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 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
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
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.
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 22, 2026
LOCATION: Heinz Ranch
34077 147th St
Onaka, SD
TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM CDT
RSVP to Jenita
jenita1204@wildprairiesolutions.com
308-201-0065
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: August 4, 2026
LOCATION: Anderson Ranch
19963 Lemmon Lake Rd
Lemmon, SD
TIME: 9:00AM - 12:30PM MDT
RSVP to Tanse
tanse.herrmann@usda.gov
605-515-9791
Working Lands Workshop: Bale Grazing Discussions
• Why bale grazing works—and when it makes sense
• Choosing the right locations for bale grazing
• Planning and setting up a successful bale grazing system
• Expected impacts on soil health, forage production, and nutrient distribution
• Practical management tips and lessons learned
• Virtual fence plans & discussion
• Questions, discussion, and producer-to-producer learning
DATE: August 18, 2026
LOCATION: Juelfs Ranch
11578 Wagner Rd
Prairie City, SD
TIME: 9:00AM - 12:30PM MDT
RSVP to Tanse
tanse.herrmann@usda.gov
605-515-9791
Working Lands Workshop: Grazing for Profit, Production, & Soil Health
• Building a Contract Grazing Business: Explore opportunities, considerations, and lessons learned when grazing livestock for others.
• Determining Carrying Capacity: Learn how to better match livestock numbers with available forage and make informed grazing decisions.
• Building Soil Health Through Grazing Management: See how intentional grazing strategies can support healthier soils, stronger forage, and more resilient grasslands.
• Determining grazing objectives on any given day or in a specific pasture/site.
• Questions, discussion, and producer-to-producer learning
DATE: August 22, 2026
LOCATION: Good Earth State Park
26924 480th Ave
Sioux Falls, SD
TIME: 9:30AM - 2:30PM CDT with early bird activities beginning at 7:00AM
REGISTRATION: Registration is ONLY required for the early bird activities as there are limited seats available.
**Registration is NOT required for the main events.**
Prairie Fest 2026: A Family Celebration of Dakota Grasslands
• FREE, family-friendly event celebrating South Dakota’s grasslands
• Early Bird Adventures featuring bird watching, mist netting, and guided hiking — advance registration required
• Live music from Maygen & The Birdwatcher
• Food Trucks with tacos, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, fries, sweet treats, and more
• Engaging speakers and presentations on wildlife photography, native plants, grassland birds, and more
• Hands-on activities for kids, plus fun prizes and goodies
• Interactive booths and exhibits from organizations and businesses working across South Dakota
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 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