By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University's research team has recently been awarded a substantial grant of nearly $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
This funding is part of a Conservation Innovation Grant aimed at advancing bison management on the Great Plains and nearby grasslands. With matching funds from private industry, the total project budget nearly doubles to $4 million.
The grant will be utilized in several key areas, including the study of winter bale grazing strategies for bison and the organization of educational workshops for bison producers, NRCS agents, and university extension agents. Jeff Martin, an assistant professor of bison biology and management at SDSU, highlighted the novelty of this initiative for many involved in natural resource management.
“NRCS agents and extension agents just really haven't worked with bison a whole lot in their history,” said Martin. He is excited about using Custer State Park as the initial workshop location, fostering collaboration across state, federal, and university levels.
Over the next three years, the team will explore different methods of winter feeding for bison, with a focus on bale grazing—a technique commonly used in beef cattle ranching. This method, however, presents unique challenges for bison, particularly large males, who tend to play with the hay bales, potentially causing damage to fence on sloped terrains.
Martin and his team believe that unrolling the bales might offer a more effective feeding strategy by accommodating the communal eating habits of bison herds. This method could also enhance grassland health, as it supports the activity of dung beetles, which play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and improving soil quality.
The project aims not only to refine bison feeding practices but also to boost the ecological integrity of grasslands. Improved grazing techniques are expected to increase soil organic matter, enhancing plant growth and biodiversity while improving water retention and resilience against drought.
This research could have significant implications for the conservation of bison, an iconic species that has faced near extinction but is now experiencing a resurgence in South Dakota. With around 44,650 bison in the state, various stakeholders are keen on ensuring the continued health and sustainability of these majestic animals.
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Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy, Livestock