2008 Dakotafest will include presentations on rising costs

The 2008 Dakotafest will include information from South Dakota State University task forces to help producers and homemakers who face rising costs.

The annual farm show takes place on Aug. 19 through Aug. 21 at Schlaffman Farm near Mitchell. More than 500 exhibits are a part of the event, which is assembled on a 45-acre location.

More than 30 major exhibits from SDSU will be displayed in the First National Bank South Dakota Pavilion, located at the northwest corner of Dakotafest.

In the spring, SDSU educators, specialists, and faculty formed “Emerging Issues” committees to develop solutions for farmers and families facing rising costs of fuel, food, production, and households.

A “Managing Change” booth with free printed information also will be part of Dakotafest. The information covers many topics, including reducing costs of livestock and crop production, and managing household expenses. Specialists from the committees also will host forums during Dakotafest to address these issues.

The “Managing Change” booth is a joint effort of multiple SDSU departments including animal and range sciences, plant science, ag and biosystems engineering, and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. It the largest exhibit at the show.

SDSU’s colleges of nursing and pharmacy will provide free health screenings during Dakotafest.

Other events include a congressional candidate forum with U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Republican U.S. House candidate Chris Lien at 10 a.m. on Aug. 20. At 11:30 a.m., a U.S. Senate candidate forum will be held featuring Republican candidate Joel Dykstra.

On Aug. 21, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer and Sen. John Thune will host a forum at 11:45 a.m. to discuss the 2008 Farm Bill and other topics.

Free SDSU ice cream will be served each day at 12:45 p.m.