South Dakota Ag Connection - Extension Dakotafest Line-Up Announced

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Extension Dakotafest Line-Up Announced
South Dakota Ag Connection - 07/26/2017

SDSU Extension staff will be presenting timely, research-based information to 2017 Dakotafest attendees in booth #600. Dakotafest is held Aug. 15-17 in Mitchell at the Schlaffman Farm (2300 Spruce St., Mitchell).

"Dakotafest is a great opportunity to fulfill our land grant mission of providing research-based, unbiased information to South Dakotans," explains Karla Trautman, SDSU Extension Interim Director. "Our staff looks forward to the opportunity to share presentations, demonstrate new recommendations and answer questions one-on-one."

Throughout the summer, the SDSU Extension team has focused on providing information and resources to help South Dakotans manage through the current drought.

"South Dakotans have a lot on their minds with the current drought. We are here to help them manage through this challenge," said Alvaro Garcia, SDSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Director & Professor. "Our team is out in the field, closely connected to challenges faced on South Dakota farms and ranches. They are also up to date on the latest research and resources to help people make informed decisions."

Agriculture producers are encouraged to bring water samples and forage samples with them to test for water quality and forage nitrate levels.

A drought does not just impact those South Dakotan's working in agriculture, as Suzanne Stluka, SDSU Extension Food & Families Program Director explains. "South Dakota is a tight knit state. When one community of our state faces hard times, the trickle-down effect is felt everywhere - and in more areas than just economics. We have resources to not only help families budget, but also resources to help make consumers aware of the mental health aspects of a drought," Stluka said.

Stluka encourages Dakotafest attendees to bring their fitness, nutrition and other food and families' questions and concerns to Dakotafest and stop in to visit with a SDSU Extension Food and Families team member.

For more information on sample preparation for water testing as well as forage nitrate testing contact your local SDSU Extension Regional Center prior to Dakotafest. A complete listing can be found at the iGrow Our Experts page.

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