Boosting farm to school programs

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension will host free webinars to introduce its Beef to School and Adopt-a-Cow initiatives. These online sessions are aimed at anyone interested in learning about these agricultural education resources.

The Beef to School webinars will take place on October 28, with one session at noon and another at 5:30 p.m. CDT. The Adopt-a-Cow webinar is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CDT on October 29. While the webinars are free, participants must register on the SDSU Extension events page to receive the Zoom link by searching “beef.”

The Beef to School program is part of the broader Farm to School initiative, supported by SDSU Extension. The webinars will review the recently released “Frequently Asked Questions about Beef to School in South Dakota.”

In 2024, 69 schools in South Dakota reported incorporating local beef into their meal programs. Anna Tvedt, an SDSU Extension nutrition field specialist, and Audra Scheel, a 4-H educator, have gathered insights from participating schools to provide guidance and recommendations.

Tvedt said that the Beef to School program does not require formal membership. Farm to School is a concept meant to be adapted by each community, allowing schools to create programs that best suit their needs. The South Dakota Farm to School Network, however, offers additional support.

The Adopt-a-Cow initiative targets elementary students, introducing them to animal agriculture through interactive activities. This program connects students with real animals virtually, offering a unique learning experience.

“With these two resources, Beef to School and Adopt-A-Cow, South Dakotans can combine the classroom aspect with school nutrition to create a strong Farm to School program,” said Tvedt. For more information, contact Anna Tvedt at 605-688-4896 or Anna.Tvedt@sdstate.edu.

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