Our mission is to improve stewardship of grasslands through sustainable and profitable management
Photo Credit: Briana Rupp
The South Dakota Grassland Coalition (SDGC) is a producer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to improving grassland stewardship through education, collaboration, and on-the-ground support. Formed in 1997, SDGC is governed by a volunteer board of landowners involved in production agriculture who understand the challenges of managing grasslands in a working landscape. The Coalition works to connect landowners with the tools, knowledge, and community they need to manage their operations in a way that is both economically viable and ecologically sound.
SDGC’s core mission is to support landowners and livestock producers in making informed, profitable decisions that promote long-term grassland health. Rather than focusing on regulation or one-size-fits-all solutions, the Coalition emphasizes adaptive management and peer-to-peer learning. All of our programs are built around the idea that healthy grasslands support healthy operations—enhancing productivity, increasing resilience, and preserving rural livelihoods.
Key offerings include multi-day Grazing Schools, seasonal pasture walks, producer tours, and an active mentoring network that pairs experienced graziers with those just getting started. SDGC also hosts an annual conference featuring practical insights from experts and producers alike. Beyond events, the Coalition provides ongoing support through newsletters, educational videos, field tools, and personalized technical guidance.
At its heart, SDGC is about community and connection—bringing producers together to share knowledge, support one another, and strengthen the future of grass-based agriculture in South Dakota. With the support of various agency and nonprofit partnerships, the Coalition remains a trusted resource for producers seeking practical, locally relevant solutions to the challenges of managing grassland systems.
