In this short, focused episode, Buz Kloot sits down with conservationist Shane Jordan to unpack why conditions are aligning for salinity to re-emerge as a serious issue this year. What looks like a dry start may actually be the trigger for something deeper—literally.

This episode sets the stage for understanding the problem before diving into solutions in Part 2.

What You’ll Learn

• Why last year’s wet conditions are still affecting fields today
• How a rising water table + dry conditions can amplify salinity
• The role of capillary rise in bringing salts to the soil surface
• Why bare soil and lack of living roots make the problem worse
• How management decisions (tillage, crop loss, inputs) contribute to risk
• Why salinity is ultimately a water cycle problem, not just a soil issue

“When we get a really wet year followed by a dry one… we actually see a lot of these salts get enhanced.” 

Key Insight

Salinity is not just a patch problem—it’s a systems problem.

What shows up as a white patch in a field is often just the symptom. The cause lies in how water moves (or doesn’t move) across the entire landscape.

Why This Year Is Different

• Extremely wet conditions in parts of the region last year (30+ inches in some areas)
• Saturated soils leading to elevated water tables
• Limited plant growth or destroyed crops in affected areas
• Fields left bare and vulnerable to evaporation
• Early signs of a potentially dry season

Together, these create the perfect conditions for salts to move upward and accumulate at the surface.

What to Watch For This Spring

• Areas with standing water last year
• Field edges near wetlands, ditches, and drainages
• Spots where crops were stressed, drowned out, or chemically terminated
• Expanding patches of white or crusted soil

Learn More

We’ve compiled practical resources, videos, and producer insights here:
👉https://www.growingresiliencesd.com/soilsalinity

Coming Next (Part 2)

In the next episode, we move from problem to practice:

• What you can do right now to slow salinity
• Short-, medium-, and long-term strategies
• Why early intervention makes all the difference

About Shane Jordan

Shane Jordan is a Resource Conservationist with the NRCS Brookings Area Ecological Team, specializing in salinity management, soil health, and whole-farm conservation planning.

He grew up on a diversified farm in Iowa and holds a B.S. in Range Management from South Dakota State University. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Shane has worked across the Northern Plains in roles including range conservationist, district conservationist, and watershed project specialist. He served 23 years as District Conservationist in Redfield, South Dakota, working directly with producers to implement conservation systems on working lands. 

In 2025, Shane was awarded the Hugh Hammond Bennett National Planner Award, one of NRCS’s highest honors. The award recognizes outstanding leadership in conservation planning, long-term commitment to working with landowners, and excellence in applying resource management to real-world agricultural systems. 

Known for his practical, relationship-based approach, Shane emphasizes whole-system thinking—helping producers move beyond treating symptoms to addressing the underlying causes of resource challenges.

We’re launching these short-form episodes to better serve our audience. Instead of listening to a full 60–90 minute conversation, you can now jump straight into the most valuable insights—practical, research-backed takeaways you can apply immediately.

In this segment, Natalie explains why the tillage vs. no-till debate misses the bigger picture. Drawing from her research at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm, she shares how two side-by-side no-till fields—managed with the same equipment and soil type—can perform completely differently based on rotation history alone. The difference shows up not just in yields, but in soil structure, organic matter, and resilience.

For the full interview with Natalie, please stream the long-form episode here.

Natalie Sturm didn’t grow up in agriculture—she’s originally from suburban Chicago. Her early concern for climate, biodiversity, and human health led her to Montana State University, where she earned a B.S. in Agroecology through the Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems program.

She went on to complete her M.S. at South Dakota State University, studying long-term no-till crop rotations at Dakota Lakes Research Farm. Her thesis demonstrated that rotation diversity, small grains, cover crops, and livestock are key to improving soil quality and yields—not just no-till.

Natalie is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Washington State University, where she studies the effects of cropping systems on soil compaction in the Palouse region. In 2025, she will return to Dakota Lakes as its new Research Farm Manager.

📌 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 📄 Natalie’s full M.S. thesis: “It’s Not Just No-Till: Crop Rotations Are Key to Improving Soil Quality and Grain Yields at Dakota Lakes Research Farm”
  👉Read or download here
• 🎥 Natalie’s video on crop rotations
  👉Watch here on Dakota Lakes site
• 🎥 Dakota Lakes 2020 Virtual Field Day Playlist (20 videos)
  👉View full playlist here
• 📝 Related Blog Post:
  Beyond No-Till: Why Crop Rotations Matter More Than You Think
  👉Read the blog post

“We could take a shovel, and shovel up some soil in one field, and then just go across the dirt road, and the soils would look completely different... it kind of blew my mind that the only difference between those two fields was the crop rotation they had been under for the past 20 to 30 years.”
—Natalie Sturm

Episode Summary:
Natalie Sturm is a rising voice in cropping systems and soil health. She joins us to reframe the tillage conversation—not as a binary between conventional and no-till, but as part of a broader system that includes crop rotation, residue management, livestock integration, and long-term soil function. Drawing on her M.S. research at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm, Natalie shares insights about why no-till alone isn’t enough and how thoughtful rotation design can drive both soil quality and profitability.

We talk about:

• Why two side-by-side no-till fields can look dramatically different
• How biomass, not just crop diversity, builds better soils
• The drought resilience of long rotations
• How longer rotations can reduce herbicide and pesticide use
• The economics of dryland vs. irrigated systems
• Practical tips for transitioning into more resilient systems, one step at a time
• Natalie's journey from suburban Chicago to the helm of Dakota Lakes

Featured Guest Bio:
Natalie Sturm didn’t grow up in agriculture—she’s originally from suburban Chicago. Her passion for climate, biodiversity, and human health led her to Montana State University, where she earned a B.S. in Agroecology. She then completed her M.S. at South Dakota State University studying long-term no-till crop rotations at Dakota Lakes Research Farm. Natalie is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Washington State University on the effects of cropping systems on soil compaction in the Palouse region. In 2026, she will return to Dakota Lakes as its new research farm manager.

📌 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 📄 Natalie’s full M.S. thesis: “It’s Not Just No-Till: Crop Rotations Are Key to Improving Soil Quality and Grain Yields at Dakota Lakes Research Farm”
  👉Read or download here
• 🎥 Natalie’s video on crop rotations
  👉Watch here on Dakota Lakes site
• 🎥 Dakota Lakes 2020 Virtual Field Day Playlist (20 videos)
  👉 View full playlist here
• 📝 Related Blog Post:
  Beyond No-Till: Why Crop Rotations Matter More Than You Think
  👉Read the blog post

Additional Resources:

✨ BONUS ARTICLE: What Are We Really Arguing About When We Talk About Tillage: growingresiliencesd.com/post/what-we-re-really-arguing-about-when-we-talk-about-tillage

• Liz Kierl, Executive Director, Second Century Habitat Fund
• Buz Kloot, Soil Health Lab, University of South Carolina
• Joe Dickie, Videographer and Conservation Storyteller, Soil Health Lab

📝 Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Liz Kierl, Executive Director of the Second Century Habitat Fund (SCHF), to talk about one of South Dakota’s most effective and underappreciated conservation tools: the Working Lands Habitat Program. Liz unpacks how this unique initiative blends private lands stewardship, strategic habitat restoration, and flexible grazing options—all while keeping landowners in the driver’s seat.

With videographer and conservation storyteller Joe Dickie sharing observations from years of working alongside ranchers, and Buz guiding the conversation, we explore how pheasants, pollinators, and producers all benefit when marginal cropland is converted back to native grasses and forbs. Liz also shares how SCHF’s funding model—including the famous Can-Am raffles—is helping build a lasting conservation legacy.

Whether you're a landowner curious about signing up, or someone who just loves South Dakota’s prairies, this is a conversation about habitat that works with producers, not against them.

🔑 Key Topics

• The mission of the Second Century Habitat Fund
• Why marginal cropland is key to grassland restoration
• What makes the Working Lands Habitat Program different (hint: haying, grazing, and seed incentives)
• How Can-Am raffles and habitat decals help fund conservation
• Liz’s personal connection to hunting, habitat, and heritage
• The South Dakota habitat funding model: voluntary, local, effective

🧑‍🌾 Guest Bio: Liz Kierl

Liz Kierl is Executive Director of the Second Century Habitat Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring South Dakota’s grasslands and sustaining wildlife through voluntary private lands partnerships. Originally from Nebraska, Liz grew up in a family of pheasant hunters and conservationists. She brings deep experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and landowner outreach.

Since taking the helm at SCHF, Liz has expanded fundraising programs (like the Can-Am UTV raffles), built partnerships with agencies and NGOs, and helped landowners tap into the powerful incentives of the Working Lands Habitat Program—an effort that aims to restore grassland on over 100,000 acres.

Additional Resources:

✨BONUS ARTICLE: What Are We Really Arguing About When We Talk About Tillage: growingresiliencesd.com/post/what-we-re-really-arguing-about-when-we-talk-about-tillage

Though still in high school, Karlie has already presented at national rangeland competitions, been a featured voice in Amazing Grasslands, and dreams of running a consulting business with her dad (where he’ll work for her, of course). In this episode, Karlie shares what she’s learning on the land and in the classroom—lessons about livestock, soil health, and the importance of context, context, context.

But she doesn’t stop there.

We talk about how her dad’s paradigm shift reshaped their entire operation—allowing both her parents to come home full-time to the ranch—and how the mental and spiritual health of the family improved alongside the land. Karlie reflects on the influence of mentors like Mitch Faulkner and the power of intergenerational learning. She shares her thoughts on what the ag industry needs to do to keep young people not just interested—but inspired.

You’ll hear Karlie speak with grace, humor, and a refreshing blend of scientific precision and deep, soulful connection to land. As she says: “We look at things on a microscopic level and at a huge level—and I think with all of us, it's like, how could there not be a Creator?”

Whether you're a seasoned rancher, new to regenerative ag, or simply curious what the future looks like, this conversation will leave you hopeful—and maybe even a little humbled.

Highlights:

• Karlie’s family’s transition from conventional to regenerative ranching
• The spiritual and emotional transformation of the land and people
• Why livestock integration and context are critical for soil health
• How Karlie overcame public speaking fears to win a national rangeland competition
• The enduring influence of mentors like Mitch Faulkner
• A vision for the future of agriculture—and the role of young people in shaping it

Quote of the Episode:

“We all kind of have that further appreciation and understanding for something that isn't quite of this world... You feel something different when you're around animals and surrounded by pasture. I couldn’t explain it—but you feel at peace.” — Karlie Kammerer

🎧 Listen now and meet a young woman whose voice is already shaping the range.

Karlie’s Advice for Aspiring Ranchers

If you're a young person interested in rangeland management or regenerative ranching, here are a few things that helped me on my journey:

• SD Grassland Coalition: The SDGC provided me with numerous learning opportunities that not only helped light my spark for range but also educated me about a lot of what I know about the topic.
• Society for Range Management High School Youth Forum (SRM HSYF): The speaking competition that I won was put on by the SRM HSYF. This link directs you to the 2023 winners (note that they haven't updated it for 2024 and 2025), where you can read their essays and find the necessary information for the competition itself.
• SD Rangeland and Soil Days: This is the competition in which I won the state delegate position for SRM HSYF. You need to win something in your state (whether that's a Rangeland Days, FFA competition, speaking, or essay competition... it depends on the state) to go on and compete at the national level.
• Reach out to NRCS and local ranchers who are practicing regenerative or holistic management and ask if you can tag along and learn.
• Find learning and speaking opportunities near you. The more you learn, the better!

Additional Resources:

Our Amazing Grasslands - Young and Upcoming Generations Feature: youtube.com/watch?v=S_VlBwG9aks&ab_channel=USDANRCSSouthDakota

✨ BONUS ARTICLE: What Are We Really Arguing About When We Talk About Tillage: growingresiliencesd.com/post/what-we-re-really-arguing-about-when-we-talk-about-tillage

 “When people don't understand much about the prairie, it just kind of looks like this monolith… just one FLAT thing. But really, it's like an old growth forest — full of life.” - Kate Rasmussen

“Once you learn about it, your brain can look for it — and it completely changes how you see your place.” - Kate Rasmussen

👩‍🌾 Meet Our Guest

Kate Rasmussen grew up ranching in the South Dakota Badlands on her family's cattle operation. Today, she's a Grasslands Conservationist with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) based out of Spearfish, SD. Drawing from deep personal experience, Kate bridges the worlds of wildlife conservation and sustainable ranching across South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

🌾 Episode Highlights

🐄 Reconciling Ranching and Conservation

• Kate speaks candidly about the lingering perception that livestock and conservation are at odds.
• Through WWF’s Sustainable Ranching Initiative, she’s helping producers see how managing for wildlife and profit can go hand in hand.
• Her team works at the intersection of grazing management, prairie restoration, and community resilience.

💡 Program Spotlight: WWF’s Sustainable Ranching Initiative

Kate outlines two core programs:

• Grassland Reseeding Program: Funds and supports native reseeding efforts with technical guidance.
• RSVP (Ranch Systems and Viability Planning): Offers infrastructure cost-share, education stipends, ecological monitoring, and peer networking.

📍 Geography Matters

Their focus area includes:

• Western South Dakota
• Eastern Montana
• Nebraska Sandhills
• Northeast Wyoming

🧠 Insights & Advice for Landowners

• Start where you are: Kate encourages a judgment-free, continuum-based approach to grazing changes — from season-long grazing to adaptive strategies.
• Peer learning is key: Real change happens when ranchers talk to ranchers, not from prescriptive outside voices.
• Pain points drive change: Crisis often catalyzes innovation, but support networks make the transition manageable.

🌱 Reseeding: Hope and Hard Truths

• Reseeding is slow, uncertain, and resource-intensive.
• Projects like those with the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe show it can work with good prep and patience.
• Kate urges understanding of succession — that weeds and forbs are part of nature’s recovery plan.
• Seedbanks may hold surprises — prairie species can emerge decades later!

🔬 Monitoring & Carbon

• WWF gathers soil and vegetation data (including organic matter), but does not run a carbon offset program to avoid restricting producers’ future opportunities.

🤝 Ecology Meets Economy

• Kate sees sustainable ranching as a circular model — one that supports community, wildlife, and good food production.
• She’s passionate about facilitating relationships between ranchers, organizations, and conservation partners.

🐦 Closing Reflections

• Get curious: Kate encourages landowners to explore what’s already living on their land.
• Tools like Merlin Bird ID make learning easy — and fun for kids too!
• Discovering wildlife shifts your perception of place and makes change exciting.

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode

• South Dakota Grassland Coalition – Mentor Network
• South Dakota Grassland Initiative
• Laura Kahler’s Podcast Episode
• Merlin Bird ID app – Free download for bird identification

🙌 Thank You, Kate!

From prairie reseeding to sheep shearing to rolling up sleeves in Spearfish, Kate Rasmussen reminds us that conservation begins with community and that we all have a role to play — no matter where we are on the journey.

Early Life and Career

Dawn Butzer’s roots in agriculture and conservation run deep. Growing up, she developed a strong appreciation for the land, learning firsthand about the challenges and opportunities in sustainable agriculture. Her early career saw her working in various capacities, where she gained valuable experience in land management, conservation programs, and working with producers to improve soil and water health.

Current Work

Dawn is currently involved in conservation efforts that focus on grassland restoration, soil health improvement, and sustainable grazing practices. Through her work with the NRCS, she collaborates with ranchers and landowners to implement conservation plans tailored to their needs. She is also actively engaged with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition, which promotes voluntary conservation efforts among producers. Additionally, her work with Ducks Unlimited aligns with large-scale restoration efforts, ensuring that grasslands remain viable for wildlife and agriculture.

Future Aspirations

Dawn is passionate about continuing to bridge the gap between conservation initiatives and agricultural operations. She aims to expand her outreach, working closely with producers to adopt practices that benefit both the land and their bottom line. With increasing challenges such as climate variability and land-use changes, she hopes to play a crucial role in advocating for policies and programs that support long-term sustainability.

Key Partnerships and Programs

• NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service): Dawn works with the NRCS to provide technical and financial support for landowners looking to implement conservation practices. These efforts include rotational grazing systems, soil health initiatives, and grassland preservation.
• South Dakota Grassland Coalition (SDGC): This producer-led organization promotes grassland management techniques that balance productivity with ecological health. Dawn collaborates with SDGC to support ranchers in adopting regenerative grazing methods.
• Ducks Unlimited: Recognizing the vital role grasslands play in water conservation and wildlife habitat, Dawn works alongside Ducks Unlimited on projects that protect these ecosystems while ensuring economic viability for ranchers.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Dawn and the hosts discussed several books and articles that provide further insight into conservation and sustainable agriculture. Here are a few key recommendations:

• Native Grass Forages by Patrick Keyser – Native Grass Forages for the Eastern U.S." by Patrick Keyser is a comprehensive guide focusing on the establishment, management, and benefits of native warm-season grasses as forage in the eastern United States. Designed for farmers, technical advisors, scientists, and conservationists, the book offers practical, science-based information on this topic.  See: https://nativegrasses.tennessee.edu/native-grass-forages/
• Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture by Ellen F. Davis: Link
• Cotton, Country Conservation: An 8-Year Case Study in Regenerative Agriculture (Following SC Farmer Sonny Price's path of reducing input costs, increasing organic matter, and saving over $2.5 million): soilhealthlabs.com/projects/cotton-country-conservation

Dr. Farmaha joins us again to talk about what’s happening below the topsoil and why it matters more than ever in nutrient decision-making. From soil testing at deeper depths to assessing the biological activity of soil microbes, Bhupinder's research is showing that one-size-fits-all recommendations just don’t cut it anymore.

He shares a bold finding: only 50% of cotton production sites in his trials respond to nitrogen application. That insight could shake up fertilizer recommendations in a big way. Bhupinder also dives into chicken litter studies, the promise and risks of micronutrient buildup, and the long-term effects of organic amendments on sandy South Carolina soils.

Highlights include:

• Working with USDA partners to integrate biological indicators into soil tests
• Chicken litter vs. synthetic fertilizer: trade-offs and recommendations
• How climate-smart practices can stabilize yields in unpredictable weather
• Rethinking seed selection in light of resilient management systems

The episode ends with a look at where this work is headed—toward more holistic, systems-based nutrient management. Bhupinder makes a strong case for moving beyond chemistry alone and embracing biology and farmer experience as critical parts of the fertility equation.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Cotton, Country Conservation: An 8-Year Case Study in Regenerative Agriculture (Following SC Farmer Sonny Price's path of reducing input costs, increasing organic matter, and saving over $2.5 million):  soilhealthlabs.com/projects/cotton-country-conservation

We explore the difficulty of challenging generational practices and the importance of building trust through local, participatory research. Bhupinder shares stories of farmers like Sonny Price, who haven’t applied potash for nearly a decade—without any loss in yield—and how that’s pushing the envelope on conventional wisdom.

Topics covered include:

• Why scaling back fertilizer use is as much cultural as it is agronomic
• The importance of working on real farms, not just research stations
• Building peer-to-peer farmer networks for change
• How soil health practices like cover crops impact profitability, pH, and nutrient cycling
• Learning from farmer-led experiments and shifting extension models

This episode lays the groundwork for a broader conversation about nutrient efficiency, soil health, and what it takes to bring about real-world change in agricultural systems. Whether you're conventional, curious, or fully regenerative, there’s something here for everyone interested in growing smarter.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Cotton, Country Conservation: An 8-Year Case Study in Regenerative Agriculture (Following SC Farmer Sonny Price's path of reducing input costs, increasing organic matter, and saving over $2.5 million): soilhealthlabs.com/projects/cotton-country-conservation

“You can’t graze a landscape unless you understand what that landscape wants to be.” — Dave Ollila

“We’ve got a chance to tell a story—to show that red meat can come from stewardship, not just consumption.” — Dave Ollila

“The biology in the rumen is the same biology in the soil. That’s no accident. That’s design.” — Dave Ollila

👩‍🌾 About our Guest

Dave Ollila is a seasoned rancher and agricultural educator in Butte County, South Dakota. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has made significant contributions to sustainable livestock management, particularly in multi-species grazing and soil health.​

Dave’s great-grandfather immigrated from Finland and homesteaded in Butte County in 1916. Dave and his wife, Holly, continue this legacy by raising sheep and cattle on the same land, emphasizing practices that align with the region's semi-arid conditions (South Dakota Magazine.)​

Professionally, Ollila served as the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Sheep Field Specialist until his retirement in February 2020. He then joined the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition (SDSHC) as a Soil Health Technician, focusing on assisting producers in western South Dakota with soil health consultations (South Dakota Soil Health Coalition).

🌾 In this Episode

In this deeply engaging conversation, Dave Ollila shares hard-won wisdom from decades of grazing and ranching in western South Dakota. We dive into the ecology of the prairie, how sheep and cattle mimic native herbivores, and how integrating multiple species—and technologies—can regenerate landscapes, boost ranch income, and reconnect producers to the land’s natural rhythms.

🐑 Topics Covered

• Why context matters in livestock integration
  • Eastern SD = tallgrass prairie; Western SD = shortgrass prairie
  • Matching livestock species (e.g., sheep vs. cattle) to land, rainfall, and forage type
• Multi-species grazing as ecological mimicry
  • Cattle as analogs to bison: bulk grazers of coarse grass
  • Sheep and goats as browsers akin to deer and elk
  • Better soil biology and insect/bird diversity through livestock diversity
• Virtual fencing in practice
  • Using “No Fence” GPS collars to control small ruminants
  • How virtual fences help manage weed outbreaks and reduce fencing costs
  • Current limitations: signal strength, battery life, and training
• Training livestock to graze invasive species
  • How sheep learn to consume Dalmatian toadflax through experience
  • Lessons from Dave's cooperative research with BLM and insights from the Targeted Grazing Manual
• Benefits of sheep in dry country
  • Sheep’s ability to thrive on snow as a water source
  • Their lower infrastructure needs and suitability for women and youth
  • Income diversity through meat and wool (up to 200% lambing rates)
• Why we need to educate our "city cousins"
  • Comparing prairie biodiversity to the Amazon
  • Urban lawns, golf courses, and parks can also sequester carbon
  • “We’re not enemies—we’re partners with nature.”

📚 Resources Mentioned

1. Targeted Grazing 101: Starting and Sustaining a Grazing Service Enterprise

• A new handbook from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is available for download from SheepUSA.org
• Also supported by the Society for Range Management

2. 2006 "Targeted Grazing" Manual

• Comes included with the new supplement (PDF or USB)
• Research-backed chapters on targeted grazing practices

3. Dave Ollila’s 2024 Soil Health Conference Talk

• Covers virtual fencing with visuals [Watch it on YouTube]

4. WWF’s Case Study on Grazing Innovations

• Features Dave’s work with virtual fencing and multispecies grazing (Read the WWF Vlog here)

In this conversation with Dr. Gustavo Lascano, Ruminant Nutrition Specialist at Clemson University, we discuss integrating ecological principles like succession and diversity into farm management to improve animal, soil, and human health. Dr. Lascano describes intricate details of ruminant nutrition and reinforces that it should focus not only on calories but also on proper nutrient balance and feeding the microbial ecosystem within the rumen. His expertise in this field comes not only from advanced degrees and field and laboratory research, but also from experiencing indigenous agricultural systems firsthand and seeing how they offer valuable insights into sustainable, low-input food production systems.

Episode Highlights:

• Rethinking Production Systems with Ecological Succession
• Diverse Background with Global Roots
• Free Choice Feeding & Ruminant Efficiency
• Rumen Microbiology & Soil Parallels
• Industrial vs. Regenerative Feeding Models
• Agroecological Inspirations from the Amazon
• The Role of Animals in Regenerative Ag

To learn more about Dr. Lascano and ruminant nutrition, check out the below links:

• Gustavo Lascano at Clemson University
  Faculty Profile

Soil Health Lab Podcast Archives

• Visit Website

Featured in the episode: Cotton, Country, Conservation (8-year regenerative agriculture study)

We explore some of the biggest surprises from these trials, including how fields with no applied potassium actually maintained or increased soil test levels over five years—completely contradicting conventional wisdom. Carl also discusses the economic and agronomic benefits of cover crops, including how they have helped farmers reduce subsoiling, cut back on herbicide passes, and save thousands in input costs.

Carl’s transition from farming to the seed business was not planned, but as demand for high-quality, affordable seed grew, he saw an opportunity to help other farmers navigate the complexities of cover cropping. Now, as the owner of Choice Ag, Carl provides tailored cover crop blends based on individual farm needs, ensuring that growers avoid common mistakes and maximize their returns.

If you’re wondering how real-world farmers are making regenerative agriculture work economically, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned wisdom.

📌 Check the show notes for links to Carl’s seed business, research studies, and resources mentioned in this episode!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• How much fertilizer do we really need?  https://experiment.com/projects/how-much-fertilizer-do-we-really-need
• No but seriously now, how much fertilizer do we really need?  https://experiment.com/projects/no-but-seriously-now-how-much-fertilizer-do-we-really-need
• Cotton, Country Conservation: An 8-Year Case Study in Regenerative Agriculture (Following SC Farmer Sonny Price's path of reducing input costs, increasing organic matter, and saving over $2.5 million): soilhealthlabs.com/projects/cotton-country-conservation

We explore some of the biggest surprises from these trials, including how fields with no applied potassium actually maintained or increased soil test levels over five years—completely contradicting conventional wisdom. Carl also discusses the economic and agronomic benefits of cover crops, including how they have helped farmers reduce subsoiling, cut back on herbicide passes, and save thousands in input costs.

Carl’s transition from farming to the seed business was not planned, but as demand for high-quality, affordable seed grew, he saw an opportunity to help other farmers navigate the complexities of cover cropping. Now, as the owner of Choice Ag, Carl provides tailored cover crop blends based on individual farm needs, ensuring that growers avoid common mistakes and maximize their returns.

If you’re wondering how real-world farmers are making regenerative agriculture work economically, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned wisdom.

📌 Check the show notes for links to Carl’s seed business, research studies, and resources mentioned in this episode!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• How much fertilizer do we really need?  https://experiment.com/projects/how-much-fertilizer-do-we-really-need
• No but seriously now, how much fertilizer do we really need?  https://experiment.com/projects/no-but-seriously-now-how-much-fertilizer-do-we-really-need
• Cotton, Country Conservation: An 8-Year Case Study in Regenerative Agriculture (Following SC Farmer Sonny Price's path of reducing input costs, increasing organic matter, and saving over $2.5 million): soilhealthlabs.com/projects/cotton-country-conservation

The conversation highlights Clinton’s use of electric fencing and his experiments with no-fence collars to manage his goats across different paddocks. The effectiveness of goats in land restoration is contrasted with the challenges posed by eastern red cedar, which not only competes with grazing lands but also contributes to dangerous wildfires.

Clinton explains how goats can fit into traditional cattle operations and how they offer a great opportunity for younger ranchers or anyone looking to diversify their operations. For those who may not have the capital to purchase large tracts of land or invest in a big cattle herd, goats provide a way to get started with smaller investments. Running goats alongside cattle allows you to use the same land without the need for major infrastructure or large upfront costs. It’s an ideal way for younger ranchers to gain experience and build their business over time, especially since goats can thrive in areas where cattle struggle. Clinton’s own experience shows how goats can be a stepping stone to eventually expanding into other livestock, creating a sustainable and profitable operation.

One of the great advantages of goats is their relatively low water needs, especially compared to cattle. Clinton points out that once goats are established on a piece of land, they can often go quite a while without a constant water source, relying on moisture from the plants they eat, like yucca and cedar. This can significantly reduce the need for water infrastructure, as goats can be moved across the land without the need to set up multiple water points, which can be a costly part of managing cattle. This flexibility makes it easier to rotate goats through different paddocks and access areas that might be difficult to reach or impractical for cattle. For younger ranchers looking to minimize their infrastructure costs while maximizing their land use, goats offer a smart, cost-effective solution.

For further reading, check out the AgUpdate article on "Tackling the Green Glacier" here and the prescribed burn resource here. You can also learn more about Nathan Marker from Plum Creek Ranch and his goat-based land management practices in this 2020 Gathering Talk. Follow Clinton’s journey on his Firewatch Ranch Facebook page.

AgUpdate article: “Tacking the Green Glacier” https://agupdate.com/tristateneighbor/news/livestock/tackling-the-green-glacier/article_28fc9f42-ab57-11ef-b3f9-33537e86c82e.html

https://www.growingresiliencesd.com/prescribed-burn

Nathan Marker ~ Plum Creek Ranch ~ 2020 Gathering Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuBzbTEkSQ8

Firewatch ranch: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085769701718

Lealand also touches on the current beef market, where prices are solid, and the availability and cost of hay are favorable. However, he warns against becoming complacent just because things are looking good right now. The market can shift quickly, and the right grazing and land management decisions today will determine how well ranchers are set up for future years, particularly when it comes to managing land during drought. He also talks about de-stocking strategies, noting that if the land is in poor condition, de-stocking will need to be more aggressive to avoid further damage.

Throughout our discussion, Lealand emphasizes the importance of being proactive with land management—especially when conditions are good. He stresses that staying on top of things today can help ensure that ranchers can handle the challenges of tomorrow. The ability to adapt to changing conditions now will make all the difference when the inevitable droughts or market shifts arrive.

This episode offers essential advice for ranchers looking to maintain healthy, resilient land, no matter the market conditions.

For more on drought management and range conservation, check out the links in the show notes:

Growing Resilience – Drought Management

https://www.growingresiliencesd.com/drought-management

Natural Resources Conservation Service- Range and Pasture

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-by-state/south-dakota/range-pasture

Ag-Wx

https://www.ag-wx.com

Mesonet SD (Go to tools to see Ag Weather, Degree Days, Livestock Stress, etc.)

https://climate.sdstate.edu/

Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP)

https://rangelands.app/

Alexjandro Carillo

https://www.cuencalosojos.org/alejandro-carrillo

Movement 1: Fred Provenza on the Role of Mindsets in Shaping Our Relationship with Nature
Fred explores how mindsets, shaped by polarized perspectives, can be transformed through respectful dialogue and open-mindedness. Reflecting on his experience as a teacher, he recalls how he helped students transcend the boundaries of their differing views, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding livestock, rangelands, and the land itself.

Movement 2: Fred Provenza on Stories that Connect and Inspire Change
Fred delves into the power of stories in creating connections and inspiring transformation. He emphasizes how the act of nurturing relationships with the land can foster a sense of community, grounding individuals in something larger than themselves, while also illustrating how personal experiences—like the shared beauty of a native garden—can bring people together in mutual appreciation.

Movement 3: Fred Provenza on the Purpose of His Work and Bringing Joy
Reflecting on his legacy, Fred speaks candidly about his life's work and its true purpose: to inspire joy and awe in others. He highlights how reconnecting with a sense of wonder, especially after facing life's challenges, can bring peace and meaning. Fred reveals his desire not for grand accomplishments, but for helping people rediscover the joy of being alive.

Movement 4: Fred Provenza on the Wisdom of Letting Nature Self-Organize
In response to the quotes from John Kenneth Galbraith and Charles Massey, Fred offers profound insights into the wisdom of stepping back as we grow older. He discusses the gift of reduced energy levels and how this shift allows us to embrace a simpler, more hands-off approach to life—allowing nature to regenerate on its own. Reflecting on the importance of humility and learning, Fred advocates for changing mindsets and simplifying life to connect with what truly matters.

As you listen to the final movement of this symphonic conversation with Fred Provenza, we encourage you to stay with us until the end. Sometimes, it’s not the facts and figures that resonate the most, but the deeper, intuitive understandings that unfold as we reflect, shift, and grow. Fred’s insights challenge us to reconsider the way we approach life, nature, and even our own existence—asking us to embrace the wisdom of simplicity, connection, and change. Stay with us to the end, because the most important lessons aren’t always found in what we know, but in how we come to understand it.

Provenza also elaborates on the importance of diverse landscapes for livestock health. He highlights how animals instinctively seek a variety of plant species, which contain secondary compounds (physochemicals) that play a vital role in their nutrition and health. These compounds, once dismissed as mere plant defenses, are now recognized for their potential health benefits, serving as antioxidants and aiding in self-medication. By grazing diverse plant species, animals reduce their reliance on veterinary care, demonstrating a deep-rooted nutritional wisdom that connects them to their environments.

A significant anecdote shared is Claire Sylvia’s experience following her organ transplant, as recounted in her book "A Change of Heart." Sylvia’s story illustrates how organ recipients often experience changes in food preferences that align with those of their donors, suggesting a profound connection between body and identity. Provenza draws parallels between this and the dietary choices of animals, emphasizing that the feedback mechanisms within both animal and human bodies guide their nutritional decisions.

Throughout the interview, Provenza emphasizes the importance of understanding animal behavior and ecology as interconnected systems. The wisdom animals demonstrate in selecting their diets reflects an intimate knowledge of their landscapes, akin to the complexities of the human microbiome. He notes that, just as plants transform soil into a diverse ecosystem of nutrients, animals thrive by foraging from varied plant sources, reinforcing the idea that both species are part of a larger ecological web.

In essence, the discussion highlights how fostering a more holistic view of animal nutrition—grounded in ecological practices, diverse landscapes, and understanding the innate knowledge of animals—can lead to healthier ecosystems and livestock. Provenza’s insights encourage a reevaluation of conventional agricultural practices, promoting a deeper appreciation for the natural instincts that guide animal foraging and well-being.

Fred reflects on the limitations and complexities of scientific inquiry, especially in fields like ecology, economics, and sociology. He discusses the concept of "trans-science," which refers to questions and phenomena that lie beyond the capabilities of traditional scientific methods to fully answer. Early in his career, Fred believed that rigorous study would lead to predictable and controllable outcomes, akin to the precision of physics. However, he gradually recognized that science can only provide provisional insights into complex systems.

Fred emphasizes that the interactions within ecological systems often defy reductionist approaches. He illustrates this with the example of studying secondary compounds in foods: while individual compounds can be analyzed, the sheer complexity of combinations in real meals makes it impossible to fully understand their effects in isolation. He champions the idea that "food, not nutrient" is the basic unit of nutrition, highlighting that the synergistic effects of various compounds in whole foods are crucial for health.

He critiques the historical emphasis on competition within ecological theories, which he argues stems from economic models. Instead, he promotes the concept of cooperation and synergies among diverse species as essential for ecological health. This perspective informs his approach to agriculture, advocating for polycultures over monocultures, as diversity fosters greater resilience and nutrient density.

Fred also explores the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry, discussing how science is inherently limited and tentative. He encourages scientists to remain open-minded and to adapt based on data rather than clinging to preconceived hypotheses. He shares personal anecdotes of frustration and learning throughout his research journey, underscoring the importance of integrity in scientific practice.

Lastly, Fred highlights the significance of creativity in both nature and human systems, arguing that true understanding emerges from participation in the environment. He suggests that by embracing our interconnectedness with nature, we can cultivate more effective and innovative approaches to ecological and agricultural challenges. Overall, Fred advocates for a holistic, cooperative view of science and ecology, one that values the complex interactions within ecosystems and the creative potential inherent in these systems.

Additional Resources:

• Dr. Fred Provenza’s Talk at Utah State University: The Web of Life Event
• Dr. Fred Provenza’s Books:
• NY Times Article: Montana at has more Cows than People: why are Locals eating Beef from Brazil? https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/13/business/montana-meat-old-salt-co-op.html  

From as early as middle school, Dr. Lacy Barnette was interested in sustainable agriculture. She made the very wise decision of getting her PhD in Environmental Health Sciences from us right here in the Soil Health Lab and has since moved into a position as an Extension Associate at Clemson University where she is a part of the Leafy Greens program of their Climate-Smart Grown in SC project. This Climate-Smart program is a USDA-funded initiative aimed at sustainable practices in four main crops: leafy greens, forage, peanuts, and forestry.

In this interview, Dr. Barnette emphasizes the benefits of farmers observing and learning from their peers in implementing effective soil health techniques, and the importance of making scientific research relevant and actionable for farmers, particularly in South Carolina. Dr. Barnette also discusses strategies for leafy green farmers to adopt cover cropping, reduce tillage, and approaches to mulching to enhance soil health. She also touches on market influences and policy barriers that may hinder farmers from adopting perennial systems. In all, it’s important to plug oneself into a broad and supportive community, one that is involved in supporting one another's agricultural growth and, preferably, policy that supports regenerative agriculture.

Dr. Barnette discusses the many varying and visible benefits of cover cropping, such as improved soil health/productivity and pest deterrent. She goes on to discuss some of the common issues some leafy green farmers may face in cover cropping. Diamondback Moths have posed a threat to some crops, for which Dr. Barnett offers some possible remedies, such as compost tea generated from plant matter of surrounding forests.

Lastly, she discusses the Initial challenges and logistical hurdles in the first year of the Climate Smart SC Program, and anticipated improvements for the second year, including summer cover crops.

Links and Resources

Clemson Extension Climate Smart Program: https://www.climatesmartsc.org/

Rodale Institute: https://rodaleinstitute.org

Shane kicks off with his personal history and tenure in Spink County, discussing how shifts in farming practices have affected the salinity issue. He highlights the decrease of small grains in the rotation, the reduction of perennials (like alfalfa), and a decline in the number of livestock on pasture as some of the causes of salinity. These changes, along with the recent wet cycle, have led to a visible change in the landscape that Shane has observed firsthand.

Kent then talks about how changes in farming practices, combined with weather patterns, have served to break the water cycle, making salinity a symptom of that broken cycle. As biological diversity decreases due to lands shifting to monocultures, soil structure is further impacted, exacerbating the busted water cycle. Kent discusses how effective water management—through the judicious use of plants—can combat salinity, especially in areas with high water tables, while highlighting the consequences of kicking the can down the road regarding these pressing issues.

As we explore solutions, we look at the use of annuals in the form of cover crops, but we also spotlight the potential of perennial systems as a viable alternative to traditional row crops. Kent shares success stories from South Dakota farmers who have embraced these systems, showing how they can stabilize economic conditions over time. We stress the importance of patience, as transitioning to perennials isn’t an overnight fix.

In the podcast, we emphasize the "Every Acre Counts" initiative as a crucial framework for reevaluating land management practices. We highlight that many farmers often overlook the hidden potential of less productive acres, focusing solely on traditional row crops like corn and soybeans. By adopting a broader perspective, farmers can identify opportunities for integrating diverse practices, such as cover crops and perennials, that not only enhance soil health but also improve long-term profitability. We argue that this approach encourages producers to assess the economic viability of each field comprehensively, revealing surprising insights about their land's true productivity and the potential benefits of sustainable practices. Through "Every Acre Counts," we advocate for a mindset shift that recognizes the value of all land, promoting strategies that support ecological balance and agricultural resilience.

A significant part of the conversation involves Kent and Shane expressing frustration over the economic barriers that prevent farmers from adopting more diverse and sustainable practices. They point out that many producers rely heavily on crop insurance instead of addressing the root causes of soil degradation, making it challenging to implement effective solutions. Both emphasize the difficulty in shifting mindsets, particularly among absentee landowners (NOLOs) who may not fully understand the state of their land or be willing to give producers a break on rent to tackle salinity problems. Shane highlights the need for education to change perspectives about soil health and profitability, noting that without this understanding, landowners often prioritize immediate financial returns over long-term sustainability. This disconnect underscores the broader challenge of integrating conservation efforts with economic realities in agriculture.

They see many farmers "kicking the can down the road," avoiding the tough decisions needed to address salinity and soil health issues. This tendency to delay action only exacerbates problems, making it harder to achieve long-term sustainability and economic viability in the face of mounting challenges.

*insert link for video clip from this podcast discussion showing the soil test numbers change over an 8-year time span (To Be Created)

Previous Podcasts on Salinity:

59 Soil Expert on the Origins and Impacts of Saline Soils – Kent Cooley: https://www.growingresiliencesd.com/podcasts/episode/251b4e9a/59-soil-expert-on-the-origins-and-impacts-of-saline-soils

61 Agronomist Shares Top Strategies to Transform Saline Soils Into Productive Land – with Matt Hubers: https://www.growingresiliencesd.com/podcasts/episode/27cd9227/61-agronomist-shares-top-strategies-to-transform-saline-soils-into-productive-land

63 Crop Consultant Shares How to Earn 400 More Dollars an Acre on Saline Soils – with Lee Briese: https://www.growingresiliencesd.com/podcasts/episode/259b1fbd/63-crop-consultant-shares-how-to-earn-400-more-dollars-an-acre-on-saline-soils

Bushels & Bags is "Certified Naturally Grown" (CNG), which is similar to an organic certification, but relies on a more local, grassroots, peer-reviewed process. This method not only supports small-scale farmers but also reduces certification costs. Lance values the collaborative nature of CNG, which fosters idea exchange and mutual support among farmers.

Bushels & Bags now operates on approximately 1.5 acres and emphasizes chemical-free farming. They utilize methods such as exclusion netting and no-till farming to maintain soil structure and prevent pests. Lance details their recent experiments with cover crops, comparing crimping versus mowing techniques. He found crimping—rolling cover crops flat before planting—to be superior for controlling weeds and promoting plant health, compared to mowing, which led to increased weed pressure and inhibited growth.

The interview also highlights their regenerative practices, including the use of hedgerows composed of native plants and flowering species between crop plots. Lance noticed the hedgerows attracted beneficial insects and birds that help with pest control, reducing the need for chemical intervention. The hedgerows further enhanced biodiversity and managed water runoff by absorbing excess water and preventing soil erosion. In the future, Lance is interested in incorporating rainwater catchment systems to further improve water management and reduce reliance on well water.

Initially the farm implemented large amounts of outsourced compost, but in recent years Lance has begun cultivating in-house compost comprised of vegetable scraps, dead leaves and spent grain from local breweries. An experiment to remove wood chips from pathways resulted in increased erosion and water runoff, and Lance has since reverted back to using wood chips on walking paths and refined the application method, which has improved water management and reduced labor.

The family plays a crucial role in the farm’s operations, as the four Samuel children all contribute to the work necessary to support the farm. Operating in a remote and rural area, however, has its challenges. The farm's location, combined with the prevalence of personal gardens among locals, complicates direct sales. Despite these difficulties, Bushels & Bags has found success through regular attendance at a local farmer’s market, a CSA program, and relationships with local restaurants.

Looking ahead, Lance aims to further integrate both annual and perennial crops on the farm. To beginning farmers, Lance emphasizes the value of public resources– books, videos and online courses– and heeds new farmers to first find and shadow existing operations that share their agricultural value systems. 

For more information about Bushels & Bags, visit their website https://www.bushelsandbagsfarm.com/ or visit them at the Kershaw Farmers Market in Camden, SC on Saturdays.

Fred begins by recounting his early experiences working with Henry DeLuca, a rancher who started in the late 1800s. Henry’s deep understanding of his land and livestock left a lasting impression on Fred, particularly Henry’s practice of retaining his own replacement heifers to ensure they "knew the range." This experience shaped Fred’s lifelong exploration of the dynamic interplay between animals and their environments.

As the conversation progresses, Fred shares intriguing anecdotes about the mutual learning that occurs between livestock mothers and their young. He describes how a calf might explore and learn to eat a plant that the mother avoids, eventually leading the mother to try it as well. This two-way street of learning is crucial for the herd's adaptability and the health of the landscape.

The discussion also touches on the innovative methods used to train livestock, such as using a bitter, non-toxic substance to deter cows from nibbling on saplings. These stories illustrate how thoughtful, experience-based interventions can create sustainable practices that benefit both the animals and the environment.

The conversation then moved towards the wisdom of shepherds, contrasting their role with that of herders. Fred explains that while a herder might direct animals where to go, a shepherd observes and learns from the animals, allowing them to naturally select the plants they need. This approach not only supports animal health but also promotes the biodiversity of the landscape, which is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Fred shares insights from his collaboration with French shepherds, particularly with co-author Michel Meuret (see additional resources below), highlighting how they use sequencing in grazing to optimize both animal and land health. By understanding which plants to graze first and in what order, shepherds can ensure that the landscape is utilized sustainably, preventing overgrazing and promoting a balanced ecosystem.

The conversation also explores the broader implications of reconnecting with our food systems. Fred reflects on the disconnect between modern agricultural practices and the land, using the example of Montana—a state rich in cattle but reliant on imported beef, and the talk he gave at Montana’s Old Salt Festival. This disconnect, he argues, has weakened our sense of community and our relationship with the land.

As the episode concludes, Fred emphasizes the importance of re-establishing these connections. The wisdom gained from shepherds and their relationship with the land and animals offers valuable lessons for how we approach our food systems today. This episode is a call to action, urging listeners to rediscover the value of experiential knowledge in maintaining the health of our ecosystems.

Additional Resources:

• Dr. Fred Provenza’s Talk at Utah State University: The Web of Life Event
• Dr. Fred Provenza’s Books:
  • Nourishment: What Animals Can Teach Us about Rediscovering Our Nutritional Wisdom
  • Foraging Behavior: Managing to Survive in a World of Change
  • The Art & Science of Shepherding: Tapping the Wisdom of French Herders
• Old Salt Co-Op (Montana) website: https://www.oldsaltco-op.com/
• NY Times Article: Montana has more Cows than People: Why Are Locals Eating Beef from Brazil? https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/13/business/montana-meat-old-salt-co-op.html

Beck highlights the importance of integrated farming practices that consider the land’s natural vegetation and climate. On his travels, particularly in Australia, he noticed significant differences in ecosystems based on rainfall patterns and soil water retention. He notes the challenge of farming in regions like Western and Eastern Australia, where the climate and soil conditions differ from grassland regions. He notes that in tree-dominated regions, water moves deep into the soil during winter, beyond the reach of grass-type crops. This creates a challenge under standard agricultural approaches; nutrients being in the soil, but too deep for crops to reach.

He shares his insights on potential solutions, such as integrating perennial crops like sorghum in summer to utilize the nutrient cycles effectively. Dwayne mentions Colin Seis, who developed a system called "pasture cropping" or "grain and graze," which integrates tall grass species and winter crops to create a mixed-species system that enhances nutrient cycling and works in tandem with the seasons. He highlights the benefits of having a mix of perennials and annuals, as it more closely resembles natural ecosystems—urging farmers to not grow dependent on perennial grains. While annual crops focus on producing seeds, perennials primarily aim to survive until the next year— noting that Seis’ ‘grain and graze’ approach, while an insightful guidepost, will not work in every climate.

Dwayne addresses the historical importance of megaherbivores in maintaining landscapes, and how the absence of these animals affects current ecosystems. The subsequent deficiency of deep-rooted species contributes to what he calls a leaky system: soil pH deficiencies leading to water and nutrient leakage. He references Randy Anderson's concept of a "death spiral," and emphasizes the need to restore the soil community to as close to its native condition as possible. This involves reintroducing diversity to rebuild soil’s capacity and productivity.

In a follow-up conversation with Kloot, Beck discusses ongoing challenges and potential solutions for farming in the Jim River region, specifically focusing on salinity issues. Dwayne emphasizes the importance of integrating perennials into farming systems to address these issues, noting that perennials could help manage salinity, although every property will have its own unique needs.

Beck highlights the benefits of having a mix of perennials and annuals, as it more closely resembles natural ecosystems. He notes how pH problems often stem from nutrient cycling deficiencies rather than input deficiencies, recounting an instance where he was asked in a conference how far a farmer would need to go to get lime. Beck’s answer was “Three feet.” He wants to remind farmers that lime is often in the soil, possibly beyond the reach of their standard crops, rather than miles away in a lime mine.

Beck expressed his concern about the increasing emphasis on bio-oil crops like canola, flax, and soybeans, warning that an over-reliance on these crops could exacerbate issues in the Corn Belt. He also mentions innovative uses for crop residues, such as making lumber from corn stalks, and suggests that tallgrass plants could be harvested biennially for biomass production while still benefiting the soil. He acknowledges that while this approach is not as beneficial as grazing, it is still better than many standard agricultural practices.

In all, Beck’s wealth of understanding on crop management and long-term planning underscores the need for strategic thinking in sustainable farming, and makes for an insightful conversation about regenerative land management.

Additional Links:

Dr Randy Anderson’s Spiral of Soil Regeneration:

Part 1: https://www.growingresiliencesd.com/videos?wix-vod-video-id=6mckHaT2Giw&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-l0v2ecy2

Part 2: https://www.growingresiliencesd.com/videos?wix-vod-video-id=aoT8x0VWu_I&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-l0v2ecy2

Part 3: https://www.growingresiliencesd.com/videos?wix-vod-video-id=jJwtd5UtUak&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-l0v2ecy2

Pasture Cropping with Colin Seis:

https://www.wool.com/on-farm-research/weather-the-drought-with-regenerative-agriculture/

Dakota Lakes Research Farm:

http://dakotalakes.com/

Since then, Hedrick's farm has expanded significantly, collaborating with distilleries and diversifying into cattle and pasture pigs, although they've scaled back livestock due to time constraints. They also produce and sell grits and cornmeal under their brands, ensuring financial security with premium prices far exceeding market rates.

Their diverse crop portfolio includes specialty corn varieties like Jimmy Red and Blue Hopi, favored by distilleries for superior taste profiles and tested for nutrient density despite lower yields.

Buz praises Hedrick's innovation and asks about agroecology and soil health. Hedrick humorously shares a story about a Missouri farmer's struggle with soil health understanding, reflecting on the financial pressures in commodity agriculture that hinder risk-taking.

Reflecting on his early farming days, starting small allowed Hedrick to experiment and learn, boosted by resources like the "Undercover Farmers" video and supportive farmer networks. He details initial challenges with cover crops but notes significant soil health improvements over 12 years, emphasizing increased microbial activity.

Gabe queries the condition of Hedrick's land pre-cover crops, described as degraded despite decades of conventional farming. Hedrick credits cover crops for reducing nitrates in soil and controlling weeds, enhancing water table health.

Buz shifts to community support in farming innovation. Hedrick stresses the importance of addressing specific farmer concerns like finances or erosion, fostering change and practice adoption.

The interview delves into consumer-farmer disconnects, technology's role, and collaborative learning's value. Hedrick shares urbanite struggles on the farm and advocates for knowledge-sharing within farming communities, citing mentorship benefits from peers like Gabe Brown.

He reflects on past errors like overly dense cover crops and excessive organic matter, urging balance in farming practices. His farm's large-scale trials yield data-driven improvements in fertilizer efficiency, influenced by university and private sector collaborations.

Discussing technology integration, Hedrick mentions AI for accessing agricultural research insights, enhancing farm decisions. He extols a lab service offering precise nutrient deficiency corrections, countering generic fertilizer use.

Hedrick highlights regenerative farming's scientific evolution, balancing tradition and innovation. His farm innovations, from Australian compost methods to fertility enhancers, underscore sustainability and yield success.

Hedrick's dynamic farming blends tradition with modern innovations for sustainable productivity. His insights on soil health, consumer education, and farmer collaboration illustrate a progressive approach to agriculture.

To see more about farmer experiences like Russell’s, check out our “Under Cover Farmers” video that he mentions influenced him.

To find out more about Russell and his ag. support and consulting company with Liz Haney, visit https://www.agsoilregen.com/.

Have a question for Russell? Contact him here: russell@agsoilregen.com or through Facebook messenger (fb.com/russell.e.hedrick)

The discussion began with Maygen recounting her unexpected path into music, having grown  up with 90’s country music in the house thanks to her mother. After having children, she overcame her fear of performing and began as a studio vocalist, eventually forming a duo called Sparrow's Rising. This partnership led to an opportunity to open for the Indigo Girls, where she met Noah, a talented guitarist who shared her passion for music.

Noah's background contrasted Maygen's as he grew up disliking country music, influenced by his father's farm boy roots but personally drawn to classic rock and metal. His appreciation for country music grew over time, and when Maygen and Noah met, they clicked immediately, both musically and personally, leading to the formation of Maygen & the Birdwatcher around 2018.

Their collaboration matured, with Noah stepping into songwriting and contributing significantly to their melodies, lyrics and message. The pair continually pushed each other to learn and grow, resulting in a dynamic and evolving musical partnership.

The conversation then shifted to their acclaimed project, "Where Good Things Grow." Lynn Betts, a consultant for the South Dakota Grassland Coalition, recounted how he discovered Maygen & the Birdwatcher while searching for the perfect band to create a song for a campaign promoting the benefits of grasslands. He spent considerable time listening to various Midwest artists before finding their sound ideal for the project.

Maygen and Noah eagerly embraced the challenge. Inspired by the coalition's work and their own experiences touring the grasslands, they crafted lyrics that captured the essence of the landscape and the interconnectedness of its ecosystem. They wrote two songs initially and combined elements from both to create the final version of "Where Good Things Grow," which resonated deeply with the themes of the campaign.

The intention from the start was to produce a music video, which eventually featured the band performing amidst the prairie, visually complementing the song's message. The result was a powerful and evocative portrayal of the grasslands' beauty and significance.

In recognition of their outstanding work, Maygen & the Birdwatcher received an award from the South Dakota Grassland Coalition, underscoring the impact and excellence of their contribution. The project not only showcased their musical talents but also highlighted the importance of preserving natural landscapes, blending art and advocacy in a compelling way.

Overall, this interview highlights the band's journey, their creative process, and this meaningful and innovative collaboration with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition that defines new ways music and advocacy can intertwine.

Links: 

https://wheregoodthingsgrow.org/

Watch the full video for ‘Where Good Things Grow” at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FklZNJWNxcY

To find out more about Maygen and Noah, go to: https://www.maygenandthebirdwatcher.com/

or follow them on Facebook or Instagram. @maygenandthebirdwatcher

Greg began his farming journey in Atlanta, Georgia, before moving to Columbia due to health issues that necessitated a heart transplant. Post-recovery, he resumed farming in Columbia about five years ago. He rents an acre of land where he grows various crops, including unique and lesser-known ones like ginger and lemongrass, to keep his farming interesting and to offer something different at the market.

In addition to growing crops, Greg practices companion planting and uses various soil health techniques. He uses lemongrass as mulch and creates his own compost and plant extracts to enrich the soil and manage pests. Greg emphasizes the importance of soil health and regenerative practices, like using cover crops and Korean natural farming techniques, to improve soil organic matter and nutrient levels. He also highlights the role of flowers in attracting pollinators and beneficial insects to his garden.

Greg's approach to farming includes creating natural treatments from plants like comfrey and yarrow, which he ferments into sprays to enhance soil and plant health. He is also enthusiastic about using locally available materials like fall leaves and rice hulls for mulch and composting.

Overall, Greg's focus is on maintaining a sustainable and organic farming practice, enriching the soil naturally, and providing unique, high-quality produce to his community.

Helpful Links

Follow Greg and Greenleaf farms on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenleaffarmssc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenleaf_farms_sc

For more podcast episodes, videos, blogs and other free resources, check out our website: soilhealthlabs.com

We start by discussing the podcast's new focus, emphasizing the universal applicability of soil health principles and the value that South Carolina's unique agricultural conditions will bring to our audience. Dr. Kenne provides an overview of his work in South Carolina, highlighting his transition from molecular biology to hands-on soil health advocacy.

The conversation covers several key projects, including the Cover 5 Project, which demonstrates the benefits of cover crops on poor land, and the Evaluate, Quantify, and Share Project, aimed at helping producers adopt soil health practices with tailored support. Dr. Kenne also shares updates on the Soil Health Labs website, which now features a wealth of archived and new content, and highlights our active social media presence on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

We also preview our first SC episode (coming soon) featuring Greg Brown. Greg is a successful small-scale vegetable and flower producer in South Carolina. Greg's innovative marketing strategies and strong community presence provide a fascinating case study in successful agricultural practices and community engagement.

As we close, we express our excitement for the upcoming South Carolina-focused episodes and encourage our South Dakota listeners to stay tuned for valuable content. We invite everyone to explore the updated Soil Health Labs website and connect with us on social media for more soil health insights. 

Thank you for joining us, and stay tuned for more from the Soil Health Labs podcast!

To learn more about what we're up to (and for more free content and resources), visit our website: soilhealthlabs.com

Rasmussen's family has been on their South Dakota ranch since 1914. He expresses the need for ranchers to operate their businesses efficiently to preserve the prairie and its ecosystem. He highlights the role of healthy soil, achieved through improved grazing management, as the key to sustainable ranching. Rasmussen's approach involves increasing stocking rates, protecting native prairie, and enhancing soil health to maintain the ranching culture and benefit the environment.

Rasmussen's involvement with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition, where he manages a consulting program to help ranchers implement conservation practices, reflects his commitment to these principles. He discusses the value of education, openness and curiosity in transitioning from conventional season-long grazing to rotational grazing practices that enhance soil health.

Rasmussen also emphasizes the importance of working with nature within ranch management. He discusses the value of rotational grazing, explaining how moving cattle through different pastures in a systematic way helps maintain soil health and supports natural processes. This method allows grass to grow, get grazed, and recover, which ensures better insulation for the soil and longer periods of microbial activity, even in winter.

When addressing the challenges ranchers face in transitioning to new grazing practices, Dan introduces the Dunning-Kruger effect. This psychological phenomenon describes how people with limited knowledge often overestimate their competence, while those with more experience recognize the complexity and feel less confident. Dan explains that new ranchers often get excited and invest heavily after attending a grazing school, only to face difficulties and become disillusioned. To combat this, he stresses the importance of making small, manageable changes and building a support network of mentors and consultants. 

Overall, Dan advocates for gradual change, continuous education, and collaboration to achieve healthy soil and successful ranch management while preserving the beneficial elements of traditional ranching culture.

Links:

Downloadable file with 3 graphics that Dan discusse namely (1) Cowboy Life (2) continuum of grazing practices and (3) Dunning-Kreuger effect.

https://f128aa36-278c-4eaa-b840-56a99c2a36ae.usrfiles.com/ugd/f128aa_93829f834b9746e0896f54759b2946f5.pdf

Our Amazing Grasslands Video of the 33 ranch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXWZhkOiyZ4

SD Grasslands Coalition: https://sdgrass.org/

SD Grasslands Coalition Range Consulting program: https://sdgrass.org/range-consulting-program/

SD Grasslands Grazing School: https://sdgrass.org/grazing-school/

When Dakota Lakes Research Farm was first established by local farmers in the early 1980s, the aim was to address irrigation challenges exacerbated by rising energy costs. Dwayne Beck was a graduate student at the time studying irrigation research and ushered the farm toward emphasis on efficient water usage, not only in irrigated but also dryland areas. Over time, the farm's focus expanded beyond irrigation to encompass both dryland and irrigation research, its current goal being to identify, research, and demonstrate methods of strengthening and stabilizing the agriculture economy.

Over time, through the Dakota Lakes property, Beck expanded the regional pool of research on blossoming topics in regenerative agriculture: holistic no-till approaches, effective uses of irrigation, and the conditions necessary to bolster a native mixed-grass prairie ecosystem.

“Farmers are doing ‘no till’ in the US in some ways that don't make much sense, because there's no diversity and there's no attention to water cycles and nutrient cycles and sunlight, they’re just not doing tillage– basically just a conventional system with the tillage taken out.”

Now, ten years after first speaking to Beck, he has witnessed a local rebirth in small agricultural communities. There has been a noted increase in those working in fertilizer, cropping support businesses, and grain elevators, alongside a heightened understanding of the farmer’s power in soil health issues. Land value has increased, and with it, a broader understanding that healthy soils mean for a healthy community.

“How do you change the social moorings, so to speak, of a whole area? In the old days, if we had soil erosion happening, ditches filling with dirt-- which was common-- that was just seen as an act of God, something beyond the farmer’s control. And that part has changed.”

Beck hopes in the future to engage non-farming members and absentee landowners in issues of local agriculture. Particularly absentee landowners that rent local land don’t often have an intimate understanding of how the land is being managed— Beck would like to engage these landowners and invite them to express a vested interest in what’s happening on their land and within their soils.

Engage with Dakota Lakes’ Virtual Field day through the 2020 video series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTZDoxH1GkisubbRzKxg2XA_PIzzPE8PM

Get in touch with Dakota Lakes Research Farm through their website, http://www.dakotalakes.com/contact/ where there is also information on membership.

He attributes the worsening of salinity issues to factors like changes in crop rotations, emphasizing that certain crops like corn and soybeans are less tolerant to salinity compared to wheat and barley. Lee discusses the impact of wet and dry cycles on salinity levels, noting that while some actions may temporarily dilute salts, they don't solve the underlying problem.

Lee also addresses the concentration of salinity along roadways due to poor drainage, highlighting the need for watershed-based solutions. He compares managing salinity to managing a wildfire, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts across different properties to effectively address the issue.

Overall, the interview provides valuable insights into the challenges of managing salinity in agricultural landscapes and the need for holistic, watershed-based approaches to address this complex issue.

Briese delves into the concept of "Lean Acres," areas of farmland that fail to yield any profit despite receiving inputs. He compares these unproductive areas to hired workers who consistently fail to show up for work, emphasizing the need for farmers to address them promptly. According to Briese, these areas essentially drain resources without providing any return, akin to an unproductive employee.

He illustrates this point by posing a rhetorical question: How long would it take a farmer to fire someone who never shows up for work? The implication is clear - such inefficiencies cannot be tolerated in a business setting, and the same principle should apply to farming operations. Briese suggests that Lean Acres, which have been receiving full inputs without generating any yield, should be treated similarly.

Briese highlights the swiftness with which unproductive workers are typically let go, often within a week. He draws a parallel to the agricultural context, noting that farmers have been allowing these unproductive acres to persist for several years before taking action. This delay in addressing the issue only exacerbates the problem, prolonging the drain on resources.

To remedy the situation, Briese advocates for reassigning these unproductive acres to different tasks that are more suitable. He proposes alternative jobs such as creating wildlife habitat or planting high-tolerance crops like barley or sunflower. By giving these acres a new purpose, farmers can mitigate their negative impact and potentially even derive some value from them.

Moreover, Briese stresses the importance of managing expenses effectively, especially in areas where crops consistently fail to thrive. He suggests that farmers should refrain from investing further resources into these unproductive areas and instead focus on optimizing input usage elsewhere on the farm.

Furthermore, Briese discusses the significance of adjusting expectations when transitioning to alternative land management strategies. While the shift may not result in the same level of profitability as traditional crop production, it can still yield positive outcomes in terms of cost savings and environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, Briese emphasizes the need for proactive management of Lean Acres and encourages farmers to explore alternative land use options. By reevaluating their approach and making strategic adjustments, farmers can mitigate losses and potentially turn unproductive areas into assets for their operations. Briese's insights underscore the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in modern agricultural practices.

In this second 2013 interview between Buz and Dwayne, they discuss Dwayne's philosophy of science, particularly focusing on soil health and agriculture. Dwayne explains his systems approach, which is influenced by his upbringing on a farm and his background in chemistry and physics. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of biological systems and using basic ecological principles to guide agricultural practices.

Dwayne also talks about the challenges he faced in transitioning to sustainable agriculture, especially during a time when funding for research was declining. He highlights the need to balance environmental sustainability with economic viability, acknowledging the real-world constraints faced by farmers.

Throughout the conversation, Dwayne emphasizes the importance of practical research that yields tangible results, contrasting it with purely theoretical or PR-driven approaches. He emphasizes the need for research to be grounded in practical application and tested in real-world conditions, using the metaphor of whether "the dog hunts" to illustrate the concept of effectiveness in agricultural practices.

Overall, the interview provides insights into Dwayne's pragmatic and interdisciplinary approach to agricultural research, highlighting the importance of integrating scientific principles with practical considerations for sustainable farming practices.

In the 2024 interview between Buz and Dwayne Beck regarding progress at Dakota Lakes Research Farm, Dwayne Beck emphasizes the long-term nature of the results achieved, particularly in response to effective management practices. He highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural management strategies that not only deliver immediate benefits but also contribute to long-term success and resilience.

Dwayne stresses the significance of implementing management practices that are environmentally friendly while also being economically viable. He discusses how their approach at Dakota Lakes involves a combination of ecological principles, practical farming experiences, and scientific research to develop sustainable solutions. This approach, according to Dwayne, is essential for ensuring that the results achieved are not short-lived but have lasting impacts on soil health, crop productivity, and overall farm sustainability.

Furthermore, Dwayne underscores the need to continually evaluate and adapt management practices based on ongoing research and practical outcomes. He discusses the collaborative efforts with researchers from South Dakota State University, indicating a commitment to integrating academic insights with on-the-ground experiences to drive continuous improvement and long-term success at Dakota Lakes Research Farm.

Overall, Dwayne's perspective emphasizes the crucial role of effective and forward-thinking management in achieving sustainable agricultural outcomes that endure over time.

Engage with Dakota Lakes’ Virtual Field day through the 2020 video series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTZDoxH1GkisubbRzKxg2XA_PIzzPE8PM

Get in touch with Dakota Lakes Research Farm through their website, http://www.dakotalakes.com/contact/ where there is also information on membership.

The podcast interview between Buz Kloot, Matt Hubers, and Joe Dickie delves into the pressing issue of salinity in agricultural systems, particularly in South Dakota. Matt Hubers, an agronomist at Ducks Unlimited, brings valuable expertise and insights into the discussion, drawing from his background in natural resource management and personal involvement in agriculture.

Matt discusses the historical and current factors contributing to salinity problems, such as changes in cropping practices and increased tillage. He highlights the detrimental effects of salinity on soil health and crop productivity, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate these issues. Matt suggests strategies like diversifying cropping systems, reducing tillage, and incorporating perennial grasses to address salinity and maintain soil cover.

The conversation also touches on the escalating salinity issues in specific regions, such as the James River Valley, and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Matt stresses the role of technical and financial assistance from organizations like Ducks Unlimited, emphasizing that now is the opportune time for farmers to seek help and implement solutions.

Joe Dickie raises questions about the broader implications of salinity issues and government assistance for non-farmers. Matt underscores the interconnectedness of agriculture with clean water, clean air, and healthy food, highlighting the benefits of supporting sustainable agricultural practices for all residents of South Dakota.

In summary, the interview underscores the urgency of addressing salinity problems, provides practical insights into mitigation strategies, and emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts to sustain agriculture and preserve the state's landscape for future generations.

When Dakota Lakes Research Farm was first established by local farmers in the early 1980s, the aim was to address irrigation challenges exacerbated by rising energy costs. Dwayne Beck was a graduate student at the time studying irrigation research and ushered the farm toward emphasis on efficient water usage, not only in irrigated but also dryland areas. Over time, the farm's focus expanded beyond irrigation to encompass both dryland and irrigation research, its current goal being to identify, research, and demonstrate methods of strengthening and stabilizing the agriculture economy.

Over time, through the Dakota Lakes property, Beck expanded the regional pool of research on blossoming topics in regenerative agriculture: holistic no-till approaches, effective uses of irrigation, and the conditions necessary to bolster a native mixed-grass prairie ecosystem.

“Farmers are doing ‘no till’ in the US in some ways that don't make much sense, because there's no diversity and there's no attention to water cycles and nutrient cycles and sunlight, they’re just not doing tillage– basically just a conventional system with the tillage taken out.”

Now, ten years after first speaking to Beck, he has witnessed a local rebirth in small agricultural communities. There has been a noted increase in those working in fertilizer, cropping support businesses, and grain elevators, alongside a heightened understanding of the farmer’s power in soil health issues. Land value has increased, and with it, a broader understanding that healthy soils mean for a healthy community.

“How do you change the social moorings, so to speak, of a whole area? In the old days, if we had soil erosion happening, ditches filling with dirt-- which was common-- that was just seen as an act of God, something beyond the farmer’s control. And that part has changed.”

Beck hopes in the future to engage non-farming members and absentee landowners in issues of local agriculture. Particularly absentee landowners that rent local land don’t often have an intimate understanding of how the land is being managed— Beck would like to engage these landowners and invite them to express a vested interest in what’s happening on their land and within their soils.

Engage with Dakota Lakes’ Virtual Field day through the 2020 video series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTZDoxH1GkisubbRzKxg2XA_PIzzPE8PM

Get in touch with Dakota Lakes Research Farm through their website, http://www.dakotalakes.com/contact/ where there is also information on membership.

Our conversation also addresses the critical difference between saline and sodic soils, with sodic soils being particularly challenging to remediate due to their impact on soil structure and water infiltration. Kent stresses the importance of soil testing to accurately diagnose the condition affecting the soil, which in turn informs the appropriate remediation strategies.

We briefly touch on remediation (the subject of future podcasts) and these include diversifying crop rotations, adopting no-till farming practices, and perennial systems to make better use of soil moisture and keep salts deeper in the soil profile. The podcast underscores the significance of managing the recharge areas (upslope of the salinity area) to prevent the movement of salts to the surface in lower areas. Additionally, Kent touches on the challenges and potential solutions for managing salinity in irrigation districts, where the use of water with moderate to high salt content can further exacerbate soil salinity issues.

Kent emphasizes the need to be proactive and taking a comprehensive approach to addressing salinity including soil testing, appropriate residue management, crop selection, and the adoption of farming practices that preserve soil health and prevent the accumulation of salts in the soil profile.

The SDGI aims to manage grasslands effectively while balancing profitability and environmental conservation. Grasslands are more than just land; they are ecosystems that require attentive, informed management to thrive. Laura emphasizes that the initiative is more than a conservation effort; it's a collaborative platform where hunters, ranchers, conservation groups, and others converge to share perspectives and solutions.

A key aspect of SDGI's approach is the integration of local knowledge with scientific research. Farmers and landowners bring generations of experience, while scientific insights offer new perspectives on soil health and ecosystem management. This blend of knowledge is crucial for developing effective, sustainable land management strategies.

Education forms the backbone of the SDGI. By educating landowners and the public about the importance of soil health and sustainable practices, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect, one that spreads awareness and action across communities. This educational component is vital in cultivating a shared understanding and commitment to land stewardship.

At its heart, the success of the SDGI hinges on collaboration. By bringing together diverse groups, each with their own perspectives and interests, the initiative fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. This collaborative spirit is essential for addressing complex environmental challenges.

The real-world impact of the SDGI and regenerative practices is profound. Farmers report healthier soils, increased biodiversity, and improved yields. Environmentally, these practices contribute to carbon sequestration, water retention, and habitat preservation - essential components in the fight against climate change.

Looking ahead, Kahler intends to continue expanding the initiative, deepening the understanding of regenerative practices, and fostering a community where every stakeholder has a voice in shaping the future of our grasslands.

The South Dakota Grasslands Initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and a deep commitment to our planet. Regenerative practices and collaborative effort not only impact today’s soils, but have ripple effects into plant, animal and human life for years to come.

Links:

SD Grasslands Initiative Homepage: https://sdgrassinitiative.org/

SDGI Summit and Introduction Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikpzs8sA4xU

New Feature Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAoqp0cYwPc

Tate grew up on a cattle ranch near Winner, SD and after high school attended SDSU majoring in range science. His career began at the Conservation District in Kingsbury County, after which he joined the NRCS in 1998 and currently serves as Assistant State Conservationist for field operations in Rapid City, SD since 2016. Lantz first got involved in the grasslands roadmap mission when the operation was temporarily housed in the Sturgis field office where he was positioned. He was immediately drawn into the aim: to combine the efforts of three countries and eight sectors to save one of the most vital ecosystems on earth- the grasslands. Grasslands face threats from urban sprawl, agricultural conversion, and tree encroachment, leading to grassland loss (32 million acres since 2012) as well as significant biodiversity loss. 

The Roadmap aims to raise awareness of grasslands' value in carbon sequestration and climate mitigation. To do this, the Roadmap emphasizes community involvement, including indigenous voices and industry partnerships. The Roadmap highlights the interconnection between grassland health and economic resilience of rural communities. It aims to bolster collective understanding and action, influence and push forward impactful legislation, heighten efficiency of resource use and allocation, refine shared progress monitoring standards and construct sustainability models to support scaling programs in grazing, regenerative agriculture, and industry. Tate Lantz's conversation sheds light on the Central Grasslands Roadmap's importance in preserving one of America’s most vital ecosystems. Stay tuned for more discussions on grassland conservation and the roadmap's impact across North America. 

Useful Links: 

Central Grasslands Roadmap Home page: https://www.grasslandsroadmap.org/ 

Our recommendation for understanding the roadmap: 

Roadmap Executive Summary New Feature Video on Grasslands loss and reclamation: Two Regenerative Ranchers Share Shocking Soil Health Discovery (growingresiliencesd.com/videos) 

Other Notes on the Central Grasslands Roadmap: 

History: 2018- Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (backbone organization) – Tammy VerCauteren’s (exec director of BCoR) vision. 

Need/Context: 50 million acres (size of SD?) lost in last 10 years? “Measures of human community health and healthy grassland ecosystems across the biome continue to decline. The time to act is now.” 

Scale: Mexico, US and Canada, 600 million acres, eight sectors (e.g., indigenous communities, landowners & ranchers federal agencies, industry/ag and private sector, state and provincial agencies, NGO’s, academia, foundations and funders). Diverse ecosystems and diverse communities What is the Central Grasslands Roadmap? A hub for information and connection across countries and sectors - “We must think, collaborate, and act differently.” 

Vision: Eight outcomes – all look like related to thriving economic, environmental and equity (3 tectonic plates of sustainability) outcomes for these communities, beginning with indigenous populations, but includes ranchers/landowners, NGOs policymakers.. 

Principles: Respect, priorities to sustain indigenous communities, ranching and rual communities, science priorities, eight sectors.