December 5, 2024
Managing South Dakota Grasslands for Profitability and the Next Generation
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Managing South Dakota Grasslands for Profitability and the Next Generation
Join us for a full day of learning, networking, and inspiration tailored for ranchers, land managers, and ag professionals. To help you get the most out of each annual meeting, we have decided to move this event to a conference format. This year’s conference will feature two keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and valuable insights on leading your ranch toward long-term profitability and success.
This year’s meeting theme is Managing South Dakota’s Grasslands for Profitability and The Next Generation, and we’ve lined up an incredible group of keynote speakers and breakout sessions designed to help you build a successful, sustainable ranching operation.
Managing South Dakota Grasslands for Profitability and the Next Generation
Join us for a full day of learning, networking, and inspiration tailored for ranchers, land managers, and ag professionals. To help you get the most out of each annual meeting, we have decided to move this event to a conference format. This year’s conference will feature two keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and valuable insights on leading your ranch toward long-term profitability and success.
This year’s meeting theme is Managing South Dakota’s Grasslands for Profitability and The Next Generation, and we’ve lined up an incredible group of keynote speakers and breakout sessions designed to help you build a successful, sustainable ranching operation.
Get to know the Speakers
This annual meeting is a must-attend event for anyone serious about the future of our grasslands. Whether you’re a seasoned land manager or just starting out, you’ll leave with practical strategies and inspiration to ensure the profitability and longevity of your operation.
Clay Conry
Working Cows Podcast Host
Clay is a Western South Dakota native, growing up on a Cow-Calf operation near Belle Fourche, SD. Clay and his family have recently relocated to West Central South Dakota where Clay has taken over pastoring Prairie Home Church, an independent church that has been meeting on the prairies near Maurine, SD for 110 years. Clay has been married to his best friend for just over a decade. They have been blessed with four children. As part of this relocation they have purchased a small ranch and look forward to implementing some of the paradigm challenging practices they have learned so much about over the last 7 years.
Natalie Kovarik
Cattle Rancher & Agriculture Advocate
A western tastemaker and agriculture advocate from the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills, Natalie is a 4th generation cattle rancher turned social entrepreneur who weaves western life and rural living to feature agriculture online. She is the dynamic co-host of the popular podcast Discover Ag and has carved out a niche for herself beyond the digital landscape as a sought-after speaker. Alongside her husband Luke, Natalie owns and operates Kovarik Cattle Co, a cow calf operation with a growing registered herd. Through visual storytelling and thought provoking conversations Natalie works to bridge the rural/urban gap while empowering producers to amplify their voices and ensure a resilient agriculture legacy for generations to come.
Dr. Tom Noffsinger
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Tom Noffsinger, DVM, of Benkelman, Nebraska, is the 2023 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Educator of the Year and a long-standing leader in the cattle industry. Raised on a ranch in eastern Colorado, Dr. Noffsinger earned his veterinary degree from Colorado State University in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1994, he collaborated with BQA pioneer Dr. Dee Griffen to establish the "Beef Production Management Series," a continuing education program for veterinarians. Known for using statistics, personal experiences, and live demonstrations, Dr. Noffsinger has traveled the world advocating for cattle acclimation and challenging industry norms to improve cattle welfare.
Leadership in Agriculture
Natalie, co-host of the popular “Discover Ag” podcast, and her husband Luke will deliver an inspiring keynote on building a first-generation ranch. They’ll share their experiences in risk-taking and bravery, along with practical strategies for profitability and succession.
Host of the “Working Cows” podcast, Clay will focus on leadership in ranching—covering essential aspects such as managing your land, animals, finances, and people to drive your operation forward.
Dr Tom, a vet from Benkleman, Nebraska who has been all around the world working with cattle acclimation will discuss low-stress animal health for profitability, with sessions on improving cattle performance, conception rates, preparing calves for weaning, and more.
Thanks to our Event Sponsors!
This annual meeting is an integral part of the South Dakota Grassland Coalition. It is not only an opportunity for education, but it is THE place to gather, socialize, and meet new people from across the state. We truly appreciate all the sponsors who help us make this event free for all our members.Â
Sponsorship Package Options
Seed Package
- Logo on Website & promotional materials
- Sponsors: conference rooms, afternoon break lunch, speaker fees
Seedling Package
- Organization announced as Sponsor
- Logo on Website & promotional materials
- Sponsors: conference rooms, afternoon break lunch, speaker fees
Sprout Package
- Print ads on welcome banner
- Organization announced as Sponsor
- Logo on Website & promotional materials
- Sponsors: conference rooms, afternoon break lunch, speaker fees
Grassland Package
- Business or Organization promoted on social media & email
- Print ads on welcome banner
- Organization announced as Sponsor
- Logo on Website & promotional materials
- Sponsors: conference rooms, afternoon break lunch, speaker fees
Become an Event Sponsor
Schedule
| December 5, 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
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8:30 – 9:00 |
REGISTRATION |
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9:00 – 9:45 |
WELCOME & INTRO SDGC | What we provide: How the coalition can support you, and how you can support the coalition |
Dakota Ballroom |
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9:45‑10:45 |
OPENING KEYNOTE | Natalie & Luke Kovarik Building a First-Generation Ranch on Risk-Taking & Bravery: Practical Strategies for profitability and succession |
Dakota Ballroom |
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10:45‑11:00 |
BREAK |
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11:00‑12:00 |
BREAKOUT SESSION 1 | Natalie & Luke Kovarik
Dive Deeper on practical strategies for managing your operation |
Private Dining |
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BREAKOUT SESSION 2 | Dr Tom Noffsinger Low-Stress animal health for more profitable management |
Boardroom |
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12:00‑1:30 |
LUNCH & ANNUAL MEETING |
Dakota Ballroom |
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1:30‑2:30 |
AFTERNOON KEYNOTE | Clay Conry Leadership: Your Animals, Land, Money, & People |
Dakota Ballroom |
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2:30‑2:45 |
BREAK |
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2:45‑3:45 |
BREAKOUT SESSION 3 | Clay Conry Dive deeper on managing your assets |
Private Dining |
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BREAKOUT SESSION 4 | Dr Tom Noffsinger Low Stress Livestock Handling birth to sale to increase profitability |
Boardroom |
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3:45‑4:00 |
CLOSING REMARKS |
Dakota Ballroom |
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4:00‑5:00 |
Evening Social | Join us for happy hour and socializing |
Dakota Ballroom |
REGISTRATION
Dakota Ballroom
Dakota Ballroom
BREAK
Private Dining
Boardroom
LUNCH
Dakota Ballroom
BREAK
Private Dining
Boardroom
Dakota Ballroom
Dakota Ballroom
Registration
ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Admission is FREE to all Current South Dakota Grassland Coalition Members. If you are not a member or need to update your membership, please select “Non-Member Registration” in the form below. Membership is just $35/year.Â
Hotel Accommodations
A discounted rate for South Dakota Grasslands Coalition Conference is available at Holiday Inn Rapid City Downtown
Reserve your room today:
1. Call 844-516-6415 anytime. South Dakota Grasslands Coalition Conference or group code: GRS.
2. Follow this link to book online: SD Grasslands Booking Link (does not work with mobile devices).
**Please be sure to reserve your room by 11/06/24 to get the discounted rate! The room rate may go up after Nov 6th.
Questions:
If you have questions or would like to reserve your spot over the phone, feel free to contact Judge at 605-280-0127 or by email at judge.jessop@sdconservation.net.Â