Discover the future of farming on the Every Acre Counts Bus Tour, hosted by SDSU Extension. This exciting tour, taking place on August 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., showcases the precision agricultural strategies employed by farmers Craig and Gene Stehly. These strategies not only mitigate saline soils but also ensure maximum productivity and profitability.
The Stehly brothers, recipients of the prestigious Pheasants Forever 2022/2023 Precision Farmer of the Year award, have been devoted participants in the Every Acre Counts program. This initiative aims to support South Dakota producers in transforming "marginal lands" with poor soil quality into successful agricultural assets.
The farm owners, Craig and Gene Stehly, have adopted precision agriculture technology as a core component of their sustainable farming and conservation practices. They have demonstrated that it's not always economically wise to plant every acre, and they have excelled in incorporating conservation strategies to maximize the benefits of their land.
One of the main focuses of the tour is to address saline soils, or soils with high salt content, which can severely hinder agricultural productivity. By observing the Stehly farm's success with saline soil mitigation, tour participants will gain valuable insights into managing this common challenge faced by farmers.
Anthony Bly, the SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist, expresses the tour's aim to revolutionize land management paradigms through the Every Acre Counts program. The Stehlys' approach illustrates that incorporating conservation practices can lead to significant gains in productivity, truly making the most of every acre.
The bus tour not only provides a unique learning opportunity but also offers a chance to network with like-minded individuals. Co-sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pheasants Forever, and the conservation districts of Davison, Aurora, and Sanborn counties, this event promises to be enriching and insightful.
Don't miss this exciting chance to witness cutting-edge precision agriculture in action and learn from experienced farmers on how to tackle saline soils. Registration is required to secure a seat on the bus, and lunch will be provided for all participants.
To register or learn more about the event, contact Anthony Bly or Cristin Weber on 605-999-3905.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: South Dakota, Crops