MERIT OR MYTH: Engaging South Dakota’s Farming Community
In The Pursuit Of Healthy, Functioning Soils
In 2007, Doug Sieck of Walworth County, SD began his soil health journey. A little over a decade later, his soils, his operation, and his mindset have all transformed. In this 7-part series, Doug shares with us his eye-opening journey into soil health, how to make the transition easier, and why we all should consider the change ourselves.
Integrated Systems With Doug Sieck — Intro 1/7
Integrated Systems With Doug Sieck — Holistic Mindset 2/7
The big-picture idea of healthy, functioning soils is so appealing: more moisture available to the plant, more nutrients recycling, fewer weeds, lower inputs… what’s not to like, right? To the busy farmer, are the ideas of healthy functioning soils just that… ideas? Put another way we should ask: “what has merit and what is myth”? At Merit or Myth our mission is, through the social media, to engage with South Dakota-based farmers, researchers and conservationists to gain a better understanding of healthy, functioning soils. We want to engage in the context of the management issues that farmers most care about including residue, soil temperature, soil moisture and weed management.
ENHANCING AN OPERATION WITH COVER CROPS This Friday meet Bo Fox, of Monona County, Iowa, who is working with USDA to efficiently graze his 100-head cow and calf herd and help improve soil health on his farm. Bo farms with his son, Jake, in western Iowa’s Loess Hills. A long-time no-tiller, he has expanded his crop […]
WHAT’S A NOLO? Nope, we’re not talking about the legal contracts site. In the conservation world, NOLO stands for NON-OPERATOR LAND OWNER. Are you a NOLO? Do you know about all of the resources and programs available to you to help you be as successful as possible? We found a great one to present to you […]
RAINFALL SIMULATOR Have you ever seen a rainfall simulation done? In case not, we found a great video to show you! Rainfall simulators are essentially controlled rainfalls that help you study the erosion, infiltration, runoff, and water quality of your fields. If you ever get to see one in person, take advantage of the opportunity!
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY While searching for a news bit to post today, we came across this article! It was fun reading about the history of our conservation district! It’s a little outdated now, with the last update being from 2012, but it’s still fun to see how far we’ve come, and yet stayed […]
LANDOWNERS MATTER Steve and Cathy Peterson and their two sons, Drew and Kent, farm near Salem and Avon, South Dakota. They run a cow-calf operation near their home north of Salem. As active farmers and avid hunters, this multi-generational farm family is always thinking of ways to improve wildlife habitat to their land. Key habitat […]
PLANTING NATIVE PRAIRIE COULD BE A SECRET WEAPON FOR FARMERS In Iowa, researchers and farmers are discovering that planting strips of native prairie amidst farmland benefits soil, water, biodiversity, and more. BY NATHAN BEACOM Agroecology, Climate, FARMING, Water Posted on: October 15, 2019 When farmer Gary Guthrie describes recent changes to his farm, his eyes light up. After […]
SOUTH DAKOTA AGRICULTURAL LAND MARKET TRENDS The 2019 SDSU Extension Farm Real Estate Market Survey is the 29th annual survey of agricultural land values and cash rental rates by land use and quality in different regions of South Dakota. Reported are results of the survey and a discussion of factors influencing buyer/seller decisions and positive/negative […]
TIME FOR TREE ORDERS AGAIN! With the impending winter weather in the forecast, we might as well start thinking SPRING! We’ve got our tree order form all ready to go! Take stock of your needs and let us know how we can help! Note that the order forms are due by March 4, 2020.
REPORT: INNOVATIVE STATE-LED FINANCING ADVANCES AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EDF, NASDA find nontraditional financing can benefit farmers, taxpayers, and the environment States that embrace innovative new ways to finance on-farm conservation can deliver multiple benefits to farmers, state residents, taxpayers, and the environment, according to a new report released today at the National Association of State Departments of […]
2020 NATIONAL CONSERVATION FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER At the 2020 Live Auction in Las Vegas on Monday February 10, all proceeds will go to the National Conservation Foundation (NCF), NACD’s sister organization, to support their work in identifying and advancing the next generation of conservation leaders through the NCF-Envirothon, NACD Stewardship and Education Programs, and the NCF Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI). In 2019, […]
