Rangeland and Soil Days will take place June 9-10, 2026. Rangeland and Soil Days offer a unique opportunity to learn more about South Dakota’s important resources, our rangelands and soils. Learning activities have been designed for a variety of age groups. Topics covered include: plant morphology and identification, habitat suitability for cattle and wildlife, soil quality, erosion and much more!
Location
Belle Fourche Community Hall
512 6th Avenue
Belle Fourche, SD 57717
Contact
Kaylee Wheeler, SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist, or Emily Rohrer, NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist
Students that attend Rangeland Days can compete in three different categories: display, talk, and judging contest. Youth who participate in all three contest categories are eligible for the Rangeland Top Hand awards, which are given to the highest overall score in each division. Participating in the student talks and displays is an excellent opportunity for youth to present their 4-H projects and get feedback on them prior to county fairs later in the summer.
The top scoring Scout or Go-Getter that competes in the talk contest will represent South Dakota as a delegate for the high school youth forum at the National Society for Range Management Meeting. Additionally, the top Go Getter Range team in the 4-H divisions will represent South Dakota in the National Land and Range Judging Contest the following year in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The Soil Days judging contest includes evaluation of four sites for land and homesite use. The overall top scorer in soils receives the Soils Top Hand award. The top scoring Soil team in the 4-H division will represent South Dakota in the National Land and Range Judging Contest the following year in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Hotel Blocks
All blocks are listed under “Rangeland Days.”
- AmericInn (2312 Dakota Ave. Belle Fourche, SD 57717), 605-892-0900
- Econo Lodge (1815 5th Ave. Belle Fourche, SD 57717), 605-892-6663
- Holiday Inn (305 N 27th St., Spearfish, SD 57783), 605-642-4683
Registration
Registration is $50 per person, which includes lunch and supper on June 9 and lunch on June 10. The deadline to pre-register is May 22. Registration fees can be paid during check-in, or mailed ahead of time to: Butte Conservation District, Attn: Yvette, 1837 5th Avenue, Belle Fourche, SD., 57717.
To learn about the Soil Days judging contest, view the Land Judging in South Dakota resource. To learn more details about available contests and scoring guidelines for Rangelands, view the additional resources found below in the related content section below.
