4-H/Youth Development

The largest out-of-school youth development program in South Dakota

Welcome to the new South Dakota 4-H web site. This has been many months in coming and we in 4-H Youth Development are excited to have this tool to make 4-H better for South Dakota’s most valuable resource: our youth.

This time of the year marks numerous milestones, events and activities. It is interesting to note that the roll out of this new web site occurred during the start of the 125th South Dakota State Fair. Since that original state fair, things have changed; the one constant is to showcase South Dakota’s best. This year will be no different. As we showcase the best of South Dakota, this time also marks the end of the 4-H program year and the preparation for the start of the new 4-H year. It is a time of celebration.

In the coming months and years, please check back often. This site will be ever changing and expanding. Each week we hope to add new comments about past accomplishments, future events and challenges. I would encourage you to take the time to visit the 125th State Fair and celebrate with our 4-Hers as they complete the old year and prepare for the hopes and dreams of the new 4-H year.

L. J. Osborne, Ph.D., 4-H/Youth Development Program Leader

Welcome to the new 4-H web site enhancing the communications of “all things 4-H” for South Dakota.

For most of South Dakota’s kids, the new school year has started. However, the 4-H youth of this state are a little distracted as they start their new year.  Events and competitions of the 125th South Dakota State Fair leave students juggling sports and school at home while tending to 4-H exhibits and projects in Huron.

They are eager to see their results, but they don’t do this alone. The countless hours put in by 4-Hers, their parents, leaders, Extension personnel and dedicated volunteers across our state is commendable. Recognize and thank the people that make 4-H possible. Take the time to appreciate all that is happening for the benefit of our state’s youth.

As you partake in the activities of the South Dakota State Fair, pay special attention to the 2nd Annual Legislative Beef Showmanship Contest held at 10am Saturday morning in the 4-H Livestock Complex. Legislators from around the state team up with a youth coach to get a glimpse of the efforts put forth by our youth beef exhibitors. Those same Legislators then compete for their own championship.

Good Luck to all exhibitors and we’ll see you in Huron.

Peter Nielson, 4-H/Youth Development Assistant Director