By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension has announced the hiring of Parker Witt as a new Crop and Livestock Field Specialist. Based in Watertown, Witt will work with producers across the state to help build resilient and profitable operations.
Witt brings expertise in both crop and livestock production, giving him the ability to guide producers who want to integrate the two.
His work will focus on improving forage systems, grazing cover crops, and other practices that connect cropland and livestock management.
“What I’m looking forward to most is collaborating with producers to help every acre do more and to lift up our rural communities, with land stewardship at the forefront,” Witt said. “I’m excited to team up with producers, local partners and colleagues on grazing planning, cropland systems, forage management, and on-farm demonstrations – and most importantly to listen to community needs so our programming truly hits the mark.”
A native of Lakeland, Minnesota, Witt earned a bachelor’s degree in soil and land management from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and a master’s degree in biological sciences from SDSU.
He previously worked as a soil conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Minnesota and as an agricultural conservation specialist with Wisconsin’s Sand County Foundation, a nonprofit focused on research and conservation.
Heather Gessner, SDSU Extension interim Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Director and Livestock Business Management Field Specialist, said Witt’s background will help producers find the valuable synergies between crops and livestock.
“Parker will be able to assist producers as they make operational changes that will impact their operations for years to come,” Gessner noted.
With his experience and commitment to land stewardship, Witt is ready to partner with producers to advance sustainable practices and strengthen South Dakota’s agricultural communities.
Photo Credit: beef-cows-in-field-usda
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Education, Livestock