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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.

This collection comprises records generated by the Cooperative Extension Service, encompassing a variety of materials related to administrative functions, 4-H programming, personnel communications, news releases, and specialized initiatives such as the South Dakota AgrAbility Project.

The Administrative Records include correspondence with R. Milton Rich, Area Development Specialist, discussing the adult education program in 1964 and proposals for dividing continuing study, extension, and terminal education. Also included are Cooperative Extension Impact Statements for the West District and a history and philosophy of the service, reflecting the broader administrative and strategic goals of the Extension Service.

The 4-H Publications focus primarily on materials directed at 4-H club members and leaders across the state. These include newsletters, project guides, forms, reports, and informational pamphlets. Notably, the collection contains a state commemorative document marking the centennial of 4-H, as well as club member record books from the 1930s, offering insight into the historical development of 4-H programs in South Dakota.

Personnel Communications are a collection of published materials distributed to extension personnel statewide. These materials were initially bound, though their arrangement became more organized over time, with later items categorized by subject starting around 1977. Topics include 4-H, agricultural economics, animal science, home economics, horticulture/forestry, veterinary science, and more. Some news releases are included in this series, reflecting the Extension Service's outreach efforts. In 2004, this material was microfilmed and is now arranged first chronologically by year, then alphabetically by title.

News Releases consist of items distributed to the media by Extension Services, covering a wide range of topics related to agricultural education and outreach from 1939 to 1948. These materials were also microfilmed in 2004 and are arranged chronologically by year and alphabetically by title.

The Publications series contains a variety of materials produced by the Extension Service, including circulars, handbooks, leaflets, newsletters, and reports. These publications provide insight into Extension's educational outreach across numerous disciplines, such as agriculture, home economics, and youth development.

The South Dakota AgrAbility Project is a significant initiative documented in the collection. Established under the 1990 Farm Bill, the project aims to support individuals with disabilities and their families through education and assistance. The South Dakota AgrAbility Project is a cooperative effort between South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service, Easter Seals of South Dakota, and Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, and the collection includes materials related to this important program.

This collection provides a comprehensive view of the Cooperative Extension Service's educational, outreach, and community-building efforts in South Dakota, with a focus on 4-H, agricultural practices, disability support, and rural development initiatives. Materials are housed at an off-site facility, and requests to view the collection must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Some items are available in microfilm.