By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University offers a rangeland ecology and management program that prepares students for careers in conservation and agriculture. The program has trained leaders since the nineteen forties and remains one of the few accredited programs in the nation.
“There’s always been a demand for people with a rangeland background,” Sean Di Stefano said. “(That’s) because when someone graduates with their range degree, they’re someone who can understand the entire ecosystem, agriculture production and sustainable land use and management.”
Students study within the Department of Natural Resource Management. They learn how to balance conservation practices with farm and ranch production. Rangeland covers nearly half of South Dakota, making this training important for land use planning and food production.
Classes include habitat conservation and management. This course teaches students how to use grazing to protect native plants and wildlife. Students also take animal science courses to understand both production systems and natural land care.
“It’s interesting to see both sides of the equation, and the way we approach it in our program is as an interdisciplinary field with multiple perspectives,” Di Stefano said. “Students will take classes in animal science to see that side of things since students might want to work in a feedlot or in more natural landscapes like a ranch or private consulting company, so we want to get them an overview of everything.”
Hands on learning is a key part of the program. Students travel, take part in field work, and join Range Club activities.
“I think the most rewarding thing for me as a range student is the opportunities it has given me to see the country,” Nick Busse said. “These opportunities have also allowed me to discover where I want to end up in the future.”
Students compete in national range contests and plant identification events. These activities build skills and connect students to future career paths.
“The range program has prepared me for my future in innumerable ways,” Busse said.
Faculty and partners support student learning through scholarships, field experiences, and mentoring. Landowners also help by sharing conservation practices.
“One thing we always try to emphasize in this program is we have to work together and work with people,” Di Stefano said.
The program continues to prepare future leaders who care for land, food systems, and healthy rangelands. More information about the rangeland ecology and management specialization or the Department of Natural Resource Management can be found on their respective websites.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Education, Livestock