ONIDA, SD — Women drive a massive portion of South Dakota’s agricultural landscape, and an upcoming event is dedicated entirely to fueling that momentum. The 2026 Agricultural Women’s Day will take place on Wednesday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event, hosted by SDSU Extension, focuses on a crucial mission: empowering, educating, and connecting the women who keep South Dakota’s rural communities thriving.
The Power of Women in South Dakota Agriculture
Women are a vital force on the fields and ranches of the Mount Rushmore State. According to the latest USDA Census of Agriculture, there are 15,910 female producers in South Dakota, accounting for 31% of the state’s total agricultural workforce. Events like this provide a critical space for this network of operators, business owners, and community pillars to collaborate.
“This event is designed to support South Dakota women living and working in agriculture throughout our rural communities,” explained Dawn Nagel, one of the event’s volunteer organizers.
A Day Built for Growth, Strategy, and Self-Care
Nagel, a Gettysburg, S.D., farmer who balances life on the land with an off-farm agricultural career, knows firsthand how rare—and essential—it is for female producers to step away and learn together.
The packed one-day agenda is specifically curated to balance operational strategy with personal well-being. Attendees can look forward to:
- Expert Insights: Deep dives led by professionals in health and finance.
- Federal Resources: Direct access to opportunities within key federal agencies like the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA).
- Inspiration: A motivational keynote speaker designed to re-energize attendees.
- Intentional Networking: Ample built-in time for genuine conversation, community building, and shared experiences.
“As women, we naturally think of everyone else first – nieces and nephews, kids, parents, spouse – but to take good care of others, we need to take good care of ourselves,” Nagel said. “We know that time to focus on ourselves is limited – most often it does not exist – so our committee works to pack in as much practical and timely information into one day as possible. And we make sure there is plenty of time for networking and conversation as well.”
Keeping Growth in the Heart of Rural Communities
The choice of Onida as the host site was entirely intentional. The organizing committee wanted to bring world-class networking directly to the rural spaces that define the industry, rather than forcing producers to travel to major metro areas.
“So often we have to drive to a city in South Dakota to engage in growth and networking opportunities,” Nagel noted. “But those of us who work in agriculture deserve high-quality opportunities right here in our own backyards.”
Event Details at a Glance
- Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Agar-Blunt-Onida School District 58-3
- Address: 500 S 8th St., Onida, SD
- Cost: $20 (includes lunch)
