Career Opportunities for Young Producers
The following opportunities are available for young producers interested in learning regenerative agriculture practices while working. Some of these opportunities could result in the chance to take over an existing operation.
Farming/Ranching – Wessington Springs, SD
Kolousek Farms of Wessington Springs, SD, is looking for an individual to help with their farming/ranching operation. We are a diversified operation running approximately 600-700 mother cows, some yearlings and farming 800 acres. This person would ideally be a graduate of a college/tech school with schooling in grassland management or something similar. This position would put the right person in a role to make decisions – and implement those decisions – for Kolousek Farms regarding pasture management/rotation and how to better improve and utilize our pastures. We are deeply involved in soil health and grassland health, trying to make the transition to regenerative practices on our land. There is an opportunity to run cattle of your own and someday possibly manage the operation. Modern ranch-style house, farm vehicle and half of a beef per year provided. Wages and terms to be negotiated. Position to start employment in early 2022.
Learn more at: www.kolousekfarms.com
See videos at: https://youtu.be/eQdQorvxA5k and https://youtu.be/F8EQCPZ1GME
To learn more, contact Scott Kolousek (605) 730-1509.
Farming/Ranching – Herrick, SD
Jim and Claire Williams of Herrick, SD, raise corn, soybeans, winter wheat, mixed hay, and move yearling steers on grass. They started cross-fencing the grass and adding water in 1994. They haven’t tilled since 2004 and started using cover crops a few years later. They try to use a diverse system to improve their soil health, and their long term goal for the farm is to find a like-minded young family to take over. To find out if this is the right opportunity for you, contact Jim Williams at XXX-XXX-XXXX.
Farming/Ranching – Java, SD
Craig Rau of Java, SD, is looking for an individual to help with his farming/ranching operation. He uses no-till practices, follows small grains with cover crops, and uses cell grazing for cattle in his pastures. For the right individual, this is an opportunity to eventually run the operation. To learn more, contact Craig Rau at XXX-XXX-XXXX.

2023 Soil Health School Registration Open!
The 2023 Soil Health School will be held August 28-30 on the farms of Anthony Bly and Bruce Carlson near Garretson, SD! There will be classroom sessions, field excercises, discussion panels, and opportunities to network with researchers, industry professionals, and experienced producers who can help you on your soil health journey! Class size is limited, so learn more and register today!
News & Events
Long-term research reveals advantages of diverse crop rotations
By Stan Wise PIERRE, SD – It can take time for scientists to build new knowledge of biological processes, especially when those processes play out over the course of years. Researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service North Central...
‘Park the chisel’: First step toward soil health can be simple
By Stan Wise PIERRE, SD – The benefits of improved soil health for agricultural producers and gardeners are numerous and valuable – reduced input costs, improved profitability, drought and flood resilience, reduced erosion, improved water quality, increased wildlife...
Saline Soil Management: More Money With Fewer Crop Acres
By Stan Wise PIERRE, SD – Salinity areas. Trouble spots. White deserts. Regardless of what they’re called, saline soils are a problem for South Dakota. White, salty areas where nothing grows are a common sight in fields across the state. “The amount of salinity that's...