With the celebration of Earth Day just last week, it is a good time to discuss the formation of the USDA Soil Conservation Service (known today as the Natural Resources Conservation Service) and the Conservation District (Wexford CD and the Missaukee CD).
The beginning of the soil conservation movement in the United States was started by Hugh Hammond Bennett in the early 1900s. Hugh Hammond Bennett, the Soil Conservation Serviceâs first Chief and the Father of Soil Conservation. A maverick and visionary, Bennett knew that productive soils would help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners protect their livelihoods. Even then, Bennett, a scientist, knew good science must be the foundation for voluntary conservation on private lands.
Although the soil is covered in snow, the time will come when the snow will melt, the temperature will rise, and producers will be back in the field for growing season 2021. When that day comes producers want to hit the ground running, knowing exactly what theyâre going to plant and where. To get the most out of the soil this growing season itâs important to know whatâs going on beneath the surface. Soil testing provides a holistic view of a fieldâs organic matter, topography, soil texture, drainage, soil pH, pest management methods and overall productivity. It is a tool that highlights the soilâs available nutrients and should drive a producerâs fertilizer and crop choices for the coming year.
jschramm@minotdailynews.com
Jill Schramm/MDN
Ward County Commissioner Howard “Bucky” Anderson, left, and Ward County Soils Committee Chairman Brian Keller take part in a soils committee meeting Jan. 12. They are among seven members of the committee.
The average value of agricultural land in Ward County for tax purposes is going up just under 1% in 2021.
The Ward County Commission last week accepted the recommendation of the county soils committee to set the average value of agricultural land for tax purposes at $567 an acre, which is about 94% of the $603 listed by the state as the average true value. The average true value is up $5.20 an acre from last year.