
South Dakota is the land of infinite variety, from our fertile croplands in the east, to our prairies in the central and west, to the granite outcroppings of the forested Black Hills. The primary focus for this project will be marginal lands impacted by wet conditions, saline or sodic soils, and eroded areas such as hilltops.
Millions of acres of cropland across South Dakota are impacted by these challenges, with over 7 million acres impacted by saline conditions alone. The financial burden of attempting to produce crops in these marginal areas can be devastating to a producer's bottom line. And, together, we want to change this.
Area of Focus

SDSU Extension will work with selected landowners and their crop and financial consultants to precisely quantify the technical metrics of their existing operations and generate an economic analysis report. That information will then be incorporated into a profit mapping software to pinpoint and quantify marginal acres. In addition, federal, state and local habitat and conservation programs will be used to leverage funding.
Goal
The goal of this project is to improve the farm profitability, diversity and ecosystem benefits of agriculture by using precision technologies to empower producers to help make informed management decisions for every acre of their operations.
Outcomes
We will provide information to producers that will increase their return on investment and enhance land management approaches that benefit the sustainability of land, water, and all natural resources.
Benefits
- Free profitability analysis.
- Increased farm profitability.
- Working lands flexibility.
- Improved soil health.
- Improved water quality.
- Increased wildlife habitat.
- $150 per acre over 5 years.
- $50 per acre for seeding costs.
- No commitments required.
- Very flexible program.
- Highest level of data confidentiality provided.
Let's Work Together
Submit information about your operation and we will contact you. If you have any additional questions or are interested in becoming a corporate partner, contact Anthony Bly or Matthew Diersen.
Upcoming Events

SDSU Southeast Farm Virtual Annual Meeting
Join us for more information on the 2021 season on January 26, for a virtual annual meeting.

Crop Hour: Soil Health and Cover Crop Webinars
Would you like to learn more about soil health and cover crops? Join us Feb. 16, 17, 18 and 19 at 10 a.m. CST.

Crop Hour: Understanding SDSU Extension Agronomy Research Webinars
Would you like to learn more about ag research and our current projects? Join us Mar. 9, 10, 11, and 12 at 10 a.m. CST.

Crop Hour: Water, Weather and Climate Webinars
Would you like to learn more about water, weather and climate issues impacting agriculture? Join us Mar. 16, 17, 18, and 19 at 10 a.m. CST.
Related Content

An Introduction to Salt-Impacted Soils in South Dakota
Introduction of salt-impacted soils in South Dakota for landowners.

Range Roundup: SDSU’s Native Plant Initiative
The SDSU Native Plant Initiative aims to improve our understanding of South Dakota’s native plants, including which ones are best-suited for restoration and production. This information will help guide stakeholders in matching native species to desired restoration outcomes.

South Dakota Soil and Water Conservation Society to host “Connecting Farm to Future” Virtual Conference
December 02, 2020
The South Dakota Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), will host a free virtual conference.