Jenita Derga
Ranch and Grazing Consultant Wild Prairie Solutions Founder
Jenita Derga is a fourth-generation rancher and a passionate advocate for sustainable ranching and grassland conservation. As the founder of Wild Prairie Solutions, she specializes in providing ranchers and land managers with tailored services such as grazing management plans, resource assessments, economic planning, meeting facilitation, and succession planning for farming and ranching families. Her mission is to empower ranchers to achieve sustainable and profitable operations for generations to come.
A graduate of the prestigious Ranching for Profit School, Jenita has also completed five years in the Ranching for Profit Executive Link program, gaining in-depth expertise in holistic ranch management, financial analysis, and decision-making frameworks. Her education and hands-on experience make her uniquely equipped to guide families and operations through complex transitions and strategic planning.
Jenita is a sought-after speaker and instructor, sharing her expertise at industry events, workshops, and conferences nationwide. Career highlights include 8 years of service at the USDA NRCS as a Rangeland Management Specialist, instructing at South Dakota Grassland Coalition grazing schools, serving on the National Selection Committee for NRCS Grant Projects, and being a featured speaker at the National Bison Association Conference. In 2023, she was crowned Mrs. South Dakota America, leveraging her platform to promote rural ranch communities and grassland conservation on a national stage.
Jenita holds a Bachelor of Science in Rangeland Ecology and Water Resources Management from Chadron State College, complemented by advanced training in holistic ranch management, conservation planning, and leadership. Beyond her professional work, she enjoys gardening, hunting, fishing, raising horses, and competing in pageants. Together with her husband Justin, a real estate agent, avid hunter, and hunting and fishing guide, they have 11 dogs and 5 horses, and spend a good portion of their free time outdoors in one way or another. They are firmly grounded in their faith and do their best to live a life that honors their Savior Jesus Christ. Grazing, profitability, and helping secure a future for family ranching operations are her passions.
