By Stan Wise
South Dakota Soil Health Coalition
PIERRE, SD – “Invest in land, they’re not making it anymore.”
It’s an age-old sentiment that was once expressed by Mark Twain and is now a familiar refrain in the agricultural community. Twain specifically said to “buy land,” but some producers have learned there is more than one type of investment. By using regenerative agriculture practices, they can invest in the land they already have, making it healthier, more resilient to drought, and more profitable.
“It all starts with healthy soil,” South Dakota Soil Health Coalition Executive Director Cindy Zenk said. “All the benefits of regenerative ag – healthier farms, healthier food, and healthier communities – it all starts with growing the life beneath our feet. The producers who adopt that mindset are more profitable, and their operations are more sustainable.”
However, it takes more than just a desire to improve the soil to see those benefits. It takes knowledge of regenerative land management practices and a plan to tailor those practices to each producer’s goals.
That’s why the Coalition is hosting the first of two Soil Health Schools this summer June 25-26 at Dry Creek Farm and Ranch near Caputa, SD. This school will feature expert instructors from across the Northern Plains, including industry professionals, researchers, and experienced producers. Attendees will experience in-depth classroom lectures and hands-on field exercises. They’ll also get the chance to interact directly with the instructors and network with other attendees, making connections that can help them grow their farms, ranches, or gardens.
“Whether you’re a farmer, rancher, small scale producer, or a backyard gardener, Soil Health School will offer you valuable information, resources and experiences,” Zenk said. “The school can also help you set goals for your operation and identify ways to meet those goals. It’s an excellent place to start your regenerative ag journey.”
Individual registrations for the June 25-26 school cost $100, and additional registrations from the same operation cost $75. Class size is limited, so early registration is recommended. Certified Crop Advisor continuing education units will be available for attendees. For more information and registration, visit www.tinyurl.com/2025WRSHS.
