Conservation Implementation Strategy (CIS) Project Resiliency Strategies for Grazingland Management and Recovery in Beadle County is underway in areas in western Beadle County, SD, averaging 21-22 inches of precipitation annually based on data provided by the South Dakota State Climate Office at South Dakota State University. This project is in its first year of funding and is one of 17 selected in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 and is federally-funded through the NRCS conservation programs in the 2018 Farm Bill. The purpose of this project is to implement grazing strategies to promote plant diversity and root growth to ensure grassland stability in the targeted area and will be implemented by the NRCS in collaboration with farmers, ranchers, and landowners within the project area. This project will focus on conservation practices such as cross-fencing, livestock pipelines, watering facilities, grass plantings, and cover crops to help facilitate proper grazing management and resiliency in our grazinglands. While applications are accepted year-round, interested producers and landowners must apply by February 21, 2023, for FY2023 funding.
The NRCS conservation specialists and partners are coordinating these projects throughout the state. Through collectively focusing expertise and resources on the highest priority resource concerns, CIS projects can yield impressive returns. Collaborative funding and support from other agencies and groups create a coordinated community effort and focus on mutual issues of concern. The Resiliency Strategies for Grazingland Management and Recovery in Beadle County Project partners with the Beadle County Conservation District and Ducks Unlimited to directly benefit soil health on grasslands. Project sponsors identified plant diversity as a resource concern and developed this CIS project to address the situation.
“From 2019 to 2021, Beadle County has experienced both flooding and drought conditions. These extreme conditions have impacted our grass conditions and proven the importance of grazingland management. By implementing proper grazing strategies through rest, recovery, proper stocking rates, and necessary infrastructure, plants can recover quicker during these wet and dry extremes,” says Brady Johnson, District Conservationist, Huron Field Office.
To apply to be a part of this project, find and contact your local NRCS Service Center at www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center, or contact Brady Johnson at brady.johnson@usda.gov or (605) 352-2998, Ext. 3. For more information on the CIS in SD, or if you have ideas for a project, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-environmental-quality-incentives/south-dakota/south-dakota-conservation, or contact Jeff Vander Wilt, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, at jeffrey.vanderwilt@usda.gov or (605) 352-1226.
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