McKenzie Farmer Builds Stronger Farm with Conservation

By Scout Nelson

A family farm in McKenzie County, North Dakota, continues to strengthen its operation by adding conservation practices one step at a time. Through careful planning and gradual improvements, the farm has increased soil health, improved grazing management, and created a more sustainable operation for future generations.

Jesse Monson, working closely with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Watford City Field Office, receives technical guidance and conservation program support to introduce new practices over several years. The farm benefits from assistance provided through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These efforts include rotational grazing, fencing, water systems, cover crops, tree plantings, hay land improvements, and no-till farming.

"One thing led to the next," says Monson of his array of conservation practices.

Monson returns to the family farm after graduating from college and gradually shifts from working part-time in the oil industry to farming full-time. Today, the family operation includes his mother Linda, brother Eric, wife Becka, and eight-year-old son Lander. Together they manage 400 to 500 commercial cows, with calving beginning in April, while growing winter wheat, spring wheat, durum, peas, and lentils.

One of the biggest changes has been moving from traditional tillage to minimum tillage and no-till farming. This practice reduces soil erosion and helps retain valuable moisture. Monson remembers how fields once suffered from blowing soil and believes conservation has greatly improved field conditions.

Cover crops have also become an important part of the operation. Each year the family plants 200 to 250 acres of cover crops, including peas, lentils, sudangrass, radishes, hairy vetch, and turnips. These crops provide additional forage for cattle and allow grazing later into the fall and winter, reducing the need for harvested hay.

The farm has also expanded its rotational grazing system by increasing from 2 pastures to 13, supported by additional fencing, water tanks, and tree plantings that provide winter wind protection. These improvements give the family greater flexibility to rotate livestock, improve pasture recovery, and better manage drought conditions.

This article is a shorter version of an article by Kindra Gordon from Whitewood, S.D.

Photo Credit: Natural Resources Conservation Service