Grasslands: South Dakota's Most Valuable Resource

Building on the momentum of its successful inaugural event, the South Dakota Grasslands Initiative (SDGI) will host the 2026 South Dakota Grasslands Summit on March 3-4 at the Highland Conference Center in Mitchell, South Dakota. The theme of the 2026 Summit, Grasslands: South Dakota's Most Valuable Resource, highlights the critical role grasslands play in the state's heritage, economy, industry, natural resources, and communities.

South Dakota's Natural Resources Conservation Service has long been a partner of SDGI, working closely together to further conservation efforts. Through our partnership, we have been able to reach more landowners and managers and provide added technical and financial support to those individuals who have resource concerns.

In March 2024, SDGI hosted more than 200 participants for the first-ever South Dakota Grasslands Summit. The two-day event featured over fifteen speakers and panelists, focusing on the economics of grassland conservation. The event 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 organizers with SDGI. "Grasslands touch nearly every aspect of life in our state, and this Summit is designed to celebrate that impact while identifying opportunities for action."

The 2026 Summit will once again feature a dynamic lineup of experienced and relevant speakers. Sessions on Tuesday will explore how grasslands intersect with livestock production, tourism, apiculture, water quality, and cultural connections across South Dakota. Tuesday evening will offer two optional activities during the break between 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. At the same time, individuals involved with local conservation districts are invited to attend a session focused on strengthening collaboration between conservation districts and the SDGI. 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.

Wednesday morning will begin with a coffee hour, with an opportunity to engage in small-group conversations with summit speakers. This will be followed by a featured panel on grassland restoration, highlighting perspectives from landowners and practitioners at different stages of their restoration journeys. 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 Wednesday afternoon Conservation Fund Forum, which will introduce conservation funding models from neighboring states and create space for a collective discussion about conservation funding needs in South Dakota.

The South Dakota Grasslands Summit is open to everyone. Registration, along with the full schedule, sponsorship opportunities and accommodation information, is available at https://www.sdgrassinitiative.org/summit/. Producers, volunteers, and individuals not attending on behalf of an employer may use the promo code GRASSLANDVOICE to cover the $75 registration fee, thanks to the support of summit sponsors.

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"They're on of our greatest treasures, and their future depends on all of us. Join landowners, ag producers, conservation leaders, and community members at the South Dakota Grassland Summit, coming to Mitchell, March3-4. This two-day summit features expert speakers, inspirational stories, and real conversations about sustaining healthy grasslands for generations to come. Registration is open now at sdgrasslandinitiative.org. Be a part of the movement to protect and strengthen our grasslands, because the grasslands' future starts today."

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