South Dakota farmers know the importance of clean water, fertile soil, and sustainable production practices.  Many have voluntarily adopted various conservation practices to safeguard natural resources.  However, there is currently a lack of research and on-farm testing of science-based nutrient management practices specific to South Dakota to enable our producers to effectively manage their resources.  In addition, nutrient runoff has become a centerpiece of lawsuits in surrounding states.

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Over the past several years, nearly $2 million has been cut from agricultural research at South Dakota State University (SDSU) and the most recent fertilizer recommendations from SDSU for South Dakota farmers were published in 2005.  At the same time, there is greater need for nutrient research and educational programs to ensure the adoption and implementation of practices that optimize nutrient use efficiency, ensure foil fertility and address environmental concerns with regard to fertilizer use.

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In response, the South Dakota Legislature passed a bill in 2016 creating and funding the Nutrient Research and Education Council.  The purpose of the Council is to request, evaluate, fund and share the findings of nutrient research projects.

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The Council is made up of representatives from organizations of the fertilizer industry, growers, commodities, specialty fertilizer, environmental, and certified agronomy as well as the Ag Experiment Station, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture, and meets at least twice each year.