Upcoming August 2026 Events
- SDACD
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
August is packed with opportunities to get outdoors, learn something new, and connect with others who care about South Dakota's land and natural resources. From field tours and workshops to community celebrations and Dakotafest, there's plenty happening across the state. Take a look at what's coming up and see if there's an event that interests you.
📅 August Events at a Glance
Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
August 4 | Lemmon, SD | |
August 6 | Watertown, SD | |
August 12 | Mitchell, SD | |
August 18 | Prairie City, SD | |
August 18-20 | Mitchell, SD | |
August 20 | Meadow, SD | |
August 22 | Sioux Falls, SD | |
August 27 | Yankton, SD | |
August 28 | Huron, SD |
Last updated: July 30, 2026. Event details may change. Please visit the event website to confirm times and registration.
Looking Ahead: September Events
Mark your calendars for these upcoming conservation events in September:
September 2–7 – South Dakota State Fair (Huron)
September 9–11 – Grazing School (Chamberlain) - RSVP
September 15–17 – South Dakota Soil Health School (Twin Brooks) - RSVP
August 4
Working Lands Workshop: Bale Grazing Discussions
🕙 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. MDT
📍 Anderson Ranch - 19963 Lemmon Lake Rd, Lemmon, SD
Join the South Dakota Grassland Coalition for an on-ranch workshop exploring how bale grazing can improve efficiency, reduce feeding costs, and build healthier soils.
Why bale grazing works—and when it makes sense
Choosing the right locations for bale grazing
Planning and setting up a successful bale grazing system
Expected impacts on soil health, forage production, and nutrient distribution
Practical management tips and lessons learned
Virtual fence plans & discussion
Questions, discussion, and producer-to-producer learning
August 6
Community Garden Field Day
🕙 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. CDT
📍 Foundation Field Community Garden - 1800 3rd Ave. NW, Watertown, SD 57201
SDSU Extension will host a Community Garden Field Day on Thursday, August 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. CDT at the Foundation Field Community Garden. Topics covered will include: soil management in gardens, plant disease scouting and management, pesticide safety, insect identification and management, weed identification and management, and general garden management strategies. This event is free to attend and no registration is required.
August 12
Woody Encroachment Field Tour
🕤 5:30 p.m. CDT
📍 Mitchell, SD - Meet 0.5 miles east of intersection 419th Ave. and 268th St.
SDSU Extension and its partners will host a field tour near Mitchell (meet 0.5 miles east of intersection 419th Ave. and 268th St. - 2 miles north and 9.5 miles east of Dimock, SD) on August 12 at 5:30 p.m to discuss woody encroachment treatment options.
Experts and producer testimonies will highlight practical woody plant control methods, including prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical control of eastern redcedar and other problematic species invading South Dakota grasslands.
This field tour is free to attend and registration is not required.
August 18
Working Lands Workshop: Grazing for Profit, Production, & Soil Health
🕒 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. MDT
📍 Juelfs Ranch - 11578 Wagner Rd, Prairie City, SD
Join the South Dakota Grassland Coalition for an on-ranch workshop exploring how bale grazing can improve efficiency, reduce feeding costs, and build healthier soils.
Building a Contract Grazing Business: Explore opportunities, considerations, and lessons learned when grazing livestock for others.
Determining Carrying Capacity: Learn how to better match livestock numbers with available forage and make informed grazing decisions.
Building Soil Health Through Grazing Management: See how intentional grazing strategies can support healthier soils, stronger forage, and more resilient grasslands.
Determining grazing objectives on any given day or in a specific pasture/site.
RSVP to Tanse:
Dakotafest (August 18 - 20)
🕓 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CDT
📍 2300 E Spruce St, Mitchell, SD 57301
Explore the latest in agriculture and conservation at Dakotafest. Visit exhibitors, attend educational sessions, discover new equipment and practices, and connect with organizations working to support South Dakota's producers. Be sure to stop by the SDACD booth - we'd love to visit with you!
August 20
2026 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Winner Tour
🕘 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
📍 Anderson Ranch - 13149 200th Ave, Meadow, SD
Celebrate the Dan and Sharon Anderson family, recipients of the 2026 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award, during this special ranch tour. Visit Darling Creek Ranch near Meadow to see their conservation practices in action and learn how their commitment to land stewardship has benefited soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and their working operation.
RSVP to Judge Jessop:
📞 605-280-0127
August 22
Prairie Fest 2026: A Family Celebration of Dakota Grasslands
🕐 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. CDT with early bird activities beginning at 7:00 a.m.
📍 Good Earth State Park - 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD
Spend the day celebrating South Dakota's prairies with live music, local food, family activities, and hands-on learning. Hosted by the South Dakota Grassland Coalition and partner organizations, Prairie Fest is a fun opportunity to explore the beauty and importance of our native grasslands while connecting with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and conservation partners.
August 27
Woody Encroachment Field Tour
🕤 5:30 p.m.
📍 Yankton, SD
SDSU Extension and its partners will host a field tour near Yankton on August 27 at 5:30 p.m to discuss woody encroachment treatment options.
Experts and producer testimonies will highlight practical woody plant control methods, including prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical control of eastern redcedar and other problematic species invading South Dakota grasslands.
This field tour is free to attend and registration is not required.
Directions
From the intersection of Hwy 81 and Hwy 46 go 1.5 miles south to NE Jim River Rd.
Turn west and go 0.8 miles to arrive at the Knutson residence on the south side of the road
August 28
2026 Small Scale Ag Soil Health School
🕘 TBD
📍 Huron Event Center & Crossroads Hotel - 100 4th St. SW, Huron, SD
Join the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition for this hands-on workshop designed for small-scale growers, gardeners, and anyone interested in building healthier soils. The event includes classroom sessions at the Crossroads Hotel & Huron Event Center, along with a visit to a nearby operation where participants can see soil health practices in action.
Led by experienced producers and technical experts, topics include:
Soil health principles
Soil biology
Interpreting soil tests
No-till gardening
High tunnels
Pollinators
Compost
Cover crops
Mulching
Native plants
Integrating livestock
Registration is free for South Dakota Soil Health Coalition members or $35 for non-members, which includes a coalition membership.
Register online: https://bit.ly/2026-SmallScaleAg
Questions?
📞 605-280-4190
Have an event to share?
Hosting a conservation-related workshop, field day, volunteer opportunity, or educational event? We'd love to help spread the word. Contact SDACD to have your event considered for an upcoming monthly events roundup.
