SDSU Hosts Youth Soil and Rangeland Event

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota State University Extension invites youth to participate in the 2026 Rangeland and Soil Days, held June 9‑10 at the Belle Fourche Community Hall. The event combines education on South Dakota’s most important natural resources—grasslands and soils—with hands-on contests for youth involved in 4-H and FFA programs.

Rangeland Days focuses on grasslands, teaching youth plant identification, ecological sites, and suitability for cattle and wildlife. Students are divided into age categories: New Rangers (8-10), Wranglers (11-13), Scouts (14-18 first-time attendees), and Go-Getters (14-18 previous attendees). Participants can compete in display, talk, and judging contests. Students who complete all three contests are eligible for the Rangeland Top Hand award.

Top performers in the talk contest represent South Dakota at the National Society for Range Management Meeting, while top 4-H teams compete in the National Land and Range Judging Contest.

Soil Days is designed for youth ages 14-18, focusing on soil texture, types, factors affecting soil health, land management, and infrastructure suitability. The judging contest evaluates four sites for land and homesite use. The top scorer receives the Soils Top Hand award, and the top 4-H teams represent South Dakota nationally.

Registration costs $50 per participant, including meals during the two-day event. Interested youth can register online via the SDSU Extension Events page or mail the registration fee to the Butte Conservation District by May 22.

“Participating in the student talks and displays is an excellent opportunity for youth to present their 4-H projects and get feedback on them prior to county fairs later in the summer,” said Kaylee Wheeler, SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist.

Youth gain practical experience, improve resource knowledge, and build leadership and stewardship skills through this unique learning opportunity.

For more information about Rangeland Days, contact Kaylee Wheeler, SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist, at kaylee.wheeler@sdstate.edu; or Emily Rohrer, NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist, at Emily.Rohrer@usda.gov. For information about Soil Days, contact Lance Howe, NRCS Soil Scientist, at 605-468-3088 or lance.howe@usda.gov.

Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university