By Scout Nelson
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistant Chief Jimmy Emmons joined North Dakota farmers, conservation partners and NRCS staff for an agricultural field tour near Regan on Aug. 25, 2026.
The tour was held with the Advancing Soil Health Summit and focused on regenerative agriculture, conservation programs and ways to improve farm resilience.
Emmons emphasized the importance of long-term conservation planning and encouraged producers to “write a plan that will get you down the road,”.
The event showed how farmers can use voluntary conservation programs and technical support to address soil and water concerns while improving their operations.
Farmers Jeremy Saeman and Jason Bosch shared their experiences with regenerative agriculture. Their farming operation includes Sim Angus cattle and crops such as corn, oats, field peas, soybeans, sunflowers, spring wheat, and barley.
Saeman participated in a regenerative pilot program through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. The plan included water projects, grazing management, virtual fencing, annual forage, and precision nutrient management.
At a corn field planted green into cover crops, participants learned how cover crops and forage mixes such as radishes, turnips and kale can support livestock grazing. These crops help keep living roots in the soil longer and provide additional forage for animals.
Saeman said the conservation work supported his goal of becoming “a better farmer,” while NRCS technical assistance helped with long-term planning.
Emmons also discussed the value of tracking conservation results. “We can look across the agency — we can see we’ve made great strides,” said Emmons. “We have clean water.”
Another stop focused on no-till farming. Producer Dave Bauer explained how years of no-till management, crop rotation, crop residue, and livestock integration helped support soil structure and moisture retention. He also discussed using peas or canola after wheat based on farm conditions.
The tour included livestock water systems supported through EQIP. Waterlines and watering facilities can improve grazing distribution, protect sensitive areas, and help producers use forage more efficiently.
Participants also learned about drone seeded cover crops, including flax, which can reduce tillage while maintaining protective residue.
The group later visited native prairie and cropland sites. The tour demonstrated how conservation planning, new farming tools and producer experience can support soil health, water quality, and agricultural resilience across North Dakota.
Photo Credit: usda-nrcs
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Livestock, Sustainable Agriculture