News

Virtual DRA Member Meet & Greet

At this evening event we will learn about the history of Dakota Rural Action’s work, current campaigns and foundations of organizing. There will be opportunities to connect with current and prospective members in breakouts, get to know the organizing team, and learn about ways to get involved.

WHO: This call is for all current + prospective DRA members
WHAT: An evening of learning about the history of Dakota Rural Action’s work, current campaigns and foundations of organizing. There will be opportunities to connect with current and prospective members in breakouts, plus get updates from DRA lobbyists Chase Jensen and Melissa McCauley about our legislative efforts in Pierre for the 2024 session.
WHERE: Zoom (link to follow in confirmation email)
WHEN: Thursday, May 16th from 5:30-7pmpm MT / 6:30-8pm CT
WHY: Our organizing is only as strong our relationships + and our organization only as strong as our members!

Hugelkultur, Biochar, and Best Practices

Join us for an on-farm workshop hosted at Venner Farm outside of Pierre.
Learn from SD farmers with first-hand experience and wisdom. Together, we will learn the how-tos of:
-Implementing Lean Principles to improve your farm operation efficiency with Jamie Boley of Mayborn Acres
-Making your own biochar with Philip Eisenbeis of Eisenbeis Farms
-Introduction to Hugelkultur and Small-scale Composting with Chris Goldade of the Soil Health Coalition

Kids are welcome, too! Andy Oxford, Soil Scientist with NRCS, will provide engaging, entertaining, and informative activities for kids!

The Venner Farm, an organic grain farm and small vegetable production on the Oahe Reservoir North of Pierre is excited to host you! The event will be outdoors so dress accordingly. Event capacity is 30, so please register to reserve your place! Snacks provided by Kasemeister Cheese and Maier Meats.

Graphic if a megaphone and speech bubble with the text, We are hiring! Mission South Dakota Organizer in bright green tones.

Hiring Mission South Dakota Organizer

MISSION SOUTH DAKOTA ORGANIZER Dakota Rural Action (DRA) is seeking a dynamic individual to join our team. This position is located in or near Mission, SD and the work will focus on the communities and people living within the Rosebud … Continued

Graphic of megaphone and speech bubble with the text We are hiring! South Dakota Energy Organizer in tones of bright green.

Hiring Energy Organizer

SOUTH DAKOTA ENERGY ORGANIZER Dakota Rural Action (DRA) is seeking a new team member. The newly hired organizer will have the opportunity to work with staff and members of a fast growing grassroots organization working in South Dakota. DRA’s portfolio … Continued

Graphic Icon of a house with solar panels and sun rays behind on top of an image of grasses and the caption words in green.

Economic Impacts on Solar in South Dakota

Dakota Rural Action is proud to present this study of distributed solar energy in the Black Hills Power service area prepared by Crossborder Energy. We believe the results of this study apply across South Dakota. Many utilities in South Dakota … Continued

Grow. Nourish. Sustain.

2023 SD LOCAL FOODS CONFERENCE SD State University Extension Press Release BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to partner with Dakota Rural Action and members of the South Dakota Local Foods Coalition to present the 2023 … Continued

Save the Date – 2023 SD Local Foods Conference

November 17-18, 2023 The HUB at Southeast Technical College, Sioux Falls, SD South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to partner and members of the South Dakota Local Foods Coalition to present the 2023 Local Foods Conference. For over ten … Continued

2023 Annual Meeting

MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND October 20th and 21st, Dakota Rural Action will hold its 2023 Annual Meeting in Hot Springs at the Red River Rock Resort. This year the Annual Meeting is free for members to attend. DRA will also … Continued

Processed Chicken

Chicken Processing Workshop with Mayborn Acres

Join us to learn all you need to know about Chicken Processing from Dakota Rural Action’s own Chicken Expert Jamie Boley of Mayborn Acres. In this workshop, Jamie will explain, demonstrate, and teach every component of chicken processing, from slaughter, … Continued