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.
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.
"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."
—
Barry H. Dunn, SDSU President
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 management approaches that benefit the sustainability of land, water, and all natural resources.
Benefits
- Free profitability analysis.
- No up-front commitment.
- $150 per acre over 5 years.
- $50 per acre for seeding costs.
- Working lands flexibility.
- Data kept confidential.
- Improved soil health.
- Improved water quality.
- Increased wildlife habitat.
- Increased farm profitability.
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.
