Board Members
Brian Johnson
Frankfort, SD
Brian Johnson is the current chairman of the SDSHC Board of Directors.
Don Nickelson
Frederick, SD
Don Nickelson is the current vice chairman of the SDSHC Board of Directors
Terry Ness
Pierre, SD
Terry Ness is the current secretary/treasurer of the SDSHC Board of Directors.
Barry Little
Castlewood, SD
Candice Mizera
McLaughlin, SD
Roy Thompson
Akaska, SD
Shawn Freeland
Caputa, SD
Van Mansheim
Colome, SD
Levi Neuharth
Fort Pierre, SD
Advisors to the Board
Dan Forgey - Advisor
Gettysburg, SD
Bryan Jorgensen - Advisor
Ideal, SD
Doug Sieck - Advisor
Selby, SD
Dennis Hoyle - Advisor
Roscoe, SD
David Kruger - Advisor
Twin Brooks, SD
Cutler Michalski, Youth Advisor
Willow Lake, SD
Registration Open for 2026 Soil Health Schools!
The Coalition will host two Soil Health Schools in 2026! The West River Soil Health School is set for June 24-25 near Caputa, SD, and the South Dakota Soil Health School is set for Sept. 15-17 near Twin Brooks and Marvin, SD. These events are designed for agricultural producers as well as anyone with an interest in learning how to manage soils for resiliency and profit. The agenda features classroom style presentations by producers and technical experts from across the state and region, as well as hands-on experiences in the field. Area producers will share their challenges and successes with various methods for improving soil health, to an average class size of 30-40. Registration is open, so check out our events page to learn more!
News & Events
Building operational resilience with soil health
By Stan Wise South Dakota Soil Health Coalition PIERRE, SD – Resilience. It’s one of the prizes that keeps conservation-minded land managers striving for improved soil health. Operational resilience in the face of floods, market fluctuations, rising input costs,...
Awards Announced at Soil Health Conference
During the Tenth Annual Soil Health Conference, Jan. 13-14 in Aberdeen, SD, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition announced the winners of its two annual awards as well as the winners of its student essay and video contests. Doug Sieck was named the 2026 Legacy Award...
Farmers growing profits and soil health with winter camelina
By Stan Wise By now, most people working in agriculture have heard that growing a cover crop after a cash crop is harvested can make a big difference in soil health. Healthy soil pays off in a number of ways, including reduced input costs and increased operational...