SDSU Helps Farmers Plan Childcare Needs

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota State University Extension is hosting a free webinar to help farm families include childcare in their overall farm plans. The online seminar focuses on helping parents and caregivers manage family needs while running farm operations.

Farm families often manage many responsibilities at the same time. Long work hours, household tasks, off-farm jobs, and caring for young children can create daily pressure. The webinar is designed to help families understand how childcare planning can support both farm success and family quality of life.

The program is called Integrating Childcare into Your Whole Farm Plan. It will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. CDT on June 9, 2026. Attendance is free, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Interested participants can visit the SDSU Extension Events page.

The seminar is created for farmers, ranchers, and caregivers with young children or those planning for future family needs. Participants will learn how childcare connects with farm risk management and household well-being. They will also explore ways to include childcare costs in farm and family budgets.

In addition, the session will share useful resources that can help families make better childcare plans. This can help reduce stress and improve long-term family stability.

Audrey Rider, SDSU Extension Early Childhood Field Specialist, says many farm parents face heavy demands from work and caregiving. She explains that the webinar gives families a chance to discuss these realities while learning practical solutions.

“Caring for children can be one of the most rewarding parts of farm life, but it can also be exhausting,” Rider said. “This webinar recognizes both the joys and challenges of parenting on the farm and offers practical tools to help families plan ahead.”

For more information, families may contact Audrey Rider or Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head of SDSU Extension. The event offers a helpful chance for farm families to build stronger plans for work, children, and daily life.

Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university