By Scout Nelson
Rick Grosek, SDSPA Urban Ag Liaison, recently attended the notable 2024 South Dakota Soil Conference in Rapid City. Organized by the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, this event united farmers, ranchers, researchers, and industry experts to exchange knowledge on soil health management.
Tony Sunseri of the Natural Resources Conservation Service opened the conference, emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing and learning from experiences.
The conference featured five keynote presentations, with Glenn Alzinga's "When Two Daughters Get Married During Grazing Season" being a highlight for Grosek. Alzinga's talk reflected a deep commitment to land stewardship and the western ranch lifestyle.
Attendees engaged in various breakout sessions, exploring diverse topics from gardening for healthy soils to the value of wildflowers in livestock forage. A session by SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist Andrea Bjornstad on farm and ranch stress and mental health stood out, highlighting the human aspect of agriculture.
Networking and collaboration were key themes, with exhibitors showcasing new products and services, and informal discussion sessions fostering community engagement. The conference also celebrated achievements with the presentation of youth awards and the honoring of Paul Jasa and Dennis Hoyle with the “Friend of Soil Health” and “Legacy” awards, respectively.
Grosek noted, “Soil health is not just about crop yields; it’s about the long-term health of our planet,” capturing the essence of the conference.
SDSPA encourages everyone interested in soil health to engage with local soil conservation agencies, participate in workshops, and share their experiences. This conference was more than an event; it was a symbol of South Dakota's dedication to sustainable agricultural practices and a healthier planet.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: South Dakota, Sustainable Agriculture