How It Began

South Dakota is the nation's most agriculturally dependent state. Changes in the technology of farm production and in world agricultural markets have placed severe pressure on farm people. Many have been forced to leave the land. Decreasing rural population threatens many community services including schools, health and government services. Rural families must develop new ways of producing income - new businesses and services.

Most rural families live in South Dakota by choice. They would like to continue to do so. Rather than be forced to move to a city to find work. The Rural Initiative Center was established to help rural families develop new sources of income to enable them to stay in their communities.

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