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From instinct to evidence: Building connections matters most to women in S.D. ag

By Kristi Hine, South Dakota News Watch
Jan 23, 2026
Jan 23, 2026

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HURON, S.D. – When Rebecca Blue first began asking South Dakota women in agriculture what they were missing, the answers felt familiar.

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2025-12-24 Rebecca Blue on phone.jpg — Rebecca Blue started the Women in Ag Network to provide connection, community and a sense that they weren’t navigating their careers and livelihoods alone.
Submitted photo

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2024-8-22 Blue, Kessler, Ehlers, DuVall.jpeg — Project team Rebecca Blue, Colette Kessler, Angela Ehlers and Darrel DuVall on Aug. 22, 2024, at Dakotafest in Mitchell, S.D. They are using a $1.2 million grant to help women in agriculture grow their networks, expand their opportunities and build collaboration.
South Dakota News Watch photo by Kristi Hine

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Graphic of ages of Women_s Ag Network survey.png — Submitted image

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Graphic of college ag program enrollment.jpg — Submitted image

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2025-12-24 Rebecca Blue standing.jpg — “When I shared the idea of creating a place to connect, learn and collaborate, it immediately resonated,” said Rebecca Blue, who founded the Women in Ag Network.
Submitted photo

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