South Dakota farmers can convert 7,500 acres of cropland to grassland
A $7.98 million federal conservation initiative will allow managed grazing and haymaking on restored land for 10 years.
The Second Century Habitat Fund has secured $7,979,420 from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for its Working Lands Grassland Recovery Initiative, according to the Times of India.
The project aims to convert 7,500 acres of marginal cropland in South Dakota into diverse perennial grasslands through voluntary 10-year agreements with landowners.
The initiative focuses on farmland that is difficult to cultivate or produces unreliable yields, such as areas with saline or wet soils and field edges.
Participating farmers and ranchers can continue using the restored land for managed grazing and haymaking, allowing livestock producers to maintain operations while creating wildlife habitats.
Landowners who sign up will receive financial and technical assistance, including annual rental payments during the initial years, help with land preparation, seed purchases, and planting.
The Second Century Habitat Fund is currently completing the final steps to implement the programme and will work with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks to reach eligible landowners.