South Dakota State University Extension invites youth interested in learning more about grasslands and soil health to the 2026 Rangeland and Soil Days in Belle Fourche.
The annual Rangeland Days contest promotes education on South Dakota’s most threatened natural resource – grasslands. Similarly, the purpose of Soil Days is to promote education of South Dakota’s most important resource – soil. Combined, the event provides youth with hands-on experience in understanding rangeland resources and a sense of stewardship in natural resource management. Both FFA and 4-H youth can compete in Rangeland and Soil Days.
This year’s event is June 9-10, 2026, at the Belle Fourche Community Hall. Registration, check-in and student display setup begin on the morning of June 9. Next, students will spend time in the field learning about rangelands and soils and practicing their contest skills. Student displays and speeches will be presented in the evening. The rangeland and soil judging contests begin the morning of June 10, with results and awards presented after lunch.
Registration is $50 per person, which includes lunch and supper on June 9 and lunch on June 10. To register, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “rangeland”. To pay by check, send registration fee to: Butte Conservation District, Attn: Yvette, 1837 Fifth Ave., Belle Fourche, S.D., 57717. Registration is due by May 22.
Rangeland Days students learn plant identification, ecological sites and how to determine suitability for cattle and wildlife. Age categories are: New Rangers (ages 8-10), Wranglers (ages 11-13), Scouts (ages 14-18, typically first-time attendees), and Go-Getters (ages 14-18, previous attendees).
Source : sdstate.edu