South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed February 13 – 19 as Soil Health Awareness Week. Soil Health Coalition Board Director and Frankfort farmer Brian Johnson says it’s a great way to educate the public about the importance of soil health as the state’s economy relies on healthy soil to function properly.
Johnson says during the week the Soil Health Coalition will be promoting the various soil health principles and practices and how they can help farmers be more sustainable and benefit the environment.
He hopes producers will consider adding management practices to their operation that promote the health of their soil like no-till and planting cover crops. He says they can result in better water retention, less soil erosion, lower crop input use, and higher productivity.
On Thursday members of the Soil Health Coalition will be traveling to Pierre where the Governor will sign a proclamation and meet with legislators.
