Dakotaland Feeds LLC has been named the 2021 South Dakota State University Friend of the Beef Industry. The feed manufacturer and distributor based out of Huron, South Dakota, strives to support the South Dakota beef industry by ensuring farmers receive the products and technical support they need and by promoting various youth and public educational efforts.

“Dakotaland Feeds LLC has been a longtime supporter of SDSU and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and has been instrumental in providing support in developing a number of our program areas, specifically the beef program,” said John Killefer, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “The leadership of Dakotaland Feeds have been real champions of our livestock activities on campus and in supporting youth development through South Dakota 4-H.”

Recognizing the need to support education of livestock industries, Dakotaland Feeds has invested in SDSU’s Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility and Swine Education and Research Facility. The company also regularly supports the SDSU Livestock Judging Team and South Dakota 4-H and FFA. Additionally, Dakotaland Feeds has provided numerous educational opportunities to students enrolled in animal science courses at SDSU by hosting field trips at their Huron feed mill and visiting campus to discuss feed industry careers.

“It has been important for us to support SDSU and the development of students in animal science because we see that as critical to the future of the beef industry in South Dakota,” said Dr. Roxanne Knock, Dakotaland Feeds Ph.D. Staff Nutritionist and SDSU animal science alumna. “We need producers and members of our future workforce who are knowledgeable about different production practices and how to be successful in the industry.”

Over the past 10 years, Dakotaland Feeds has employed SDSU students through summer internships and currently has 10 SDSU alumni on their office staff and production and sales teams.

“We are very honored to receive this recognition from SDSU because we have always viewed our investment as something necessary for us to do for the future of the beef industry in our state and for our business,” said Knock.

Dakotaland Feeds was honored on the field during the SDSU Beef Bowl football game on Oct. 2. The company was represented by General Manager Troy Swanson and Dr. Roxanne Knock.

Tashina Red Hawk was just 7 years old when her parents bought her first horse. Her mentor, Kassandra Chauncey, a Todd County Junior Division 4-H member at the time, was training her how to ride when her own horse became injured the day before the Todd County 4-H Horse Show.

“The day before the 4-H county horse show I received a phone call from Kassandra asking if she could use my horse, because her horse got hurt. She needed to show my horse in showmanship, and she won a blue ribbon. After they exited the arena, she came over and gave it to me,” Red Hawk says. “I could not believe my mentor had just won a ribbon on my horse. At that point, I knew the future was bright for me.”

Bright, indeed, as Red Hawk has recently been named the recipient of the 2022 4-H Youth in Action Award for Agriculture. Announced during National 4-H Week, the 4-H Youth in Action Awards, sponsored in part by Bayer, began in 2010 to recognize 4-H’ers nationwide who have used the knowledge they gained in 4-H to create a lasting impact in their communities. Distinguished for her “drive to inspire her peers and give back to her Rosebud Sioux Tribe community through charitable veterinary work,” Red Hawk is the first South Dakota 4-H’er to win a Youth in Action award.

“Tashina is a very bright and talented young lady, who is a true role model for all youth. She is goal-oriented and is a great example for what is possible if you value education and a positive, can-do spirit. She exemplifies what the 4-H motto represents — ‘Learn by Doing’ and ‘Make the Best Better,’” says Ronald Frederick, 4-H Youth Program Advisor for Rosebud. “We are so blessed to have her as a role model and productive member of our community.”

“Tashina takes great pride in her Lakota heritage and carries herself with grace and pride of self and her culture,” says Vanessa Hight, 4-H Youth Program Advisor for Jones and Mellette Counties. “She is certainly one amazing young woman, and I am proud she is a member of the Mellette County Mavericks 4-H Club.”

As an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and a representative of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate, Red Hawk says she respects all creation and believes it is her responsibility to care for the animal nation.

“My passion for agriculture comes from my Lakota way of life. I was raised that we are the caretakers of this land. Everything that lives and grows on Unci maka (the earth) is our relatives,” Red Hawk says. “Even though animals do not speak our language, they understand us, and I have witnessed an animal’s ability to help and heal a person during their time of need.”

For the past two years, Red Hawk has volunteered as a veterinarian assistant/technician at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Animal Clinic. Her duties include everything from preparing animals for surgery, extracting bladders, monitoring vitals and regulating oxygen levels to helping provide emergency first aid, giving medications or immunizations and monitoring and caring for animals after surgery.

While the volunteer work helped stoke Red Hawk’s passion for veterinary science, she says her enthusiasm for 4-H goes back to her younger years.

“My passions for 4-H started when I was a little girl growing up watching my cousin Jo Beth and her friend Kassandra. Those two girls made me want to be a cowgirl,” Red Hawk says. “I grew up attending 4-H rodeos, and as soon as I was 8 years old, I signed up.”

Red Hawk is currently serving her second term as the 2021-2022 South Dakota High School Rodeo Queen. In addition, she is the owner and operator of Tashina’s Coffee and a youth mentor for the Sicangu Lakota Youth Center, both located in Mission.

“The coffee shop is my college savings account; 4-H has taught me life lessons to build on; the veterinary clinic I volunteer at has given me real-life learning experiences; and the rodeo queen role is an ambassador for the agriculture industry, promoting the sport of rodeo and the Western way of life,” Red Hawk says. “I believe I have been truly blessed to be a part of all of these opportunities.”

A senior in high school, Red Hawk plans to use the award’s $5,000 scholarship to continue her education to earn her doctorate in veterinary medicine. She would like to return to the Rosebud community and volunteer at the animal clinic. She would also like to open a mobile vet clinic one day and possibly even travel abroad to gain more veterinary skills.

“I want to be a veterinarian to help my community,” Red Hawk says. “I want to host free animal clinics and give back some of the blessings that were shared with me.”

As an advocate and spokesperson for 4-H agriculture programming for the next year, Red Hawk advises other South Dakota 4-H’ers to not let opportunities pass them by.

“I have a motto that I like to say, ‘Don’t tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon,’ and always try to live your best life every day,” Red Hawk says. “There will always be challenges when there is a success, it goes hand-in-hand, sometimes it just takes longer, but don’t give up.”

Governor Kristi Noem announced that the review of the state’s social studies standards will be relaunched, and the standards proposed by the Department of Education (DOE) will be set aside.

“I have asked the Department of Education to restart the process from the beginning. I want to ensure we propose standards that accurately reflect the values of South Dakota,” Governor Noem said. “Our kids deserve to learn both America’s and South Dakota’s true and honest history, taught in a balanced context that doesn’t pit our children against each other on the basis of race, sex, or background. More work needs to be done to get this right, and we are committed to seeing that process through.”

The governor’s plan will create a new workgroup of stakeholders to develop standards. This group will propose new social studies standards, and everyone who has expressed concerns will be a part of the process, including Native Americans. The new proposed standards will be reviewed and adjusted based on input from the public, the DOE, and, ultimately, approved by the Board of Education Standards. The DOE will also hire a new facilitator to oversee the workgroup process. The DOE will work with the Board of Education Standards to approve a new timeline to ensure the standards are adopted after sufficient time for the workgroup’s action and public input into the process.

The Department of Education will seek stakeholder feedback on members of the new workgroup. The public will be given the opportunity at four public hearings – as well as online – to offer comments on the new draft standards.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.