Maygen & The Birdwatcher   By Cassidy Spencer   Early in June of 2023, Lynn Betts was doing consulting with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition, developing a public service campaign through the USDA to highlight North America’s native grasslands. Videographer Joe Dickie had crisscrossed the grasslands for years already, collecting footage of the country’s authentic ranching livelihood and the grasslands’ expansive, multifaceted beauty. With all this footage, and an aim to br

Laura Kahler is the director of the South Dakota Grassland Initiative (SDGI) and a graduate of South Dakota State University. After studying agricultural education in college, Kahler gained experience in 4-H youth programs, bringing agricultural education and context to clubs, schools, and grant-funded programs. Kahler’s upbringing, studies, and background have coalesced to provide her with a unique perspective on South Dakota agriculture and habitat, culminating in a distinc

Today holds special significance for those who appreciate the vital roles played by soil and water in our world.

We’re excited that Dakota Farmer has published an article (11/3/2023) by veteran journalist Kurt Lawton on adaptive grazing. Lawton draws you in in the first line (you’re going to have to read the article ) and from there takes the reader through the nuanced world of adaptive grazing. He draws from the principles of adaptive management set out by grazing management practitioner, consultant, and former academic, Allen Williams. Still, he applies this to a real-world picture

While we talk a lot about the loss of grasslands to cool-season invasive species, the conversion of cropland to grassland is another signifi

OK, the word “climate” can be controversial, and I get that, but the good news is that I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t think more soil...

When we talk about resilience, we are talking about the land’s ability to rebound and be productive even under the harshest conditions. South Dakota is no stranger to extremes in temperature and moisture; sometimes, the land needs a little help. We think the most important investment a producer can make is in education. For example, do you know how granular soil structure is created and how it may affect your land’s resilience bottom line? South Dakota is blessed with many

Recently I had the privilege of attending the SD Grassland Grazing school in Summit, SD based at the Abbey of the Hills.

If you’re passionate about ranching and looking to turn that into a profitable business, sign up for “Young Adult Ranching for Profit".

Recognizing and Nurturing a Diversity of Prairie Plants can bring Resilience and Profits

Producers and partners, please be aware that the USDA-NRCS in South Dakota has announced a Request for Proposals by the end of June 2023

Learn how to improve soil health, water infiltration, livestock performance, and more on the upcoming grazing management bus tour!

We want to make you aware of the Northern Great Plains Joint Venture (NGPJV) website that discusses its mission and what they do. In...

What is a Land Trust? Our partner, the South Dakota Grasslands Coalition, recently sent out a newsletter to raise awareness of the South...

The annual bird watching tour in South Dakota is approaching, & it promises to be an exciting event for bird enthusiasts & nature lovers.

Gain knowledge and skills in soil health management is by attending the 2023 South Dakota Soil Health School.

Grazing school is a program that teaches ranchers and livestock producers how to manage their grazing lands more effectively.

As scary as fire can be, what if we view fire as a part of the ecosystem? A tool that, if wisely & effectively used, can immensely benefit

The release of abstracts and the presentations of NDSU’s conference on “Perennial Cool-Season Invasive Grasses" couldn't be more timely.

Are you a South Dakota farmer or rancher looking to improve your soil health? Look no further! The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition...