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.
—
Barry H. Dunn, SDSU President
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
Oct
21
Sustaining the Legacy @ Rapid City
Join South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension and industry professionals for a 2-day Estate Planning and Farm Succession Conference.
Nov
15
Sustaining the Legacy @ Aberdeen
Join South Dakota State Univeristy (SDSU) Extension and industry professionals for a 2-day Estate Planning and Farm Succession Conference at the Ramkota (1400 8th Ave. NW) in Aberdeen from Nov. 15-16.
Nov
16
Range Beef Cow Symposium
Known for its wide-ranging topics, demonstrations and practical applications, the symposium has been held biennially among the four cooperating states — Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming — since 1969.
Dec
09
Sustaining the Legacy @ Pierre
Join South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension and industry professionals for a two-day Estate Planning and Farm Succession Conference in Pierre.
Related Content
Online Eastern South Dakota Water Conference set for Oct. 20
October 08, 2021
The theme for this year’s conference is “Ground Truth – Water Resource Management and Remote Sensing.”
The South Dakota Habitat Stamp
In 2020, the South Dakota Legislature approved the South Dakota Habitat Stamp as a way to generate revenue for the development of wildlife habitat on public land and waters, or to provide public access to private land.
Water Rights in a Time of Drought
During a drought, it is not surprising that the South Dakota Water Rights Program will see an increase in permit applications. In South Dakota, water is considered the property of the people of the state, and depending on your intended water use, a water right permit may be needed.