South Dakota State University Extension announced on Apr. 24 that it will host a free webinar aimed at helping farm families incorporate childcare into their overall planning. The online seminar, titled “Integrating Childcare into Your Whole Farm Plan,” is scheduled for June 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time and requires registration through the SDSU Extension Events page.
The initiative addresses the unique challenges faced by farm families, who often balance long workdays, household responsibilities, and caring for young children. By focusing on how childcare fits within risk management and family well-being, the event seeks to provide practical strategies and resources for parents and caregivers working in agriculture.
Audrey Rider, SDSU Extension Early Childhood Field Specialist, said balancing farming with other duties can be demanding for parents. “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.”
Participants in the seminar will learn about integrating childcare costs into both farm and household budgets as well as accessing support resources tailored to rural family needs.
South Dakota State University Extension empowers residents with research-based solutions designed to strengthen agriculture, families, youth, and communities according to the official website. The organization serves as the outreach arm of South Dakota State University in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources according to its official website.
The extension maintains offices in all 66 counties and tribal areas across South Dakota according to its official website, operating from Berg Agricultural Hall on campus in Brookings along with eight regional centers statewide according to its official website. It delivers research-based information supporting farmers, ranchers, businesses, communities, families, and youth throughout every county via local offices and regional centers according to its official website.
