 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame inductees,” says Jenae Hansen, South Dakota 4-H Volunteer Development Field Specialist. “Thank you for your generous support and efforts in making South Dakota 4-H a successful youth development program.”
South Dakota State University (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, health and wellness, and science and agriculture 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.
Old West Days Coming to Valentine
Old West Days will take place in Valentine Nebraska at the Valentine High School from Thursday, October 7th through Sunday, October 10th. There will be raffle and silent auction items, cowboy poetry, music performances and more. For tickets go to visitvalentine.org.
Chamberlain School Board Meeting Monday Night
A regular meeting of the Chamberlain School District #7-1 Board of Education will held at 7:00 P.M. at the High School Media Center on Monday, September 27th. Please note the Chamberlain School Board meets on the second and fourth Friday of each month.
SDSU Extension Increases Access to Sustaining the Legacy Conference
Sustaining the Legacy has been the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension farm and ranch estate planning and farm transition program since 2006. Over the years, the program has been hosted as multi-day events and large, single-day conferences, providing 15-minute to three-hour presentations to producers across the state.
Starting in the fall of 2021, SDSU Extension will host two-day Sustaining the Legacy Conferences in five different locations across the state of South Dakota.
“With the drought this season, many producers are not able to leave their operation for a large, multi-day conference,” says Heather Gessner, SDSU Extension Livestock Business Management Field Specialist. “By bringing the conference to them, it will be easier for them to participate and gain the information they need to develop a plan that accomplishes the goals of the family and the operation to ensure a continuation of agricultural production, family values and traditions, and main street businesses and schools.”
The conference is designed for farming and ranching families at all stages of operation transition. Participants will learn about methods to pass on farm and ranch assets and business, as well as methods to provide financial inheritance to non-farming and ranching children. Specific topics include:
- Trusts
- Business structures, LLCs and corporations
- Life insurance
- Wills and probate
- Titling property
- Contracts
- Retirement planning for landowners
- How to access retirement benefits (Medicare, Social Security)
- Elder and end-of-life care planning
Estate planning and farm transition attorneys, in addition to other industry experts, will present the material. Participants will also be given the opportunity to sign up for further estate planning assistance from a certified farm and ranch transition coordinator, financial counseling from an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) and care conversations with a trained gerontologist.
Locations and dates are:
- Rapid City: Oct. 21 and 22, 2021
- Aberdeen: Nov. 15 and 16, 2021
- Pierre: Dec. 9 and 10, 2021
- Mitchell: Jan. 11 and 12, 2022
- Yankton: Feb. 7 and 8, 2022
Each location will be limited to 30 participants. “We are limiting participation at each location to create an interactive learning environment to maximize impact for conference attendees,” says Gessner.
Paint the Town Event in Gregory October 2nd
Paint the Town is coming to Gregory, South Dakota on Saturday, October 2nd from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Main St. It is hosted by the Gregory Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Attendees are encouraged to help spread Art around the Gregory/ Dallas area by entering the sidewalk painting competition or kid’s chalk art competition!
Organizers Unveil Lineup for the XXVII Range Beef Cow Symposium
Cattle ranchers and industry professionals are invited to hear the latest cutting-edge information and updates for their businesses at the upcoming Range Beef Cow Symposium (RBCS) Nov. 16-17 at The Monument (formerly the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center) in Rapid City, South Dakota.
“The Range Beef Cow Symposium has been popular through the years with cattle producers and agriculture professionals who support the beef cattle industry because of two major parts: presentations and speakers that are top-notch, and a trade show with commercial displays from many segments of the industry,” says Ken Olson, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Beef Specialist.
This year’s program will provide science-based information from the following nationally and internationally known speakers:
- Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Agriculture Economist, will examine the influence recent cattle supply chain disruptions have had on the cattle industry.
- Patrick Linnell, CattleFax Analyst, will provide a cattle and beef market outlook.
- Amanda Blair, Professor and SDSU Extension Meat Science Specialist, and Christina Baker, SDSU Extension Meat Science Field Specialist, will discuss cattle management considerations for local, direct marketing of beef.
- Ryan Rhoades, Associate Professor and Colorado State University Extension Beef Specialist, and Hector Menendez, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Livestock Grazing Specialist, will evaluate the use of a systems approach to feeding cows during feed shortages, such as drought.
- A panel of legislators and cattle producers will discuss the implications of the state ballot initiative process on policy that affects the cattle industry.
- New precision agriculture equipment and tools for the cattle industry will be demonstrated.
In addition, numerous other speakers will present up-to-date information on topics related to cow-calf production and marketing.
The RBCS is organized by the Extension services and animal science departments of SDSU, Colorado State University, the University of Wyoming and the University of Nebraska. The biennial symposium has been recognized nationally for its hands-on education and practical production management information since the first symposium was held in Chadron, Nebraska in 1969. It has been said that ranchers come to the RBCS for their “in-service training.”
One of the most popular aspects of the RBCS are the “Bull Pen Sessions,” where the invited speakers are available for informal question-and-answer sessions each afternoon of the symposium. Many consider the Bull Pen Sessions to be the most-valuable part of the symposium. This is a time for attendees to have considerable discussion with the speakers and an opportunity to ask specific questions.
In addition to the speakers and Bull Pen Sessions, commercial trade show displays representing many segments of the industry are an integral part of the symposium. Exhibitors will be present to discuss their products and services.
A complete listing of the program, registration and hotel information can be found on the SDSU Extension Events page (extension.sdstate.edu/event/range-beef-cow-symposium-2021). Registration prior to Nov. 1 is available for $95 for the first person from an operation and $70 for each additional person. Student registration is $65 per student. Single-day registration passes are available for $55. Late registration prices increase after Nov. 1 and will be available at the door.
To learn more about the entire program, contact Olson at 605-394-2236 or Kenneth.Olson@sdstate.edu or Julie Walker, Professor and SDSU Extension Beef Specialist at 605-688-5458 or Julie.Walker@sdstate.edu.