July 10, 2018 • Page 8 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Finding Enjoyable, Well-Paying Work By Gov. Dennis Daugaard Work is an important part of personal fulfillment. True, most of us work because we must – to provide for ourselves and our families – but a job nevertheless gives us purpose. And when it’s work we enjoy that pays enough, well, that’s the goal. Unfortunately, many young people are struggling to find enjoyable, well-paying work. Some lack a degree or formal training – perhaps they went straight into the workforce after high school or started a program they didn’t finish. Even those who have degrees, though, often still have trouble finding meaningful work. For instance, of those who have a four-year degree, only 36 percent say their education prepared them for a job and more than half of recent graduates are unemployed or underemployed. It’s not for lack of jobs. According to U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, we now have more job openings than job seekers in America. A number of these jobs are higher paying, higher-skill jobs in areas like health care, cybersecurity and manufacturing. Unfortunately those looking for work often do not have the skills needed for these good jobs. The Western Governors’ Association has spent the last year studying this “skills gap,” holding webinars and workshops all across the West to identify solutions. This week as my term as chair of the Western Governors came to an end, I hosted my fellow governors in Rapid City where we released our report on workforce. The report lists ways states can enhance career opportunities for students, graduates and displaced workers. Workshops For Beginning Farmers/Ranchers Looking For Land BROOKINGS, S.D. - SDSU Extension will host the workshop series, Farmland for the Next Generation, beginning August 14, 2018. The recommendations include inteSupported by a grant grating state efforts, increasing the availfrom the USDA Beginability of training, expanding broadband ning Farmer and Rancher access in rural communities and connecting education to careers. We need to Development Program, the workshops are designed ensure a degree isn’t the destination but for individuals with some a pathway to a job. That means providfarming and/or ranching ing students with better information and guidance so they can explore careers and experience who are actively looking for land. The make enlightened decisions about their futures. One way we’re doing this in South workshops will focus on skill-building and practical Dakota is through a pilot program called resources. Career Launch. This program involving "Access to suitable land ten school districts pools resources to provide more career counseling and give remains a chief obstacle for beginning farmers and students hands-on experience. ranchers," said Heather For example, in Yankton, many high Gessner, SDSU Extension school seniors plan their schedules so Livestock Business Manthat their traditional classes are compressed into half a day – morning or after- agement Field Specialist. noon. During the other half of the day, the "Addressing barriers that keep new farmers from students work at a paid internship with entering agriculture is also a local employer. Each student receives high school credit, is paid at least $11 an critical as senior agriculhour, gains exposure to a career field and tural landowners prepare to transfer more than 370 learns foundational skills – like how to million acres in the next 10 arrive on time, dress appropriately and to 20 years." interact with customers and coworkers. She references 2012 During my first term, I would often say, Census of Agriculture data “Workforce is a marathon, not a sprint.” that shows numbers of But now, as I’m nearing the end of my farmers and ranchers fell time as governor, I am realizing it’s actu20 percent from 2007-2012, ally more like a relay race. Over the past reaching a 30-year low. seven years, we have initiated several Gessner will lead the strategies. Some have worked, some workshops, which are haven’t and some remain to be seen. components of American Next year, when my time in office Farmland Trust's Farmland comes to an end, I will pass the baton, for the Next Generation and hope our new leaders will continue project. Gessner is one the race. of the 25 experienced agricultural educators and service providers across the country serving in the inaugural class of Land Access Trainers. Registration details The six-week Farmland for the Next Generation workshop will be a combination of at-home worksheets and videos, face-to-face meetings and webinars. Face-to-face meetings will be held at the SDSU Extension Regional Center in Mitchell, located on the campus of Mitchell Technical Institute (1800 E. Spruce St.) Face-to-face meetings and the webinar will begin at 7 PM A webinar link will be emailed prior to the webinar session. The registration deadline is July 25, 2018. To help cover costs, registration is $100 for up to two family members to participate. To register, visit the iGrow Events page. 2018 Workshop Timeline Participants should be committed to following the meeting times and deadlines for each session: •July 25 - Registration deadline - all participants MUST be registered for the workshops by this date (see above registration information.) •August 6 - postmark deadline for all first round at-home assignments •August 14 - Face-toface meeting in Mitchell •August 21 - Online webinar •August 28 - Face-toface meeting in Mitchell •September 7 - postmark deadline for all second round at-home assignments •September 11 - Face-toface meeting in Mitchell Topics covered include: Topics covered during the six-week workshop will address and introduction to land tenure, financial readiness, land tenure options, finding land, land assessment, leasing land, and purchasing land. If you have questions, contact Gessner by email or 605.782.3290. More about American Farmland Trust American Farmland Trust is the only national conservation organization dedicated to protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land. Learn more at the American Farmland Trust website. Treasure Awaits! Shop Classifieds 319 Walnut St. • Yankton, SD 57078 605-665-5884 www.missourivalleyshopper.com Motorized Boats Allowed On Swan Lake In Turner County Again PIERRE, S.D. – Effective July 4 at 8 a.m. CT, the temporary restriction on the use of motorized boats on Swan Lake in Turner County will be lifted as flood waters on the lake have continued to recede. Last week, an order was put in place by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks at the request of homeowners who live on Swan Lake as a means to protect private property that was inundated by high water. Boaters, anglers and other recreational users are once again allowed to use motorized boats on Swan Lake in Turner county, located southeast of Sioux Falls. 40th Anniversary Special Hustler Raptor Limited Old Cronies Support Veterans At State Veterans Home PIERRE, S.D. – Veterans at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home (MJFSVH) received a boost to their activities fund from the Old Cronies Motor Cycle Club. Members of the Old Cronies visited the State Home recently and delivered handmade wooden benches, religious ornaments for the chapel, custom artwork and a $6,000 donation to the MJFS- VH activities fund. This is the third annual trip by the Cronies and the third time they have gifted our veterans. The Old Cronies Motor Cycle Club is a group of former servicemen and women and their families and friends, from northeastern South Dakota, who wanted to give back to veterans. Brett Schaible of Bowdle, noted their visit to the Home is not just about the gifts they present; it’s also about renewing the friendships they have made with the veterans at the Home. This group is tied together by two strings – one that they love to ride and the other is their love for veterans. “Without a doubt, it’s groups like the Old Cronies reaching out to fellow South Dakota Veterans that really shows the true spirit of our state and our pledge to take care of our own,” said Brad Richardson, Superintendent of the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home. “The Old Cronies are truly a special group of caring individuals and families that have reached out to our heroes and touch our hearts,” said Richardson. “We are truly blessed for the difference they make in the lives of our South Dakota Veterans.” Summer styles you’re going to LOVE! 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