Upcoming Events
Grazing Schools
Topics include:
* Adaptive Management * Concepts of Grazing * Managing Diversity on Rangelands * Working with Livestock * Pasture Allocation * Inventory of Ranch Resources * Plant Species Identification * Mineral Nutrition Needs of Livestock * Seasonality of Grazing Nutrition * Ranch Monitoring Exercises * Soil Health and Infiltration * Transect Reading & Monitoring * Planning Your Own Place * Planning for a Forage Shortage * Fencing & Watering Systems * Holistic Management * Implementing Grazing Practices * Consulting with Grazing Experts
June 28 @ Ree Heights, SD
Time: 8:00AM CST
Location: Thousand Hills Ranch
Pasture Walk
At this pasture walk we will focus on everything that goes along with running large groups of livestock in one herd. What happens to our plant communities, our soils, and our livestock in this kind of system? We will also touch on what Dean and Candice do when it comes to encroachment of non native species and noxious weeds.
July 10-13, Sturgis, SD
Location: Dakota Frontier Camp
Young Adult Rancher Management Workshop
The Young Adult Ranching for Profit Workshop is a hands-on intensive training to develop management skills in agriculture, featuring Dallas Mount, owner of Ranching For Profit Schools.
“What an awesome experience! Learned so much! Can`t wait to bring back what I learned to the family operation! Keep up the good work.” ~ Event Attendee
DATE: Thursday, August 3, 2023
TIME: 9:30AM - 4:00PM
LOCATION: Philip, SD
RSVP to Judge Jessop at jljessop@kennebectelephone.com or call/text 605.280.0127.
2023 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Winner Tour
* From Wall, SD: Go 8 miles North on Creighton Road and take the curve East. Creighton Road turns into Kelly Hill Road. Then go 19 miles East to Deadman Creek Road. Go 6 miles North to Slovek Road. Then take Slovek Road 3 miles West.
* From Philip, SD: Go 10 miles North and then 9 miles West. Then go 1 mile North and 3 miles West.
* From HWY 34/73 Intersection (Billsburg): Go 15 miles South to Hilland Road, then 9 miles West to Deadman Creek Road. Then go 6 miles South to Slovek Road and then 3 miles West.
Aug 2, Pasque Hills on Beaver Creek,
9:00 - 1:00
Aug 4, SDSU Oak Lake Research station, 9:00 - 12:00
*There will be a live fire demonstration if weather permits.
Prescribed Fire Effects in Native and Restored Grasslands Field Day
* Identify native plants and plant response after spring prescribed burn
* Discussions about prescribed fire objectives and see if objectives were met
* Discuss future management and timing of prescribed burn
Grazing School
“Attending the SDGC Grazing School was a game changer for our operation. I attended primarily to see if there was a better way to utilize our irrigated hay land and decrease inputs. I left the school with not only with alternative ways to do this but also with knowledge on how to put pressure on weeds on other undesirable plants, increase production, decrease inputs and ultimately improve our soil. After seeing the rainfall simulator for the first time I was blown away! Seeing the water infiltrate into different soils and plant scenarios was one thing but flipping the pans over to reveal what really got water and what didn’t left a lasting impact on me.” – Shawn Freeland, Caputa, South Dakota
What is the Grazing School?
We are having three grazing schools this year (2023):
June 20-22 in Wall, SD
July 25-27 in Summit, SD
September 12-14 in Chamberlain/Oacoma, SD
The Grazing School is designed for producers and anyone with an interest in learning how to best manage grasslands to benefit livestock.
The agenda features presenters from state and federal agencies, and universities. Area producers share their expertise about various topics related to grazing techniques and grassland management. Participants will hear presentations in the classroom and gain experience with hands-on activities in the field.
Space is limited. Early registration is encouraged.
COST*: $300 for current SDGC members Or $335 for non-members – which includes a one-year membership. $150 for each additional person from the same operation.
*Fee includes session materials, snacks and meals.
Send registration form and fee to:
South Dakota Grassland Coalition
Attn: Judge Jessop
24690 299th Ave
Presho, SD 57568
Please make checks payable to: South Dakota Grassland Coalition