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.
PROFILES IN SOIL HEALTH Cain Creek Project, Beadle Conservation District “The part that excites me most about what the district has with their land out here, is that we can use this as an opportunity to show producers that this stuff really works.” –-Kent Vlieger, USDA-NRCS State Soil Quality Specialist The Beadle Conservation District’s 400-acre […]
WALL LAKE RESTORATION PROJECT — PART 3 This is Part Three of a three-part historical series about the Wall Lake Restoration project, which began in 1989. The Dewey C. Gevik Outdoor Conservation Learning Area came about as a direct result of the Wall Lake Restoration Project, and is enjoyed today by wildlife enthusiasts, leisure walkers, […]
WALL LAKE RESTORATION PROJECT — PART 2 This is Part Two of a three-part historical series about the Wall Lake Restoration project, which began in 1989. The Dewey C. Gevik Outdoor Conservation Learning Area came about as a direct result of the Wall Lake Restoration Project, and is enjoyed today by wildlife enthusiasts, leisure walkers, […]
COVER CROPS AND PASTURE TOUR Striving To Improve Soil Health And Profitability October 4, 2018 — 10:30am to 3:30pm CST Keith Olson Ranch and Mizera Farm, 10711 257th Avenue, McLaughlin, SD, 57642 Cover crops, rotations, planting dates, rates, soil observations, and evaluations for continued improvement will be discussed. The day will begin at address listed […]
WALL LAKE RESTORATION PROJECT — PART 1 This is Part One of a three-part historical series about the Wall Lake Restoration project, which began in 1989. The Dewey C. Gevik Outdoor Conservation Learning Area came about as a direct result of the Wall Lake Restoration Project, and is enjoyed today by wildlife enthusiasts, leisure walkers, […]
THE GEVIK LEARNING AREA IS CLOSED Due to excessive rain, we need to close the Gevik site until further notice. The walking trails and parking lot have been flooded and we are concerned for your safety. Please help us spread the word to your families and friends who visit the Gevik site by sharing this […]
GROW YOUR WAY TO MORE CARBON September 20, 2018 Wagner’s Inc Bin Site (one mile west of Roslyn, SD on Highway 25) Building soil health and organic matter with high carbon crop rotations, tillage reductions, and nutrient management RSVP to Jim Ristau at jimr@sdcorn.com or (605) 730-3474
DEWEY C GEVIK OUTDOOR CONSERVATION LEARNING AREA We’ve been hearing from school groups, bird watchers, and outdoor walkers who are discovering the Gevik Learning Area and finding it to be a very pleasant surprise! We love hearing your stories! In case you’re not aware of the Learning Area yourself, it’s over 100 acres of wetlands, […]
PROFILE IN SOIL HEALTH Kurt Dagel and Olson Custom Farms Hendricks, MN Kurt Dagel, formally a researcher with USDA-ARS and currently the agronomist for Olson Custom Farms, describes his experiences expanding the use of diverse crop rotations. He explains the benefits and how they can be used to achieve long term goals.
