News

Stay flexible when grazing through varied conditions

By Janelle Atyeo For South Dakota Soil Health Coalition PIERRE, SD – Will there be enough forage for the herd? When will it rain? Agriculture producers are often called upon to make decisions without having all the necessary information. Weather is hard to predict by...

Invest in land at Soil Health School, June 25-26 in Caputa

PIERRE, SD – “Invest in land, they’re not making it anymore.” It’s an age-old sentiment that was once expressed by Mark Twain and is now a familiar refrain in the agricultural community. Twain specifically said to “buy land,” but some producers have learned there is...

Virtual fences can make a real difference

By Stan Wise PIERRE, SD – Moving livestock is an inescapable part of a rancher’s life, and it can be labor intensive, especially if a producer uses a rotational grazing system designed to improve rangeland and soil health. But what if it doesn’t have to be? Enter...

Regenerative ag can grow the bottom line

By Stan Wise PIERRE, SD – As regenerative agriculture gains traction as a hot topic, one question dominates the farming community: Does it pay? Simply put, yes, it does. Regenerative ag is an approach to land management that focuses on improving soil health,...

Awards, new board member announced at Soil Health Conference

PIERRE, SD – The Ninth Annual Soil Health Conference, Jan. 15-16 at the Ramkota Hotel and Event Center in Watertown, SD, saw approximately 500 attendees, including over a hundred students. The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition was thrilled to offer this opportunity...

Noted rancher, author to explain ‘sweet spot’ of grazing at conference

By Janelle Atyeo For South Dakota Soil Health Coalition PIERRE, SD – Tom Krawiec found the sweet spot for grazing quite by accident. The Canadian rancher sought out the point where grass in his pasture was both established enough to stay healthy and nutritious enough...

Study finds soybean yields resilient following late rye termination

By Janelle Atyeo For South Dakota Soil Health Coalition PIERRE, SD – A cover crop of quick growing cereal rye can keep the soil in place over winter’s brown and blowing days. Its long roots soak up excess spring rains, and its straw helps block weeds. The more...

Restaurateur promotes local food for community security

By Stan Wise PIERRE, SD – When Sioux Falls restaurateur Tim Meagher purchases local food, he doesn’t do it because it’s trendy. For him, it’s about securing a future for his business and the community. “If somebody else has control of our food system – if you were a...