Agricultural Communities/Education
Agricultural Communities and Fairs
Agricultural Communities
Indiginous Native Americans, mostly Sioux or Lakota people, have lived on seven reservations scattered throught the state for at least 120 years. In general, their economic situation on the reservations is very bleak. Several tribes have leased land to non-Indian farmers and ranchers to generate income. Other tribes have ventured into community agricultural enterprises such as large livestock feedlots and confinement facilities to provide employment and generate income.
Over the past 150 years, many families from other countries (mostly from Europe) have immigrated to South Dakota to begin a new life. The Hutterian Brethren (Hutterites) emigrated from Germany to form communities of 25-200 individuals. They are completely self-supporting, relying on agricultural production and the sale of value-added products as their main means of economic support. South Dakota is home to many of these colonies which number about 50 at present and are located in the eastern part of the state.
Agricultural Fairs
The South Dakota State Fair is held in late July each year in Huron. It is an event where the county 4-H clubs showcase their agricultural oriented projects, crafts, and artistic talents. Many livestock shows are held throught the Fair's week-long period. The fair also includes family entertainment events, and many agricultural service companies have booths to demonstrate various products.
Agricultural fairs are also held in most counties in South Dakota during the summer months. They showcase livestock, crops, and farm equipment exhibits and other areas of interest to the agricultural community. Some of the county fairs have been promoted as regional events such as the Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls and the Central States Fair in Rapid City. Dakota Fest is organized an industry-run fair held in Mitchell in mid-August which promotes agriservice companies and demonstrates new farm equipment.
State Supported Agricultural Education and Service Activities
Children's Programs
The 4-H program (Head, Hands, Heart, Health) has helped thousands of children learn skills through projects which benefit their agricultural communities. Each county has a 4-H program that is open to all children regardless of their agricultural background. It also provides a place for friendship and social interaction which may be difficult to arrange on a normal basis especially for children who live in remote locations.
The Future Farmer's of America (FFA) clubs are established at most high schools to provide another learning environment to children which assists them to develop leadership and communications skills. The annual state FFA meeting is held in Brookings during the Spring. Local FFA chapters send delgates to the National meetings to stategize and discuss educational programs and future events.
Adult Service and Education Programs
South Dakota State University (SDSU) is the state's Land-Grant University which offers undergraduate and graduate agriculture related degree programs at the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. The university is also responsible for providing farmers and ranchers with information to assist in farm and ranch production, profitability, and environmental protection. The Seed Testing Lab, Soil and Plant Tissue Analysis Lab, Analytical Services Lab, and Water Quality Lab at South Dakota State University provide laboratory services for crop, soil, agrochemical, and water analyses at a reasonable cost.
Other Interesting Links
Farm Forum - Links related to crop and livestock production, market, and technology information.