Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1920-2014 (Creation)
Extent
6.0 linear feet (6 records boxes)
Name of creator
Administrative history
Instruction in general economics at South Dakota State College began under the name of political economy. It was later integrated with history and philosophy before becoming an independent discipline in 1921 with the establishment of the Department of Farm Economics. The department focused on teaching, research, and extension, and over time, became a leader in the scientific study of South Dakota's economic issues.
As noted in the 1996–1998 Undergraduate Bulletin, the Economics Department prepares students to apply economic principles and analytical techniques to decision-making in areas such as agricultural business, agricultural economics, and general economics. The curriculum emphasizes core economic concepts, equipping students to understand the complexities of the economic and business environment and to pursue graduate study in fields such as economics, agricultural economics, business administration, management, finance, and law.
The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in agricultural business and agricultural economics through the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, and a Bachelor of Science in economics through the College of Arts and Sciences, with an optional emphasis in business economics. Minors are available in accounting, agricultural business, agricultural marketing, and economics. These programs prepare students for careers in farm and ranch management, agricultural finance, agribusiness, banking, business management, sales, marketing, government service, and related fields.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The Ness School of Management and Economics Records document the academic, research, and outreach activities of the department (formerly the Department of Economics) at South Dakota State University. Spanning decades, the records reflect the school’s evolving role in agricultural economics, rural development, public policy, and economic education.
Materials include administrative files, annual reports, newsletters, correspondence, photographs, academic program reviews, faculty directories, banquet programs, and documentation of scholarship awards. A significant portion of the collection consists of publications and research outputs—such as Economics Commentator issues, Agricultural Experiment Station bulletins, Cooperative Extension Service reports, economics pamphlets, staff papers, and research reports—addressing a wide range of topics including land values, sustainable agriculture, farm management, irrigation, taxation, rural manufacturing, and conservation policy.
The collection is notable for its extensive documentation of economic conditions and policy analysis in South Dakota, including studies on agricultural land use, environmental programs, price reporting, and farm enterprise budgeting. Also represented are special projects such as symposiums, community outreach efforts, and economic education workshops.
This collection is a resource for understanding the history and influence of economic research and education at SDSU, particularly in its application to South Dakota’s agricultural and rural development challenges. It highlights the department's longstanding commitment to integrating academic inquiry with public service and policymaking in the state and beyond.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.
If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.
In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.