BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension was proud to help plan the 47th annual Ranchers Workshop in Mission, which drew 65 people from the region.
The Ranchers Workshop is designed to provide current information to farm and ranch owners and operators with an emphasis on family, finance, production and natural resources. This year’s event was held on Jan. 21, 2026, at the Todd County Fairgrounds with the theme “Youth, Our Investment in the Future”.
Brian and Erica Ingerson, a father/daughter duo started the morning session by discussing their journey of working together in an alternative enterprise with their custom welding business. Erica attended the Mitchell Tech entrepreneurship program and now works with her dad full time.
Attendees also heard from the South Dakota Animal Industry Board’s State Veterinarian, Dr. Mendel Miller, with an animal health update. Miller discussed a variety of topics including the new world screwworm, highly pathogenic avian influenza and brucellosis. He also explained the routine testing that the board conducts to ensure intentional disease management.
After lunch, Erin Yost, from Farm Credit Services of America discussed what young producers need to get started. Financing for their business can be one of the biggest hurdles for those just starting out, yet there are opportunities available with a variety of groups.
Logan Vandermark, SDSU Extension Precision Livestock Field Specialist, rounded out the day by discussing virtual fencing, how it can help livestock producers and what it costs to implement. Virtual fencing is an emerging technology for managing livestock grazing on the landscape.
The first Ranchers Workshop was held in 1979 in Mission, as a small gathering of key local businessmen and ranchers. Dave Steffen, Natural Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist, and Dale Mallory, SDSU Extension agent for Mellette County, developed the first agenda.
It was so successful that word began to spread, and people began to notify the conservation districts they wanted to be invited to the next workshop. As a result, the rancher’s workshop became an annual event centered around the needs and interests of local producers.
The event was planned and hosted by the Ranchers Workshop committee. Kaylee Wheeler, SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist, and Ron Frederick, SDSU Extension 4-H Educator for Todd County, are members of the planning team for this event. Other members include Jewell Bork with the South Central Resource Conservation and Development Council, Lealand and Jennifer Schoon with Fourever Grazingland LLC, Kim Cook with the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Ranch, Faith Lehman with the Farm Service Agency, and rancher Vanessa Hight.
For more information or to provide input on the 2027 Ranchers Workshop, contact Ron Frederick, SDSU Extension 4-H Educator for Todd County; or Kaylee Wheeler, SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist.
From left: Ron Frederick, SDSU Extension 4-H Educator for Todd County and Ranchers Workshop planning committee member, with Dr. Mendel Miller, South Dakota Animal Industry Board State Veterinarian.
From left: Jewell Bork, Ranchers Workshop planning committee member, with event presenter Erin Yost, Farm Credit Services of America.
From left: Kaylee Wheeler, SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist and Ranchers Workshop planning committee member, with event presenter Logan Vandermark, SDSU Extension Precision Livestock Field Specialist.
