The South Dakota Grasslands Initiative will host the 2026 South Dakota Grasslands Summit on March 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on March 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The theme of the 2026 Summit, Grasslands: South Dakota’s Most Valuable Resource, highlights the critical role grasslands play in the state’s economy, agriculture industry, natural resources, and communities.
Location
Highland Conference Center
2000 Highland Way
Mitchell, SD 57301
Contact
Pete Bauman, SDSU Extension Natural Resources and Wildlife Field Specialist
The 2026 Summit will once again feature a dynamic lineup of succinct, high-impact speakers. Sessions will explore how grasslands intersect with livestock production, tourism, apiculture, water quality, and cultural connections across South Dakota.
Schedule
Tuesday, March 3
- 8:00 a.m. - Registration and networking
- 9:30 a.m. - Welcome: Looking Back at Two Years of Impact
- 10:45 a.m. - Cross-Sector Connections in Grasslands
- 12:00 p.m. - Lunch
- 1:00 p.m. - Grassland Impact on South Dakota Life
- 3:15 p.m. - Policy Panel
- 3:45 p.m. - Understanding Federal Conservation Funding
- 4:30 p.m. - Interactive Session: Exploring collaboration between Conservation Districts and the South Dakota Grasslands Initiative
- 5:00 p.m. - Grasslands Film Showcase
- 6:00 p.m. - Graze and Grow Connections - supper, social, poster session and vender show
Wednesday, March 4
- 8:00 a.m. - Coffee with speakers
- 9:00 a.m. - Grasslands Restoration Panel
- 10:15 a.m. - Raising the Bar Across the Prairie
- 10:45 a.m. - Looking Back, Moving Forward
- 12:00 p.m. - Lunch
- 12:30 p.m. - SD Heritage Fund Forum
Registration
The South Dakota Grasslands Summit is open to everyone. Registration, sponsorship opportunities and accommodation information is available on the South Dakota Grassland Initiative website. Producers and individuals not attending on behalf of an employer may reach out to Laura Kahler for a discount code to cover their registration cost.
