SDSU Extension invites public to 2026 SD Grasslands Summit

BROOKINGS, S.D. — South Dakota State University Extension is inviting everyone interested in grasslands to attend the 2026 South Dakota Grasslands Summit on March 3-4 in Mitchell.

Building on the momentum of its successful inaugural event, the South Dakota Grasslands Initiative will host the 2026 summit at the Highland Conference Center in Mitchell. The theme, “Grasslands: South Dakota’s Most Valuable Resource”, highlights the critical role grasslands play in the state’s economy, agriculture industry, natural resources and communities.  

The South Dakota Grasslands Summit is open to everyone; registration is $75 per person. Registration, along with the full schedule, sponsorship opportunities and accommodation information, is available at the SDSU Extension Events Page (search “grassland summit”).  Producers, volunteers, and individuals not attending on behalf of an employer may use the promo code “grasslandvoice” to register for free.

This year’s event will once again feature a dynamic lineup of succinct, high-impact speakers. Sessions on March 3 will explore how grasslands intersect with livestock production, tourism, beekeeping, water quality and cultural connections across South Dakota.

Two optional activities will be offered between the afternoon speakers and supper. One option is an hour-long film festival showcasing special video projects created in partnership with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition and other collaborators. The other option a dedicated session focused on strengthening collaboration between conservation districts and the South Dakota Grasslands Initiative.

The evening will also include a meal, opportunities to view grassland research posters, time to connect with sponsors and space for networking with fellow attendees.

March 4 will begin with a coffee hour, providing participants the opportunity to engage in small-group conversations with speakers, including landowner/operator panelists who will then be featured in a session dedicated to grassland restoration for private lands. This session will be moderated by SDSU Extension and will highlight perspectives of landowners who applied a variety of approaches and resources to their grassland restoration journeys. Topics will include when and if to use government conservation programs, creative financing, decision-making and goals for future use and profit.

Later in the morning, attendees will hear inspiring stories from across the state before participating in facilitated conversations centered on next steps and opportunities for action. All participants are invited to stay for the afternoon Heritage Fund Forum, which will highlight funding models from neighboring states and create space for a collective discussion about conservation funding needs in South Dakota.

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition, SDSU Extension and other others helped shape the concept of the grassland initiative movement which also includes other education, conservation, livestock and industry partners from South Dakota and the region.  

In March 2024, the South Dakota Grassland Initiative convened more than 200 participants for the first-ever South Dakota Grasslands Summit. The two-day event featured over 15 speakers and panelists and placed a strong emphasis on the economics of grassland conservation. The summit concluded with partners collaboratively shaping the goals and future direction of the South Dakota Grasslands Initiative.

“We are excited to come back together to reflect on progress made across South Dakota and continue meaningful conversations about the value of our grasslands,” said Pete Bauman, SDSU Extension Natural Resources and Wildlife Field Specialist. “Grasslands touch nearly every aspect of life in our state, and this Summit is designed to celebrate that impact while identifying opportunities for action.”

For more information, contact Pete Bauman, SDSU Extension Natural Resources and Wildlife Field Specialist.