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Grazingland Sustainability initiative available statewideSouth Dakota Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Grazingland Sustainability Initiative is being offered. The application deadline for this special, statewide initiative is being extended until Nov. 20. "Producers are very busy this time of year, and this extension will provide more of an opportunity for those interested to visit our offices," said Denise Gauer, EQIP program manager. The intent of the Grazingland Sustainability Initiative is to encourage producers to be proactive to manage their grazing operation for drought sustainability. "Even though most places are wet, conditions usually are not like this. The NRCS staff with knowledge about grassland will work with producers to develop strategies to manage for drought before it becomes a reality." The purpose of GSI is to encourage intensive management of South Dakota's grasslands to better manage the impact of drought through educational opportunities geared towards sustainability before and during drought while offering annual practice payments for prescribed grazing and rest. The primary benefits of intensive grassland management are increased health and vigor of the grassland, as well as increased production over time. The improved condition of the grassland typically results in increased livestock production. "I spoke with several producers this year at the South Dakota Grazing School, and they feel that the school and GSI will definitely benefit their profitability and sustainability of their operation," said Stan Boltz, NRCS State Range Management Specialist. Attendance at the South Dakota Grazing School is a key element of GSI. Any producers interested in the GSI should contact their local NRCS office located in the USDA Service Center. For more information about this initiative or NRCS and natural resource conservation programs go to www.sd.nrcs.usda.gov.
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