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.
SOIL HEALTH COALITION’S SEPTEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER Here’s the latest edition of Soil Visions, the Soil Health Coalition’s newsletter! If you’re interested in learning more about specific topics, contact the Soil Health Coalition with your soil health questions and/or visit the technical resource pages of their website.
INCREASING ADOPTION OF SOIL CONSERVATION PRACTICES Farmers who make soil health a priority are more likely to rotate three or more crops and to graze livestock on cropland, according to a survey of producers in South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska. Newswise — Farmers who make soil health a priority are more likely to rotate […]
FARMER DISCOVERS STARK EVIDENCE OF PAST EROSION An excavation project in farmer David Kruger’s field revealed that almost all of the topsoil had eroded from the top of a low ridge down a relatively gentle 7% slope. If not for Kruger’s good soil health practices, the problem could have been worse. As a kid, Twin […]
DISTRICT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY Just a reminder that our offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, in recognition of Labor Day. On this day, we especially want to thank all those who work hard to ensure that conservation practices are implemented!
OUR AMAZING GRASSLANDS Dean and Candice Lockner, Ree Heights, SD Healthy agricultural lands are important for wildlife Dean and Candice Lockner of Ree Heights, SD, notice increased wildlife presence on their lands after planting some fields back to grasses and improving their soil. This short video will be broadcast by various South Dakota television stations […]
