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.
FLOODING COULD AFFECT MIDWEST FARMERS FOR YEARS The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) published an interesting article about flooding in the Midwest and how this could affect crops for years. We wanted to share it with you. “As devastating images of the 2019 Midwest floods fade from view, an insidious and longer-term problem is […]
SUPERVISORY POSITION OPENING Minnehaha Conservation District is seeking personnel that may have interest in becoming involved with the district, either as one of the elected positions or an appointed advisor. We currently have a vacant elected board position (three years left of a four-year term). We also have advisory position openings. These people are appointed […]
MANAGING STRESS ON THE FARM Monday, April 15, 2019 6:30 – 8:00 PM 2001 East 8th Street, Sioux Falls, SD Farming and ranching is stressful, and we know that numerous factors may cause stress for you and your families. SDSU Extension invites you to attend a 1.5 hour workshop designed to help you and your […]
USDA ANNOUNCES SIGN-UP PERIOD FOR UPDATED CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM The next deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for funding in fiscal year (FY) 2019 is May 10, 2019. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to invest up to $700 million for new enrollments and contract extensions in fiscal year 2019. The 2018 […]
FLOODING RESOURCES South Dakota has experienced record-setting snowfall and flooding. We’ve all seen the stories about the ranchers dealing with flood waters during calving season, the homes and farms that are surrounded by water, if not totally under water. We found a great resource for helping you know where to turn as you deal with […]
LESSONS FROM THE SOUTH DAKOTA DUST BOWL Saturday, April 13, 2019 10:00 – 11:00 am Downtown Library (200 North Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD) Please join Siouxland Libraries for a panel discussion recounting the South Dakota Dust Bowl. They have three presenters coming to speak about crops and farming (Thandi Nleya), soil conservation (Peter Kovacs), […]
We received our copy of Soil Visions and it’s so full of good information that we thought you should read it too! Soil Visions is the monthly newsletter from the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition. They are doing a LOT of work in South Dakota to make you aware of our amazing resources and provide help, if […]
It is with deep sadness that we post the passing of one of our board members. Ron was a huge supporter of conservation and a gentle soul who cared deeply about everyone. Rest in peace, Ron. You will most definitely be missed. Ronald L. Johnson December 25, 1945 – March 21, 2019 Hartford/Crooks – Ronald […]
New Science Shows Benefits of Grazing Native Warm-Season Grasses When it comes to keeping cows fat and happy, the newest available science shows integrating native grasses into grazing lands is a good option for agricultural producers. A literature review conducted by the University of Tennessee and funded by USDA found strong evidence that using native […]
