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Our Vision

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.

A photo of several people standing in a field of cover crops that are about shoulder high.

Registration Open for Two Soil Health Schools!

The 2025 West River Soil Health School will be held June 25-26 in Caputa, SD, and the 2025 Soil Health School will be held September 3-5 in Huron, SD. Each of these two schools will feature outstanding instructors consisting of industry professionals, researchers, and experienced producers. The days will be split between classroom discussions and field exercises designed to help you improve your land and your profit margins through regenerative agriculture practices. Visit our events page to learn more about these excellent learning opportunities!

News & Events

Awards, new board member announced at Soil Health Conference

Awards, new board member announced at Soil Health Conference

PIERRE, SD – The Ninth Annual Soil Health Conference, Jan. 15-16 at the Ramkota Hotel and Event Center in Watertown, SD, saw approximately 500 attendees, including over a hundred students. The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition was thrilled to offer this opportunity...

Study finds soybean yields resilient following late rye termination

Study finds soybean yields resilient following late rye termination

By Janelle Atyeo For South Dakota Soil Health Coalition PIERRE, SD – A cover crop of quick growing cereal rye can keep the soil in place over winter’s brown and blowing days. Its long roots soak up excess spring rains, and its straw helps block weeds. The more...