S.D. Farmers Union Young Producers Event Encourages Next Generation to Explore Sustainability

HURON, S.D. – Ranching is deeply rooted in Mark Hollenbeck’s family. His great-grandparents homesteaded in Dakota Territory, however, as one of seven children, Hollenbeck grew up understanding that if ranching was in his future, he would have to take an unconventional route to get there.

 “It took a lot of unconventional ideas in order for me to get into the ranching business because unlike the vast majority of people who are ranching these days, inheriting the land wasn’t an option available to me,” explains Hollenbeck, who runs an organic cow/calf-finisher herd and a vacation rental property, Sunrise Ranch Lodge, near Edgemont.

Hollenbeck will share his story and challenge young producers to look outside the box to achieve financial stability on their South Dakota farms and ranches during the South Dakota Farmers Union Young Producers Event held in at The Lodge at Deadwood January 29-30, 2016.

 The two-day event, which includes lodging, is free to members and $50 for non-members. Space is limited, so register today.

 A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

When Hollenbeck talks about sustainability, you’d expect the organic cattle producer to begin talking about stewardship of natural resources, but in fact, his focus begins with financial sustainability and comes full circle to investing in natural resources.

 “Sustainability is a big word being bantered around by everyone these days, but if you don’t have economic sustainability, all the rest feels good to talk about, but if an agriculture producer does not achieve economic sustainability, all the rest is a moot point.”

 He goes on to explain that in an era when land is clearly valued beyond its agriculture production value, if you want to get into ranching, you can’t go about it conventionally and make it. “You have to look outside the box at all the opportunities available.”

 His journey to financial sustainability on his South Dakota ranch is quite long and takes many twists and turns.

 It begins with a degree in Chemical Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and a career in the energy industry. And ends where he is today, raising an organic cow/calf herd of about 125 which he also finishes on a couple thousand acres near Edgemont.

 Hollenbeck also operates a vacation/event property, Sunrise Ranch, which he initially launched with the plan that it would be a hunting lodge or ranch vacation destination.

Today, the 55-year-old father of four’s sustainability conversations are more focused on how he can improve soil and grassland health through various grazing management techniques.

 “When people ask me about my ranch, I tell them that I operate an organic cow/calf growing grass finisher operation. All farmers and ranchers are in the business of converting free -nuclear power from the sun into a usable product,” he says. “I think of my cattle as a combine – it’s how I manage the soil and grass is what will impact my profitability and sustainability.”

 To hear the rest of Hollenbeck’s story, attend the 2016 Young Producer Event. To learn more about the S.D. Farmers Union Young Producers Event and to register, contact Erin Wilcox at [email protected] or 605-352-6763 ext. 118.

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Last Modified: 01/20/2016 7:54:18 am MST