Partners on the Prairie

South Dakota State University has a strong commitment to supporting the grasslands through research, outreach, and education. SDSU President Dr. Barry Dunn and Pete Bauman, SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist share how SDSU is making a difference through hands-on research, educational programs, and leadership that’s helping shape the future of our grasslands.

The American Bird Conservancy is focused on conserving wild birds and their habitats and utilizes strategic partnerships to do that. On this episode, we are joined by Kevin Ellison and Steve Riley, two individuals whose work includes supporting grassland birds and the grasslands.

The Dakota Territory Buffalo Association was founded to help facilitate the relationship between bison producers and their markets.  They  value promoting bison meat and furnishing a positive forum for creativity and camaraderie among a diverse membership. 

Produers Alex Sleep and Lindsey Hester share how Dakota Territory Buffalo Association supports producers and the industry.

Pheasants Forever is a nationwide organization with a mission to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy.  On this episode, we hear from Pheasant Forever’s South Dakota State Coordinator Matt Gottlob and Senior Farm bill Wildlife Biologist Tom Zinter to talk about the work of Pheasants Forever in South Dakota.

Earth Optics is a soil data and mapping company that provides data on your land.  Ryan Dierking joins our podcast to delve into what is happening in the world of soil data collection, and how producers and partners can use these resources for planning on grassland operations. 

To connect with Ryan directly, email [email protected]

The Wildlife Society is a national organization focused on empowering wildlife professionals to advance conservation through science, community and professional excellence.  In South Dakota, a chapter exists to support professionals in our state while also promoting stewardship and appreciation of wildlife.   In this episode, chapter treasurer and secretary, Mandy Pearson is shares about the purpose and accomplishments of the organization.  

The Society for Range Management is an international organzation for professionals and rangeland users who are concerned with studying, conserving, managing and sustaining the various rangelands worldwide.  In South Dakota, the chapter is especially focused on supporting grassland education for youth. In this episode, Jeff Vander Wilt shares about the South Dakota SRM chapter, and their work.

Prairie Pothole Joint Ventures (PPJV) is one of two Joint Ventures that works in South Dakota to support healthy grasslands and bird habitats.  PPJV Coordinator, Lauri Hanauska-Brown shares about the unique ways Prairie Pothole Joint Ventures is working to support community-based conservation.  

SnapLands is a Colorado based ecological accounting and rangeland monitoring company that partners with managers intentionally seeking strategies to maximize long term profit and healthy ecosystems. Ryan White, CEO and founder of Snaplands, shares how landowners and producers can work with a company like SnapLands to improve their recordkeeping, productivity, and profitability of their land.

Based out of South Dakota, Ecdysis is a research 501c3 that works with farmers and ranchers across the United States and Canada to research how stewards of the land can be innovative to produce food and fiber while working with their environments. Jonathan Lundgren, founder and director of Ecdysis shares about their 1,000 Farms Initiative and work at Blue Dasher Farm.