By Scout Nelson
Ducks Unlimited is expanding its conservation work in South Dakota through the Working Grasslands Partnership (WGP). With a $787,500 Community Innovation grant, the goal is to restore 25,000 acres of grassland in the next five years.
This funding will help strengthen grass-based agriculture, which is well-suited to South Dakota’s soil and land conditions. The WGP brings together Ducks Unlimited and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), along with local farmers and ranchers, to build a healthy mix of cash crops, forage, grasslands, wetlands, and livestock systems.
The Bush Foundation chose this project because of its innovative approach to both conservation and community support.
The program helps landowners shift marginal cropland—areas not ideal for traditional crops—into sustainable grasslands. This helps improve soil health, boost water quality, and create better habitat for grassland birds and other wildlife.
Farmers and ranchers who participate will receive cost-sharing support and technical guidance, making it easier to adopt these practices. In return, they benefit from stronger livestock operations and long-term economic stability.
This partnership shows how conservation and farming can work together. Not only does it protect South Dakota’s natural beauty, but it also supports local communities by encouraging sustainable agriculture that works with the land.
Photo Credit: pexels-jeffrey-czum
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Livestock, Rural Lifestyle