By Scout Nelson
A field workshop in McKenzie County, North Dakota, gave local producers an opportunity to learn more about range plants, grazing management, and invasive grasses. The McKenzie County Soil Conservation District and the Watford field office hosted the Range Plant Identification Day on September 4, 2026.
The event brought together 18 participants for hands-on learning in the field. The workshop focused on helping producers better understand plant communities, recognize important prairie species, and make informed grazing decisions.
The event also addressed the growing concern about early C3 invasive grasses in North Dakota rangelands.
The day started at the McKenzie County Soil Conservation District building. Participants then traveled north of town to a prairie area where several plants had been marked for discussion.
Mike Gerbig, Badlands Conservation Team Lead, guided participants through the field. He explained how to identify different plants by looking at their key features. The group also learned about the value of each plant for wildlife, livestock grazing, and soil health.
Learning to identify plants can help producers better understand the condition of their pastures. Different plant communities respond differently to grazing, weather, and other changes. Knowing which plants are present can therefore help producers make better decisions for their land.
As participants moved through the prairie, the discussion expanded to grazing management. Several producers shared examples from their own operations. They talked about practices that worked well and challenges they experienced.
Gerbig explained the importance of giving pastures enough rest between grazing periods. He also discussed the season when grazing takes place and the amount of plant material used by livestock.
Different grazing systems can offer benefits and challenges. Producers need to consider their land, livestock, available forage, and weather conditions when choosing a grazing approach. Good grazing management can help maintain plant health while providing forage for livestock.
One of the main topics during the workshop was the spread of early C3 invasive grasses. Smooth Brome and Kentucky Bluegrass received special attention during the field session.
Participants examined examples of these grasses and learned how they can affect native plant communities. Invasive grasses can compete with native vegetation for space, water, nutrients, and sunlight. When they become widespread, they can change the structure and function of rangelands.
Understanding these grasses can help producers recognize problems earlier and consider management options. Early identification is an important step in protecting native plants and maintaining productive grazing areas.
After the morning field session, participants returned to the Soil Conservation District building for lunch. The event organizers thanked Karissa Frick, Gracee Kuntz, and Lloyd Alveshere of the McKenzie County Soil Conservation District. Nicole Darrington, Jason Andrew, and Mike Gerbig of the Badlands Conservation Team also helped coordinate and host the event.
The workshop supported the Natural Resources Conservation Service commitment to locally led conservation. Bringing producers, conservation staff, and local experts together created an opportunity to share practical information and discuss challenges faced by working rangelands.
Healthy rangelands provide forage for livestock, habitat for wildlife, and important benefits for soil and water. Producers can support these resources by understanding plant communities and using grazing practices that match local conditions.
The Range Plant Identification Day showed how field-based education can help producers recognize useful plants, understand grazing needs, and identify invasive species. These skills can support better land management and help keep North Dakota rangelands productive and resilient for future generations.
Photo Credit: usda-nrcs
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Sustainable Agriculture