In this interview segment between Buz Kloot and Joe Dickie of Lee Briese, Lee Briese discusses his background as an independent crop consultant in East Central North Dakota, specializing in managing salinity issues. He explains how salinity affects crop yields due to osmotic pressure, which makes it difficult for plants to absorb water. Lee emphasizes the complexity of managing salinity, debunking myths such as the belief that tillage improves the situation.

He attributes the worsening of salinity issues to factors like changes in crop rotations, emphasizing that certain crops like corn and soybeans are less tolerant to salinity compared to wheat and barley. Lee discusses the impact of wet and dry cycles on salinity levels, noting that while some actions may temporarily dilute salts, they don't solve the underlying problem.

Lee also addresses the concentration of salinity along roadways due to poor drainage, highlighting the need for watershed-based solutions. He compares managing salinity to managing a wildfire, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts across different properties to effectively address the issue.

Overall, the interview provides valuable insights into the challenges of managing salinity in agricultural landscapes and the need for holistic, watershed-based approaches to address this complex issue.

Briese delves into the concept of "Lean Acres," areas of farmland that fail to yield any profit despite receiving inputs. He compares these unproductive areas to hired workers who consistently fail to show up for work, emphasizing the need for farmers to address them promptly. According to Briese, these areas essentially drain resources without providing any return, akin to an unproductive employee.

He illustrates this point by posing a rhetorical question: How long would it take a farmer to fire someone who never shows up for work? The implication is clear - such inefficiencies cannot be tolerated in a business setting, and the same principle should apply to farming operations. Briese suggests that Lean Acres, which have been receiving full inputs without generating any yield, should be treated similarly.

Briese highlights the swiftness with which unproductive workers are typically let go, often within a week. He draws a parallel to the agricultural context, noting that farmers have been allowing these unproductive acres to persist for several years before taking action. This delay in addressing the issue only exacerbates the problem, prolonging the drain on resources.

To remedy the situation, Briese advocates for reassigning these unproductive acres to different tasks that are more suitable. He proposes alternative jobs such as creating wildlife habitat or planting high-tolerance crops like barley or sunflower. By giving these acres a new purpose, farmers can mitigate their negative impact and potentially even derive some value from them.

Moreover, Briese stresses the importance of managing expenses effectively, especially in areas where crops consistently fail to thrive. He suggests that farmers should refrain from investing further resources into these unproductive areas and instead focus on optimizing input usage elsewhere on the farm.

Furthermore, Briese discusses the significance of adjusting expectations when transitioning to alternative land management strategies. While the shift may not result in the same level of profitability as traditional crop production, it can still yield positive outcomes in terms of cost savings and environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, Briese emphasizes the need for proactive management of Lean Acres and encourages farmers to explore alternative land use options. By reevaluating their approach and making strategic adjustments, farmers can mitigate losses and potentially turn unproductive areas into assets for their operations. Briese's insights underscore the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in modern agricultural practices.

We’re excited for the second podcast in this series that we call “Atlas Brainstorming with Dr. Dwayne Beck”.  The original interviews we conducted were in 2013 at Dakota Lakes Research Farm (DLRF) and then Buz Kloot followed up with Dr.  Beck in 2024 to see what had happened in the interim.

In this second 2013 interview between Buz and Dwayne, they discuss Dwayne's philosophy of science, particularly focusing on soil health and agriculture. Dwayne explains his systems approach, which is influenced by his upbringing on a farm and his background in chemistry and physics. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of biological systems and using basic ecological principles to guide agricultural practices.

Dwayne also talks about the challenges he faced in transitioning to sustainable agriculture, especially during a time when funding for research was declining. He highlights the need to balance environmental sustainability with economic viability, acknowledging the real-world constraints faced by farmers.

Throughout the conversation, Dwayne emphasizes the importance of practical research that yields tangible results, contrasting it with purely theoretical or PR-driven approaches. He emphasizes the need for research to be grounded in practical application and tested in real-world conditions, using the metaphor of whether "the dog hunts" to illustrate the concept of effectiveness in agricultural practices.

Overall, the interview provides insights into Dwayne's pragmatic and interdisciplinary approach to agricultural research, highlighting the importance of integrating scientific principles with practical considerations for sustainable farming practices.

In the 2024 interview between Buz and Dwayne Beck regarding progress at Dakota Lakes Research Farm, Dwayne Beck emphasizes the long-term nature of the results achieved, particularly in response to effective management practices. He highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural management strategies that not only deliver immediate benefits but also contribute to long-term success and resilience.

Dwayne stresses the significance of implementing management practices that are environmentally friendly while also being economically viable. He discusses how their approach at Dakota Lakes involves a combination of ecological principles, practical farming experiences, and scientific research to develop sustainable solutions. This approach, according to Dwayne, is essential for ensuring that the results achieved are not short-lived but have lasting impacts on soil health, crop productivity, and overall farm sustainability.

Furthermore, Dwayne underscores the need to continually evaluate and adapt management practices based on ongoing research and practical outcomes. He discusses the collaborative efforts with researchers from South Dakota State University, indicating a commitment to integrating academic insights with on-the-ground experiences to drive continuous improvement and long-term success at Dakota Lakes Research Farm.

Overall, Dwayne's perspective emphasizes the crucial role of effective and forward-thinking management in achieving sustainable agricultural outcomes that endure over time.

Engage with Dakota Lakes’ Virtual Field day through the 2020 video series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTZDoxH1GkisubbRzKxg2XA_PIzzPE8PM

Get in touch with Dakota Lakes Research Farm through their website, http://www.dakotalakes.com/contact/ where there is also information on membership.

The conversation begins with Matt sharing a bit about his background, growing up on military bases in Germany and having ties to agriculture through his family's farming history. He then talks about his education and work experience in fisheries, water quality, and conservation, leading up to his current role as an agronomist at Ducks Unlimited. Matt also briefly mentions his personal experience with livestock and land management.

The podcast interview between Buz Kloot, Matt Hubers, and Joe Dickie delves into the pressing issue of salinity in agricultural systems, particularly in South Dakota. Matt Hubers, an agronomist at Ducks Unlimited, brings valuable expertise and insights into the discussion, drawing from his background in natural resource management and personal involvement in agriculture.

Matt discusses the historical and current factors contributing to salinity problems, such as changes in cropping practices and increased tillage. He highlights the detrimental effects of salinity on soil health and crop productivity, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate these issues. Matt suggests strategies like diversifying cropping systems, reducing tillage, and incorporating perennial grasses to address salinity and maintain soil cover.

The conversation also touches on the escalating salinity issues in specific regions, such as the James River Valley, and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Matt stresses the role of technical and financial assistance from organizations like Ducks Unlimited, emphasizing that now is the opportune time for farmers to seek help and implement solutions.

Joe Dickie raises questions about the broader implications of salinity issues and government assistance for non-farmers. Matt underscores the interconnectedness of agriculture with clean water, clean air, and healthy food, highlighting the benefits of supporting sustainable agricultural practices for all residents of South Dakota.

In summary, the interview underscores the urgency of addressing salinity problems, provides practical insights into mitigation strategies, and emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts to sustain agriculture and preserve the state's landscape for future generations.

Dwayne Beck is the Research Manager at Dakota Lakes Research Farm in Pierre, South Dakota. Soil Health Labs researcher Buz Kloot spoke with him in 2013 and again in 2023 about his journey at Dakota Lakes.

When Dakota Lakes Research Farm was first established by local farmers in the early 1980s, the aim was to address irrigation challenges exacerbated by rising energy costs. Dwayne Beck was a graduate student at the time studying irrigation research and ushered the farm toward emphasis on efficient water usage, not only in irrigated but also dryland areas. Over time, the farm's focus expanded beyond irrigation to encompass both dryland and irrigation research, its current goal being to identify, research, and demonstrate methods of strengthening and stabilizing the agriculture economy.

Over time, through the Dakota Lakes property, Beck expanded the regional pool of research on blossoming topics in regenerative agriculture: holistic no-till approaches, effective uses of irrigation, and the conditions necessary to bolster a native mixed-grass prairie ecosystem.

“Farmers are doing ‘no till’ in the US in some ways that don't make much sense, because there's no diversity and there's no attention to water cycles and nutrient cycles and sunlight, they’re just not doing tillage– basically just a conventional system with the tillage taken out.”

Now, ten years after first speaking to Beck, he has witnessed a local rebirth in small agricultural communities. There has been a noted increase in those working in fertilizer, cropping support businesses, and grain elevators, alongside a heightened understanding of the farmer’s power in soil health issues. Land value has increased, and with it, a broader understanding that healthy soils mean for a healthy community.

“How do you change the social moorings, so to speak, of a whole area? In the old days, if we had soil erosion happening, ditches filling with dirt-- which was common-- that was just seen as an act of God, something beyond the farmer’s control. And that part has changed.”

Beck hopes in the future to engage non-farming members and absentee landowners in issues of local agriculture. Particularly absentee landowners that rent local land don’t often have an intimate understanding of how the land is being managed— Beck would like to engage these landowners and invite them to express a vested interest in what’s happening on their land and within their soils.

Engage with Dakota Lakes’ Virtual Field day through the 2020 video series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTZDoxH1GkisubbRzKxg2XA_PIzzPE8PM

Get in touch with Dakota Lakes Research Farm through their website, http://www.dakotalakes.com/contact/ where there is also information on membership.

In this, our first series on salinity, we talk to Kent Cooley, area resource scientist in Rapid City, SD.  We discuss some of the causes of salinity in South Dakota, where it's estimated that 7.5 million acres of land are affected by saline soils, with almost a million more acres added in the past 10-15 years due to management practices. Kent helps is dive into the geology aspects of the region, explaining how the presence of an ancient inland sea and subsequent sedimentation left a high concentration of salts in the soil. We also look at the natural processes that contribute to the formation of saline and sodic soils, including the role of parent material, climate, and water movement. Natural salinity can occur due to the upward movement of water dissolving salts in the soil, which then accumulate on the surface as the water evaporates. This process is exacerbated by certain agricultural practices that incorporate high disturbance, and low diversity. 

Our conversation also addresses the critical difference between saline and sodic soils, with sodic soils being particularly challenging to remediate due to their impact on soil structure and water infiltration. Kent stresses the importance of soil testing to accurately diagnose the condition affecting the soil, which in turn informs the appropriate remediation strategies.

We briefly touch on remediation (the subject of future podcasts) and these include diversifying crop rotations, adopting no-till farming practices, and perennial systems to make better use of soil moisture and keep salts deeper in the soil profile. The podcast underscores the significance of managing the recharge areas (upslope of the salinity area) to prevent the movement of salts to the surface in lower areas. Additionally, Kent touches on the challenges and potential solutions for managing salinity in irrigation districts, where the use of water with moderate to high salt content can further exacerbate soil salinity issues.

Kent emphasizes the need to be proactive and taking a comprehensive approach to addressing salinity including soil testing, appropriate residue management, crop selection, and the adoption of farming practices that preserve soil health and prevent the accumulation of salts in the soil profile.

Laura Kahler is the director of the South Dakota Grasslands Initiative (SDGI), pushing South Dakotan agriculture toward sustainability and heightened reverence for the natural landscape. Laura's mission is to provide resources and support to landowners, helping them keep their pasture lands not just profitable, but also sustainable and ecologically sound.

The SDGI aims to manage grasslands effectively while balancing profitability and environmental conservation. Grasslands are more than just land; they are ecosystems that require attentive, informed management to thrive. Laura emphasizes that the initiative is more than a conservation effort; it's a collaborative platform where hunters, ranchers, conservation groups, and others converge to share perspectives and solutions.

A key aspect of SDGI's approach is the integration of local knowledge with scientific research. Farmers and landowners bring generations of experience, while scientific insights offer new perspectives on soil health and ecosystem management. This blend of knowledge is crucial for developing effective, sustainable land management strategies.

Education forms the backbone of the SDGI. By educating landowners and the public about the importance of soil health and sustainable practices, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect, one that spreads awareness and action across communities. This educational component is vital in cultivating a shared understanding and commitment to land stewardship.

At its heart, the success of the SDGI hinges on collaboration. By bringing together diverse groups, each with their own perspectives and interests, the initiative fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. This collaborative spirit is essential for addressing complex environmental challenges.

The real-world impact of the SDGI and regenerative practices is profound. Farmers report healthier soils, increased biodiversity, and improved yields. Environmentally, these practices contribute to carbon sequestration, water retention, and habitat preservation - essential components in the fight against climate change.

Looking ahead, Kahler intends to continue expanding the initiative, deepening the understanding of regenerative practices, and fostering a community where every stakeholder has a voice in shaping the future of our grasslands.

The South Dakota Grasslands Initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and a deep commitment to our planet. Regenerative practices and collaborative effort not only impact today’s soils, but have ripple effects into plant, animal and human life for years to come.

Links:

SD Grasslands Initiative Homepage: https://sdgrassinitiative.org/

SDGI Summit and Introduction Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikpzs8sA4xU

New Feature Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAoqp0cYwPc

In this insightful episode, Tate Lantz joins hosts Joe Dickie and Buz Kloot to discuss the Central Grasslands Roadmap. Lantz shares his personal journey from a childhood on a South Dakota cattle ranch to his current role in conservation, reflecting a deep connection to the grasslands. 

Tate grew up on a cattle ranch near Winner, SD and after high school attended SDSU majoring in range science. His career began at the Conservation District in Kingsbury County, after which he joined the NRCS in 1998 and currently serves as Assistant State Conservationist for field operations in Rapid City, SD since 2016. Lantz first got involved in the grasslands roadmap mission when the operation was temporarily housed in the Sturgis field office where he was positioned. He was immediately drawn into the aim: to combine the efforts of three countries and eight sectors to save one of the most vital ecosystems on earth- the grasslands. Grasslands face threats from urban sprawl, agricultural conversion, and tree encroachment, leading to grassland loss (32 million acres since 2012) as well as significant biodiversity loss. 

The Roadmap aims to raise awareness of grasslands' value in carbon sequestration and climate mitigation. To do this, the Roadmap emphasizes community involvement, including indigenous voices and industry partnerships. The Roadmap highlights the interconnection between grassland health and economic resilience of rural communities. It aims to bolster collective understanding and action, influence and push forward impactful legislation, heighten efficiency of resource use and allocation, refine shared progress monitoring standards and construct sustainability models to support scaling programs in grazing, regenerative agriculture, and industry. Tate Lantz's conversation sheds light on the Central Grasslands Roadmap's importance in preserving one of America’s most vital ecosystems. Stay tuned for more discussions on grassland conservation and the roadmap's impact across North America. 

Useful Links: 

Central Grasslands Roadmap Home page: https://www.grasslandsroadmap.org/ 

Our recommendation for understanding the roadmap: 

Roadmap Executive Summary New Feature Video on Grasslands loss and reclamation: Two Regenerative Ranchers Share Shocking Soil Health Discovery (growingresiliencesd.com/videos) 

Other Notes on the Central Grasslands Roadmap: 

History: 2018- Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (backbone organization) – Tammy VerCauteren’s (exec director of BCoR) vision. 

Need/Context: 50 million acres (size of SD?) lost in last 10 years? “Measures of human community health and healthy grassland ecosystems across the biome continue to decline. The time to act is now.” 

Scale: Mexico, US and Canada, 600 million acres, eight sectors (e.g., indigenous communities, landowners & ranchers federal agencies, industry/ag and private sector, state and provincial agencies, NGO’s, academia, foundations and funders). Diverse ecosystems and diverse communities What is the Central Grasslands Roadmap? A hub for information and connection across countries and sectors - “We must think, collaborate, and act differently.” 

Vision: Eight outcomes – all look like related to thriving economic, environmental and equity (3 tectonic plates of sustainability) outcomes for these communities, beginning with indigenous populations, but includes ranchers/landowners, NGOs policymakers.. 

Principles: Respect, priorities to sustain indigenous communities, ranching and rual communities, science priorities, eight sectors.