Farmers and soil health enthusiasts are growing connections through a new social media platform designed to give producers the answers they are looking for at the touch of a screen.
David Kruger took pictures of radishes in his field near Twin Brooks in northeastern South Dakota, which can be shared instantly with hundreds of people interested in soil health practices on the Growing Connections app .
“Soil health practices is a challenge, it is not something always easy getting into it and starting it you have to really change the way you think about farming, and by having the app it gives a place where people who are trying it or thinking of trying it can go and ask questions, and we can try to help to be successful,” Kruger said.
Growing Connections is a partnership between the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, South Dakota Grassland Coalition, USDA, NRCS, the conservation districts and South Dakota State University Extension.
The platform has many features, including places to ask questions, read articles and get connected with soil health mentors in every county across South Dakota.
“The app has the ability to connect farmers with farmers,” said Cindy Zenk, coordinator of the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition. “So far, the questions have been kind of a variety. You know, we’ve had some specific questions on when to terminate crops, or there’s been a question on how to set a planter. You know, what’s your experiences and how to get that right depth when you are getting ready for that planting season too. We have had some grazing questions, some are chemical, residuals, all types.”
“There’s guys asking, seems like first time cover crop users are wondering when to terminate, how to terminate, best way to plant, and just what should they do for a cover crop to start getting ... There’s a lot more questions from new time people,” said Chris Nissen, Vermillion, South Dakota, farmer and mentor through Growing Connections.
Source: agweek.com
Photo Credit: gettyimages-golubovy
Categories: South Dakota, General