By Scout Nelson
A South Dakota ranch family is demonstrating how conservation-focused management can improve both agricultural productivity and environmental health. Through careful planning, grazing improvements, and habitat restoration, the family has transformed its ranch into a more sustainable and productive operation.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) highlighted the work of Kirkpatrick and his family near Hayes, South Dakota. Growing up on a ranch, Wacey developed a strong connection to livestock, wildlife, and land stewardship. His goal has always been to improve forage quality, strengthen grazing systems, and maintain healthy ecosystems.
To support these goals, he worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the Conservation Stewardship Program. He also collaborated with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition and other ranchers who have experience in soil health and conservation practices.
In 2020, Kirkpatrick, his wife Jamie, and their children began leasing grazing land from an out-of-state owner who mainly used the property for hunting. As they managed the land alongside other leaseholders, they identified several opportunities to improve infrastructure, grazing efficiency, and overall land health. After discussing concerns about long-term sustainability with the owner, they developed a plan to restore the ranch and improve its productivity.
A major milestone came at the end of 2021 when the landowner agreed to sell the property. This allowed the Kirkpatrick family to achieve their long-term dream of owning a ranch.
Working with the World Wildlife Fund, the family installed fencing around former Conservation Reserve Program land and cropland. They also built waterlines and water tanks to improve grazing management. Existing food plot areas were replanted with diverse species mixes to maintain living roots in the soil and provide better forage and wildlife habitat.
These efforts have produced positive results. The ranch now supports increased populations of pheasants and Hungarian partridges, while transient elk and even a river otter have been observed on the property.
Over the past six years, improvements in soil health, water movement, and vegetation growth have increased grazing efficiency and helped more grassland return to healthy condition. The family’s experience shows how conservation programs and sustainable management practices can benefit both agricultural operations and natural resources for years to come.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-baccon
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Livestock, Sustainable Agriculture