About Us
Our Vision
The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, led by farmers and ranchers, supports the advancement of land stewardship and profitability by nurturing life from the soil up.
Our Mission
The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition works in collaboration with agriculturalists to support the implementation of practices to improve soil health. Our producer-led organization offers resources, training, and events that demonstrate how healthy soil results in vibrant communities.
Our History
The need for a producer led soil health organization to provide additional education and outreach throughout the state of South Dakota was identified by Jeff Zimprich, State Conservationist for the USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service, in 2015. The South Dakota Grassland Coalition was approached because of their longstanding reputation for promoting the benefits of well managed grasslands to both producers and others with respect and integrity. The South Dakota Grassland Coalition Board decided to assist with the project by holding an organizational meeting May 19, 2015 at the SD Cattlemen’s conference room in Pierre.
In attendance at the organizational meeting were agricultural producers from throughout the state and additional representatives of the following organizations:
- South Dakota State University
- South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts
- South Dakota Department of Agriculture
- South Dakota Farm Bureau
- South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association
- South Dakota Soybean Association
- South Dakota Grassland Coalition
- USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
A majority of those in attendance agreed that there was a need and the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition was officially created. A meeting was held on June 11th, 2015 during which the bylaws, as well as the vision and mission statements were created. A seven-member board consisting of Al Miron, Bryan Jorgensen, Dan Forgey, Dennis Hoyle, Doug Sieck, Levi Neuharth, and Terry Ness was organized at this time. The inaugural soil health education event was held at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm with Ray Archuleta as the keynote speaker and over 120 participants in attendance.
Bylaws
Soil Health Conference Registration Open!
The 2025 Soil Health Conference will be held Jan. 15-16 at the Ramkota Hotel and Event Center in Watertown, a spacious venue which will allow for a full day and a half of speaker sessions, awards, producer panels, and time to engage with sponsors. This event will feature many speakers including Keith Berns, Nebraska no-till farmer, ag educator, and co-owner of Green Cover Seed; Paul Jasa, noted Extension egineer at University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Dr. Jon Lundgren, Ecdysis Foundation executive director and CEO of Blue Dasher Farm; and Joe Breker, an award-winning North Dakota producer who has been using regenerative agriculture practices for over 40 years!
News & Events
New website helps consumers connect with local producers
PIERRE, SD – It’s no secret that consumers are hungry for safe, healthy, sustainable, locally grown food. South Dakota’s small scale and urban producers are stepping up to the plate by learning how to improve their land, their environment, and their communities while...
Regenerative ag: Making room for the next generation
By Stan Wise South Dakota Soil Health Coalition There are many reasons for producers and landowners to adopt regenerative land management practices, but few are as important as the prospect of bringing a new generation into a farming or ranching operation. When Barry...
Regenerative ag pioneer to present workshop in Fort Pierre
By Stan Wise PIERRE, SD – Producers and land stewards who practice regenerative agriculture often enjoy learning about what is happening under the ground. In August, they’ll have a chance to learn from a visitor from Down Under. Australia, that is. Regenerative ag...