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NRCS North Dakota Leadership tours McKenzie County producers

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Grazing System

Leaders from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) toured McKenzie County on May 22, meeting with local producers and discussing conservation practices.

By Chris Maestas, State Public Affairs Specialist, NRCS, ND

WATFORD CITY, N.D. June 3, 2024 -The tour, organized by the McKenzie County Soil Conservation District, featured eight stops showcasing various sustainable agricultural techniques.

Leaders from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) toured McKenzie County on May 22, meeting with local producers and discussing conservation practices. The tour, organized by the McKenzie County Soil Conservation District, featured eight stops showcasing various sustainable agricultural techniques. (Photo by NRCS State Public Affairs Specialist Chris Maestas)
Leaders from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) toured McKenzie County on May 22, meeting with local producers and discussing conservation practices. The tour, organized by the McKenzie County Soil Conservation District, featured eight stops showcasing various sustainable agricultural techniques. (Photo by NRCS State Public Affairs Specialist Chris Maestas)

The tour included visits to grazing systems, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) irrigation pivots, bale grazing operations, and fields seeded with native grasses. Additionally, participants viewed tree and shrub plantings and renovations, an agricultural waste system, and engaged in a discussion with a producer about collaborations with the Forest Service, grazing associations, and oil companies.

“This tour was an excellent opportunity to see firsthand the innovative conservation efforts being implemented by producers in McKenzie County,” said NRCS State Conservationist Dan Hovland. “Their dedication to sustainable practices is truly commendable.”

One of the highlights of the tour was the “Soil Your Undies” challenge, an initiative designed to illustrate soil health. Last fall, undergarments were buried to observe decomposition rates as an indicator of soil activity. The group dug up the garments to assess the results and buried a new set for evaluation in the fall.

Soil Your Undies challenge. Jason Andrews, Watford City Field Office Natural Resources Specialist displays an undergarment from the “Soil Your Undies” challenge, an initiative designed to illustrate soil health.
Jason Andrews, Watford City Field Office Natural Resources Specialist displays an undergarment from the “Soil Your Undies” challenge, an initiative designed to illustrate soil health. Last fall, undergarments were buried to observe decomposition rates as an indicator of soil activity. To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. (Photo by NRCS State Public Affairs Specialist Chris Maestas)

“The ‘Soil Your Undies’ challenge is a fun and effective way to demonstrate the importance of healthy soil,” said Watford City Field Office District Conservationist Nicole Darrington. “It visually shows how active the soil biology is, which is crucial for our agricultural productivity.”

Throughout the day, NRCS leaders and local producers discussed the successes and challenges of various conservation practices. The event underscored the importance of collaboration and continuous innovation in sustainable agriculture.

“This tour reinforces our commitment to working together with producers to conserve natural resources and improve agricultural sustainability,” said Hovland. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the McKenzie County Soil Conservation District and local producers.”

The tour concluded with a renewed commitment to sustainable practices and a shared vision for the future of conservation in McKenzie County.

Grazing System
The tour included visits to grazing systems, EQIP irrigation pivots, bale grazing operations, and fields seeded with native grasses. Additionally, participants viewed tree and shrub plantings and renovations, an agricultural waste system, and engaged in a discussion with a producer about collaborations with the Forest Service, grazing associations, and oil companies. (Photo by NRCS State Public Affairs Specialist Chris Maestas)

More Information
For more information on financial assistance and technical advice, contact your local NRCS field office or visit the North Dakota NRCS website at North Dakota | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov). To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

Tour included visits to grazing systems, EQIP irrigation pivots, bale grazing operations, and fields seeded with native grasses.
The tour included visits to grazing systems, EQIP irrigation pivots, bale grazing operations, and fields seeded with native grasses. Additionally, participants viewed tree and shrub plantings and renovations, an agricultural waste system, and engaged in a discussion with a producer about collaborations with the Forest Service, grazing associations, and oil companies. (Photo by NRCS State Public Affairs Specialist Chris Maestas)

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