South Dakota Grassland Coalition

Upcoming Events

Details
Printable Flyer
July 29, 2025
5:00am - 7:00pm
Knudson Farms

Questions
Cody Grewing
712-490-6720 Cody.grewing@gmail.com


Prescribed Fire Rangeland Tour

Join us for an afternoon tour to look at the effects of a successful prescribed fire in spring of 2025. Discussion will include but is not be limited to: Fire planning and lessons learned, prescribed burn associations, woody encroachment, and wildlife and range management.

Date: June 2-5
Location: Wedge Tent Ranch
Faith, SD

Young ranchers at the Young Adult Rancher Management Workshop

Young Adult Ranching for Profit Workshop

The Young Adult Ranching for Profit Workshop is a hands-on intensive training to develop management skills in agriculture.

“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: March 3-4, 2026
LOCATION: Highland Center, Mitchell, SD

2024 Grasslands Summit

SD Grasslands Summit

The Grasslands Initiative invites you- as a professional, as a supporter, or as a curious learner, to widen your view on the grasslands in South Dakota through presentations and conversations at the South Dakota Grasslands Summit in Mitchell.

DATE: June 3, 2026

TIME: 9:00AM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION: The Bien Ranch, Veblen, SD

Neil Bien Overlooking open pasture

One-Day Grazing Workshop

Join this 1-Day Grazing Workshop to learn practical tips on grazing management that support both your soil and your livestock. This is a practical, boots-on-the-ground opportunity to walk through real-world grazing management with award-winning producers who are doing it every day. The day will include a ranch grazing tour with Nate and Neil where we'll discuss holistic ranch management, strategies, objectives, and much more.

DATE: June 3-4, 2026

LOCATION:
Bien Ranch
Veblen, SD

Black-capped Chickadee

Birds. At Home on the Range
Annual Bird Tour

The 2026 Annual Bird Watching Tour to be held at the Bien Angus Ranch near Veblen, SD. Join us on a journey to view the abundant populations of birds that make their home in this region. Learn how rangeland management plays an important role in the state’s agricultural industry as well as provides an exceptional environment for South Dakota’s native feathered friends.

DATE: July 10, 2025

LOCATION: Doud Ranch
23766 SD HWY 34
Midland, SD


TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM CDT

RSVP to Jenita
jenita1204@wildprairiesolutions.com
308-201-0065

Pasture Walk

• Comparison of paddocks with 30-45 days of recovery and recently grazed areas
• Demonstration of plant recovery and the power of rest as a management tool
• A young producer and experienced landowner working together to improve the operation
• New fencing and water infrastructure supported by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners Program
• Practical ideas for improving pasture productivity and soil health
• Plenty of opportunities for discussion, questions, and peer-to-peer learning

DATE: July 15, 2025

LOCATION: Heinz Ranch
34077 147th St
Onaka, SD


TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM CDT

RSVP to Jenita
jenita1204@wildprairiesolutions.com
308-201-0065

Onaka, SD Pasture Walk

Pasture Walk

• Adaptive grazing strategies that improve pasture recovery and forage use
• Temporary fencing techniques for greater grazing flexibility
• Organic and transitioning-to-organic beef production
• Grassland conservation and management on protected acreage
• Multi-generational ranching and succession in action
• Practical lessons from producers committed to continuous improvement
• Discussion, networking, and peer-to-peer learning

DATE: Thursday, August 20, 2026

TIME: TBD

LOCATION: Meadow, SD


RSVP to Judge Jessop at jljessop@kennebectelephone.com or call/text 605.280.0127.

2026 Leopold Conservation Award Winners

2026 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Winner Tour

More details will be forthcoming in a formal invite.

2026 Grazing School Dates

Wall, SD : June 16-18, 2026

Chamberlain, SD: Sept 9-11, 2026

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

DATE: December 3-4, 2026

LOCATION: The Box Events Center
Rapid City, SD

TIME: TBD

CONTACT: Judge at jljessop@kennebectelephone.com

2026 Annual Conference & Meeting

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition’s Annual Conference brings together ranching families, ag professionals, and land stewards from across the region for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration.

Whether you’re a multi-generational rancher or just getting started, this event is designed to give you the tools, connections, and confidence to grow a profitable operation and build a lasting legacy.

DATE: July 9, 2025
TIME: 5:00PM - 8:30PM
LOCATION: Bauman Acreage
17755 456 Ave
Watertown, SD

FREE Meal is Included

Small Acreage Grassland Tour

This is event is for anyone eager to explore innovative ways to make the most of small acreages through smart ideas and community partnerships. Bring your questions! We will cover these topics and much more:
-How to make a home in the country profitable
-Incorporating family talents and interests
-Grassland, shelter belt, and old pasture restoration
-Gardens, chickens (and other things Pete hates)
-Pocket gofers & other pests
-Integration of fire and grazing on private lands

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