South Dakota Grassland Coalition

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December 3-4, 2026

Legacy on the Land: Building Strong Families and Profitable Ranches

The Box Events Center | Box Elder, SD

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Learn about the Speakers

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Grasslands in Action 2026:
Confident Decisions
in Uncertain Times

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition’s Annual Conference brings together ranchers, land managers, ag professionals, and partners from across the region for two days of practical ideas, real-world experiences, and meaningful connections. This year’s theme, “Grasslands in Action: Confident Decisions in Uncertain Times,” focuses on navigating the challenges and opportunities facing today’s operations with greater confidence.

From grazing management and profitability to livestock handling, business planning, leadership, and the people behind the operation, you’ll hear from experienced speakers and fellow producers who are putting ideas into action.

Whether you’re managing a multi-generational operation, just getting started, or somewhere in between, you’ll leave with practical takeaways, new connections, and ideas you can put to work on your own operation.

Register Now

Grasslands in Action:
Confident Decisions in Uncertain Times

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition’s Annual Conference brings together ranchers, land managers, ag professionals, and partners from across the region for two days of practical ideas, real-world experiences, and meaningful connections. This year’s theme, “Grasslands in Action: Confident Decisions in Uncertain Times,” focuses on navigating the challenges and opportunities facing today’s operations with greater confidence.

From grazing management and profitability to livestock handling, business planning, leadership, and the people behind the operation, you’ll hear from experienced speakers and fellow producers who are putting ideas into action.

Whether you’re managing a multi-generational operation, just getting started, or somewhere in between, you’ll leave with practical takeaways, new connections, and ideas you can put to work on your own operation.

Register Now

Get to know the Keynote 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.

Ray Marxer

Beaverhead Ranch manager

Ray Marxer is a fourth-generation Montana agricultural producer, rancher, author, and longtime leader in the cattle industry. He spent 37 years with the Matador Cattle Company’s Beaverhead Ranch in southwest Montana, including 21 years as Ranch Manager. During his tenure, Ray helped guide the ranch to consistent profitability while improving its natural resources and earning multiple national environmental stewardship awards. Today, Ray remains active in Montana’s ranching community through Ranch Services West, providing ranch management consulting and cattle services. He is also the author of Cowboy in a Corporate World: 37 Years of Life & Lessons on Koch Industries’ Beaverhead Ranch, which shares his experiences and lessons in ranching, leadership, resource management, and business. Ray and his wife, Sue, live near Sheridan, Montana, where they continue to raise cattle and stay connected to the ranching community.

Alejandro Carillo

Rancher, Educator & Regenerative Ranching Consultant

Alejandro Carrillo is a rancher, educator, and consultant specializing in regenerative ranching and adaptive grazing management. He manages a 30,000-acre ranch in the Chihuahuan Desert that has become a widely recognized example of desert grassland regeneration. Over more than two decades of on-ranch experience, Alejandro has developed and applied practical strategies to restore degraded grasslands in dry and brittle environments without relying on irrigation, seeding, fertilizing, or mechanical intervention. His work focuses on improving grazing management, restoring natural water cycles, increasing plant and animal diversity, reducing inputs, improving livestock nutrition, extending the green season, managing woody encroachment and invasive plants, and increasing the long-term resilience and productivity of ranching operations. He also emphasizes practical decision-making, adapted livestock genetics, fencing and water design, plant succession, and the relationship between grazing management and ecosystem health.

Clint Fischer

Managing Attorney at Thompson Law, PLLC

Clint Fischer is the Managing Attorney at Thompson Law, PLLC, where he helps families, farmers, ranchers, and business owners navigate estate planning, business planning, and succession matters. Growing up in rural South Dakota and spending more than a decade working in agricultural retail before practicing law gave Clint firsthand insight into the challenges facing family farms and small businesses. Having also owned and operated small businesses, Clint brings a practical, business-minded approach to helping clients protect what they have built and prepare for the next generation. He frequently speaks on topics including farm and ranch succession, estate planning, and business management. Clint is a graduate of South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law and is licensed to practice law in South Dakota and Minnesota. Outside of his legal work, he enjoys outdoor activities, agriculture, athletics, and spending time with his wife and four children.

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.

Breakout Sessions

Check back soon for details on this year’s breakout sessions. 

Gwen Kitzan, Kitzan Family Farms

This session will walk you through the essentials of knowing your customer, telling your farm story, and choosing the right sales channels for your products. You’ll also gain practical strategies for planning production, increasing sales and loyalty, and using tracking to refine and grow your business. Perfect for producers ready to take control of their marketing and build stronger relationships with their buyers.

Explore how Virtual Fencing is reshaping livestock management in this informative session. Learn how the technology works, what’s needed to get started, and hear real- world examples of ranchers successfully using it across diverse landscapes. Presenter will highlight the benefits for pasture rotation, labor savings, and land protection, along with insights on animal training and adapting herds to the system. The session will also cover cost considerations and options for both seasonal and year-round use.

This session explores the options for viewing a small acreage from a business perspective and beyond. Presentation will provide a general framework for interactive discussion and will allow audience participants the opportunity to share experiences and insights. Participants will engage in recognizing and aligning land use with family interests and talents, identify income streams that make sense for their scale, and make the most of existing assets like barns, sheds, and outbuildings and markets.

South Dakota Grasslands Initiative Director Laura Kahler shares how producers can be good stewards of the land while improving their bottom line. She highlights why South Dakota’s grasslands matter, how conservation partners support working lands, and practical ways ranchers can collaborate with conservation partners for technical and financial assistance.

When it comes to overall business success and feeling aligned in life, knowing your WHY & finding your authentic voice is key. We, as women, bring a lot to the table — and it’s time we find our voice and use it to make a positive impact in our businesses. We will have real & raw conversations in this workshop and pinpoint your strengths, guiding you to how you can become a huge asset to the business just by being you.

Join a seasoned rancher and former SDGC board member as he shares his firsthand experience with Winter Grazing— what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what to expect when extending your grazing season. This session offers practical insights into managing livestock, forage, and weather challenges through the winter months, helping producers reduce feed costs and make the most of their available resources.

Discover how to turn your passion for growing into a thriving small business in this session on Small to Medium Size Gardening and Entrepreneurial Opportunities. Learn how to grow what you love, identify your niche, and make the most of every harvest. Whether you’re looking to feed your family, sell locally, or expand into value-added products, this session will offer practical ideas for using and marketing all that you grow.

Dive into the principles and proven results of Highly Intensive, Non-Selective Grazing in this insightful session. Learn how mob grazing with daily moves during the growing season can boost warm-season native grasses and improve soil health. Presenters will share practical experiences with swath grazing in winter, long-term soil test results after a decade of intensive management, and the added benefits of across-the- fence weaning. This session offers a real-world look at how strategic grazing can transform both productivity and ecosystem resilience.

We will have two sessions, each covering its own case study that includes an in-depth look at practical grazing management. We’ll walk through the challenges and opportunities faced on working ranches – discussing management decisions, soil health improvements, and strategies for boosting production while building resilience. These sessions will be interactive, offering participants the chance to ask questions and explore realistic solutions to common grazing and soil management obstacles.

People chatting at the conference in Rapid City, SD
A Speaker at the grassland management Conference in Rapid City, SD

Grasslands in Action 2026: Confident Decisions in Uncertain Times

people chatting at the SD Grassland Coalition Annual Conference
Catalyst for Action, Connection, & Confident Decision-Making
Bring Innovation, Inspiration, and Exceptional Management to your operation.
Inspire & Support Action

Ensure attendees leave with a clear understanding of how to take the next step, regardless of where they are in their journey. Presentations and discussions should include realistic implementation strategies, lessons learned, and practical guidance for getting started.

Equip Attendees to Make Confident Management Decisions

Provide practical, actionable information that helps producers and land managers navigate uncertainty. Sessions should clearly connect management practices to economic outcomes, helping attendees understand not only what works, but why it works and how it impacts profitability and resilience.

Showcase Real-World Success Stories

Highlight local and regional producers who can share firsthand experiences, challenges, and outcomes. Attendees should see examples that are relevant to South Dakota’s diverse landscapes and production systems, demonstrating how principles can be adapted to different operations and regions.

Strengthen Relationships and Peer Learning

Create intentional opportunities for meaningful networking and discussion. The event should foster new connections, encourage peer-to-peer learning, and help attendees build relationships that continue beyond the conference through structured networking activities, facilitated discussions, and shared experiences.

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Special 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. 

Eagle Pass Ranch Logo
Ducks Unlimited
South Dakota Game Fish and Parks
Totton Angus Ranch Logo
Farm Credit Services of America Logo
South Dakota Soil Health Coalition
Grassroots Carbon logo
Commtech logo
SD Stockgrowers Association Logo

Sponsorship Package Options

Downloadable Sponsorship Packet
Become a Sponsor Now

Become an Event Sponsor

If you would like to become an event sponsor, you can do so by filling out the form below to get an invoice and send a physical check. Or if you’d prefer to submit a sponsorship payment using a credit card, simply click the button below and enter your sponsorship amount.

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Schedule

December 4, 2025
8:30 AM
REGISTRATION OPENS
9:00 – 11:00
LOW STRESS LIVESTOCK HANDLING | DR. TOM NOFFSINGER, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Ellsworth Ballroom A
11:00 – 11:30
Q & A with Dr. Tom
Ellsworth Ballroom A
11:30 – 12:30
LUNCH | Registration | Exhibitor Booths Open
12:30 – 1:00
WELCOME & INTRO TO SDGC | Mike Mckernan & Jim Faulstich, SDGC Board of Directors
Board Member Introductions
Ellsworth Ballroom A
1:00 – 1:55
OPENING KEYNOTE | Jerry Doan, Speaker & Holistic Range Manager
Expanding the Business to Accommodate the Family
Ellsworth Ballroom A
1:55 – 2:15
Q & A with Jerry Doan
Ellsworth Ballroom A
2:15 – 2:40
BREAK| Exhibitor Booths | Networking
2:40 – 3:10
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
BREAKOUT SESSION 1 | Pete Bauman, SDSU Extension
Small Acreage Considerations & Opportunities
BREAKOUT SESSION 2 | Dan Rasmussen, 3rd Generation Rancher & SDGC Range Consultant & Dave Ollila, Soil Health Technician
Grazing Management: A Case Study
BREAKOUT SESSION 3 | Andrea Flemming, 5th Generation Farmer & Content Creator for @thatfitagvocate
Women in Ranching: Cultivating Confidence
3:15 – 3:45
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
BREAKOUT SESSION 1 | Laura Kahler, South Dakota Grasslands Initiative Director
Funding Assistance Opportunities
BREAKOUT SESSION 2 | Dan Rasmussen, 3rd Generation Rancher & SDGC Range Consultant & Dave Ollila, Soil Health Technician & Dave Olila
Grazing Management Principles & Practices: A Case Study
BREAKOUT SESSION 3 | Michelle Grosek, Bear Butte Gardens
Small to Medium Size Gardening and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
3:45 – 4:10
BREAK | Exhibitor Booth | Networking
Pre-Function Area
4:10 – 4:20
BOARD MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS | Riley Kammerer & Jori Smiley, SDGC Board of Directors
Ellsworth Ballroom A
4:20 – 5:15
KEYNOTE 2 | Burke Teichert, Regenerative Ranching Expert & Speaker
Ranch Profitability
Ellsworth Ballroom A
5:15 – 5:35
Q & A with Burke Teichert
Ellsworth Ballroom A
5:35 – 6:00
BREAK | Exhibitor Booths | Networking
Pre-Function Area
6:00 – 7:00
DINNER | Annual Meeting
Ellsworth Ballroom A
7:00 – 8:00
LEOPOLD AWARD PRESENTATION | Social Hour
Join us for happy hour and socializing
Ellsworth Ballroom A
December 5, 2025
8:00 – 8:30
BOARD MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS | Wacey Kirkpatrick & AJ Munger, SDGC Board of Directors
Ellsworth Ballroom A
8:30 – 10:30
WORKSHOP | Jolene Brown, Professional Speaker, Author, & Family Business Consultant
The Top Ten Mistakes That Break Up a Family Business
Ellsworth Ballroom A
10:30 – 10:55
BREAK | Exhibitor Booths | Networking
Pre-Function Area
11:00 – 11:30
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
BREAKOUT SESSION 1 | Laura Kahler, South Dakota Grasslands Initiative Director
Funding Assistance Opportunities
BREAKOUT SESSION 2 | Jacey Ellsworth, Rancher & Customer Engagement Rep at eShepherd Virtual Fence
Virtual Fencing
BREAKOUT SESSION 3 | Charlie Totton & Courtney Tyrrell, Totton Angus Ranch
Highly Intensive, Non-Selective Grazing
11:35 – 12:05
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
BREAKOUT SESSION 1 | Brett Nix, Rancher & Former SDGC Board Member
Winter Grazing
BREAKOUT SESSION 2 | Andrea Flemming, 5th Generation Farmer & Content Creator for @thatfitagvocate
Women in Ranching: Cultivating Confidence
BREAKOUT SESSION 3 | Gwen Kitzan, Kitzan Family Farms
Getting Started with Direct to Consumer Sales
12:05 – 1:00
LUNCH | Friend of the Prairie Award | Exhibitor Booths
Ellsworth Ballroom A
1:00 – 1:10
BOARD MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS | Drew Anderson & Larry Wagner, SDGC Board of Directors
Ellsworth Ballroom A
1:10 – 2:05
KEYNOTE | Burke Teichert, Regenerative Ranching Expert & Speaker
Developing Your People
Ellsworth Ballroom A
2:05 – 2:30
BREAK | Exhibitor Booths | Networking
Pre-Function Area
2:30 – 2:40
A word from our Platinum Sponsor
Ellsworth Ballroom A
2:40 – 3:40
FINAL KEYNOTE | Jolene Brown, Professional Speaker, Author, & Family Business Consultant
Harvest The Humor: A Celebration of Life on the Ranch
Ellsworth Ballroom A
3:40 – 3:50
BOARD MEMBER INTRODUCTION & CLOSING REMARKS | Jeff Zimprich, SDGC Board of Directors
Ellsworth Ballroom A

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. 

Hotel Accommodations

Reserve your room today:

We have a limited number of rooms blocked at the Courtyard by Marriott. Please note that this block of rooms is only available at this rate through November 6, 2026. 

Please use the following link to book a room in that block: Book your group rate for South Dakota Grassland Coalition Attendee Room Block

Questions:

If you have questions or would like to reserve your spot at the conference over the phone, feel free to contact Judge at 605-280-0127 or by email at judge.jessop@sdconservation.net. 

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