2025 Rangeland and Soil Days for youth is June 10-11 in Belle Fourche

The 41st annual Rangeland and 20th annual Soil Days for youth is June 10-11, 2025, at the Belle Fourche Community Hall. 

South Dakota State University Extension is co-hosting the event with the Butte and Lawrence county conservation districts, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the South Dakota Society for Range Management. The contest is for FFA and 4-H youth who are interested in learning more about rangeland or soils. 

Pre-registration is due by May 30 and is $40 per person, which includes lunch and supper on June 10 and lunch on June 11. To register and see hotel blocks available, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “rangeland”. Registration fees can be paid during check-in or mailed to: Butte Conservation District, Attn: Yvette, 1837 Fifth Ave., Belle Fourche, S.D., 57717.

Rangeland Days is for youth age 8-18 and educates them on South Dakota’s most-threatened natural resource – grasslands. Soil Days is for 14-18-year-olds and educates them on one of South Dakota’s most important resources – soil. Combined, the event provides youth with hands-on experience in understanding rangeland resources and a sense of stewardship in natural resource management.

On the first day of the event, students 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 start the morning of the second day, with results and awards presented after lunch.

“Rangeland and Soil Days is something we look forward to all year long. It really is the highlight of the summer for youth to get involved and learn more about South Dakota’s natural resources,” said Kaylee Wheeler, SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist.

In the Soil Days contest, students learn about soil texture and types, factors that limit soil health, land management recommendations, and understanding suitability for building infrastructure. The overall top scorer in soils receives the Soil Top Hand award.

For the Rangeland Days contest, youth can compete in three categories: display, talk and judging. Youth who participate in all three are eligible for the Rangeland Top award. There are four age divisions: New Rangers (ages 8-10), Wranglers (11-13), Scouts (first-time attendees ages 14-18) and Go Getters (youth 14-18 with previous experience). Students will learn plant identification, ecological sites and how to determine suitability for cattle and wildlife. 

The top scoring Scout or Go-Getter that competes in the talk contest will represent South Dakota as a delegate for the high school youth forum at the National Society for Range Management Meeting. The top Go Getter Range team and the top Land and Homesite team in the 4-H divisions will represent South Dakota in the National Land and Range Judging Contest the following year in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 

For more information, contact Kaylee Wheeler, SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist; or Emily Rohrer, NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist, at Emily.Rohrer@usda.gov. With questions specific to Soil Days, contact Lance Howe, NRCS Soil Scientist, at 605-468-3088.