Several South Dakota farmers contributed to data in a new report issued this week from the Soil Health Partnership. Key findings of that report included conservation tillage reduces operating costs, cover crops can be a part of a profitable farming system and conservation practices are optimized when they’re targeted. South Dakota Soil Health Coalition Coordinator Cindy Zenk says soil health is critical to farmer’s profitability and the right conservation practices can make a difference.

She says there are so many benefits to better soil health that increase the profitability of a farming operation.

Zenk says retaining moisture in the soil is very important and as long as that soil is healthy and the proper conservation practices are utilized that retention is more likely to happen.

Zenk says anyone wanting soil health tips can call their office at 605-345-4661 or log onto their website