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Area Producers Gather to Explore Grazing Principles
On July 1 st local producers and conservationists gathered for a grazing workshop hosted by the McPherson County Conservation District. Held at the Samuel H. Ordway Jr. Memorial Preserve Nature Conservancy west of Leola, speaker Jenita Derga presented questions to help producers reflect on their operations to analyze profitability, ability to match production to resources and markets, and if the operation had a defined mission and vision. Having clear knowledge of these ques
BrookeHiggins
Jan 162 min read


No Fence = No Problem
Grazing crop acres offers multiple advantages for both livestock producers and crop farmers. This integrated approach can improve soil...
BrookeHiggins
Oct 21, 20241 min read


Cover Crops and the Benefits
Cover crops are an essential tool for sustainable farming practices. Whether you're managing a small garden or a large-scale operation,...
BrookeHiggins
Sep 23, 20243 min read


Range Management: You Gotta Know What You’ve Got..
Adaptability is in an important term and no different when it comes to farming and ranching. Adjusting to environmental and industry...
BrookeHiggins
Jul 25, 20243 min read


Monitoring Water Quality to Safeguard Grazing Season Success
Water serves as a crucial nutrient for livestock. Animal size, diet, productivity, and air temperature determine the quantity of water...
BrookeHiggins
Jul 2, 20242 min read


In Harmony with Nature: The Beauty and Benefits of Cattle Grazing on the Hillside
Imagine a serine landscape, where gentle bovine graze peacefully, their rhythmic munching echoing the timeless cycle of life. This...
BrookeHiggins
May 8, 20242 min read


Keys to Successful Grass Seeding
Proper planning and attention to detail is crucial when establishing a stand of grass. Establishment requirements differ for perennial...
BrookeHiggins
Apr 29, 20242 min read


Enhancing Sustainability: Exploring Key Conservation Practices
In today's rapidly changing world, conservation practices play a vital role in promoting sustainability and preserving our natural...
BrookeHiggins
Apr 16, 20242 min read


Beginning Farm Transition Planning: A Guide to Success
Transitioning a farm or ranch to the next generation is a significant and complex process that requires careful planning and...
BrookeHiggins
Apr 3, 20242 min read


Site Preparation is Crucial Prior to Tree Planting
Planting trees is not just about digging a hole and putting in a sapling. Proper site preparation plays a pivotal role in long-term...
BrookeHiggins
Mar 27, 20242 min read


The Vital Role of Pollinators
Pollinators play a critical role in our ecosystems, yet their significance is often overlooked. From bees and butterflies to birds and...
BrookeHiggins
Mar 18, 20242 min read


Interseeding Cover Crops: A Profitable Decision
In the realm of sustainable agriculture, the practice of interseeding cover crops into soybean and other cash crop fields has gained...
BrookeHiggins
Mar 6, 20243 min read


Buzz word: Regenerative Agriculture
It is no secret that there are trends happening in agriculture today. Trending words include: carbon sequestration, sustainable, carbon...
BrookeHiggins
Feb 26, 20243 min read


McPherson County Conservation District Winter Workshop
McPherson County Conservation District held their winter workshop on February 12th, 2024 at Prime Time Bar and Grill in Eureka, SD. Robin...
BrookeHiggins
Feb 20, 20242 min read


Be On The Lookout for Tree Damage This Spring
Are our freezing temperatures really over for the winter? Chances are: probably not. But there is a chance that your trees may have...
BrookeHiggins
Feb 5, 20242 min read


Cover Crops: What is the Big Deal?
Credit: Oleksandr_U - Shutterstock You hear the term cover crops a lot, especially with all the NRCS and USDA climate smart programs...
BrookeHiggins
Jan 23, 20242 min read


Exploring the Depths of Healthy Soil
Photo courtesy of U. S. Department of Agriculture Soil, often overlooked beneath our feet, plays a crucial role in sustaining life. A...
BrookeHiggins
Jan 8, 20243 min read


Funding Available for Shelterbelt Renovations
Shelterbelts play a vital role in providing wind protection to farmsteads, fields, livestock, and wildlife. These groves of trees aid in...
BrookeHiggins
Aug 4, 20232 min read


Why Rotationally Graze?
While it is often a relief to farmers and ranchers to turn their livestock out to summer grazing pastures in the spring, it also comes...
BrookeHiggins
Jul 18, 20232 min read


Gardening in the Dead of Winter
Gardening is an activity and hobby that is therapeutic for many. It is refreshing for people to get outside and connect with nature,...
BrookeHiggins
Feb 22, 20232 min read
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