Upcoming Events
Details
Printable Flyer
May 20, 2025
8:00am - 6:00pm
SDSU Brookings Campus
Room 126 of Animal Science Building
Register Janice Rounds
605-882-5140 janice.rounds@sdstate.edu
Prescribed Fire Class & Live Training
This fire school and training event is hosted by
SDSU Extension in partnership with state and
federal agencies and non-government
agencies for private landowners and land
management staff. The day will begin with a
morning classroom session focused on
prescribed fire orientation including planning,
weather, safety, communications, objectives,
and other subjects.
The afternoon session will
offer hands-on and live-fire training exercises
(weather dependent) specifically focused on
landowner/manager needs including tools,
various pumps, burn unit design, ignition
techniques, and overall fire management.
Students can expect to receive instruction in
all phases of prescribed fire for several fuel
types and conditions from experienced
instructors.
Date: June 2-5
Location: Wedge Tent Ranch
Faith, SD
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
Birds. At Home on the Range
Annual Bird Tour
The 2025 Annual Bird Watching Tour to be held at the Totton Angus Ranch, north of Chamberlain, 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.
2025 Dates & Locations
June 17-19: Wall, SD
July 22-24: Summit, SD
Sept 9-11: Chamberlain, SD
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: July 1, 2025
TIME: 9:00AM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION: The Nature Conservancy, 35333 115th St. Leola, SD
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.
The day will include both classroom and field sessions that will give you a great introduction to some of the principles we teach at the Grazing Schools. If you have been wanting to attend a grazing school but unable to commit to a 3-day event, this is for you!
DATE: July 9, 2025
TIME: 5:00PM - 8:30PM
LOCATION: Bauman Acreage
17755 456 Ave
Watertown, SD
FREE Meal is Included
Crazy Neighbor Small Acreage Event
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
DATE: July 15, 2025
LOCATION: Rasmussen 33 Ranch, south of Belvidere, SD
TIME: 8AM - 12PM MST
RSVP to Jenita
jenita1204@gmail.com
308-201-0065
Pasture Walk
Join us for a walk through the north half of the Rasmussen Ranch, where we’ll take a close look at the infrastructure it takes to manage over 1100 yearlings in a subdivided pasture in the badlands.
We’ll also talk about how subdividing an 8,000-acre pasture with single-strand high-tensile wire has helped improve forage rest and recovery—allowing us to rotate through paddocks more effectively and start each new season with a deferred pasture.
DATE: July 1, 2025
TIME: 9:00AM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION: The Nature Conservancy, 35333 115th St. Leola, SD
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.
The day will include both classroom and field sessions that will give you a great introduction to some of the principles we teach at the Grazing Schools. If you have been wanting to attend a grazing school but unable to commit to a 3-day event, this is for you!
DATE: Monday, August 11, 2025
TIME: 9:30AM - 4:00PM
LOCATION: Mud Butte, SD
RSVP to Judge Jessop at jljessop@kennebectelephone.com or call/text 605.280.0127.
2025 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Winner Tour
* From Faith:
West on US Hwy 212 for 30 miles, left on Stoneville Road 8 miles, right on Sulphur Cut- off Road 4 miles, right on Ollie Drive 2 miles.
* From Union Center:North on Stoneville Road for 25 miles, left on Sulphur Cut-off Road 4 miles, right on Ollie Drive 2 miles.
*From Newell: East on US Hwy 212 for 25 miles, Right on Sulphur Cut- off Road 5 miles, right on Kill- deer Road 1 mile, left on Sulphur Cut-off Road 10 miles, left on Ollie Drive 2 miles.
DATE: December 5, 2024
LOCATION: Holiday Inn Downtown
Rapid City, SD
TIME: 8:30AM MST
CONTACT: Judge at jljessop@kennebectelephone.com
2024 Annual Meeting
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 annual meeting is a must-attend event for anyone serious about the future of ranching. Whether you’re a seasoned rancher or just starting out, you’ll leave with practical strategies and inspiration to ensure the profitability and longevity of your operation.