By Scout Nelson
EcoSun launched its Prairie Farm project in 2007 on a 650-acre farm in Moody County, South Dakota. The project, completed in 2014, aimed to demonstrate how retired cropland could be converted into productive native grasslands, providing both economic benefits and ecological services like clean water, healthy soil, and climate protection. This approach emphasized multi-functional agriculture, combining traditional farming with environmental conservation.
The project promoted the potential of a working landscape by showcasing how sustainable agriculture could coexist with biodiversity and ecological health. EcoSun’s Prairie Farm allowed for grazing livestock while maintaining the integrity of the grassland ecosystem, demonstrating the benefits of a harmonious balance between agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Several public and private organizations contributed to the success of the Prairie Farm project. The North Central Regional Sun Grant Center supported biofuel feedstock research, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assisted with wetland restoration and native grass seed funding. South Dakota State University provided essential equipment, and The Nature Conservancy donated valuable native grass seeds.
Over the course of the project, EcoSun sold prairie-raised beef and other farm products, highlighting the viability of sustainable practices in agriculture. The Prairie Farm also gained attention through a documentary film, “Grassroots: The Prairie Farm Story,” which captured the project's impact.
The Prairie Farm project serves as an example of how agriculture can support environmental health and sustainability, leaving a legacy for future generations.
Photo Credit:south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, General, Weather