Welcome

Submitted by Tokina McHarry, JRSCD Education/Outreach Manager, and Jacob Klath, ND Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist for Pheasants Forever

​

Continuing on last month’s feature of some of North Dakota Pheasants Forever’s recent programs, we want to take the opportunity to introduce the new Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist (PACS), Jacob Klath, who now covers the southeast portion of North Dakota. Klath joined the state team in February 2025. He grew up on a family farm in eastern North Dakota. His background is rooted in Agronomy, Precision Ag, and Ag Production.

​

Klath’s passion for the landscape extends beyond agriculture and his family farm. Hunting, fishing, and exploring the landscapes of North Dakota make up much of his free time. He states, “I’m excited to join the organization. I feel that my passion for agriculture and wildlife ties in well with the PACS position. I look forward to the opportunity to meet landowners and farmers throughout the region.”

​

Klath’s PACS territory covers the following counties: Cass, Barnes, Stutsman, Logan, LaMoure, Ransom, Sargent, Dickey and Richland, but he will work with producers outside these counties as needed.

​

One of the programs offered in this area is the Precision Ag Business Plan. This program is available for landowners and farmers that are interested in exploring options on marginal and underproducing acres. Consultations and site visits are at no cost to the landowner. The PACS team assists farmers and landowners with analyzing their field data to improve yield averages, reduce input costs, and increase soil and landscape health. They also help landowners navigate the myriad of conservation programs for their operation, like CRP, EQIP, and more to find the best fit for their goals.

​

The North Dakota Pheasants Forever team is small, but they are mighty. All staff work together as a team with various partners to provide landscape improvement opportunities, educational events, and assistance with conservation programs.

​

Currently, Pheasants Forever has a test area at the Ol’ Nursery located just south of Oakes. This area on the west side is currently being transformed to showcase some of their seeding mixes. Next summer, watch for details on tours and other events!

​

If landowners or farmers are interested in learning more about Pheasants Forever, have questions about conservation-minded solutions to their operations, or any other conservation/education inquiries, reach out to Jacob Klath (Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist) at (701)430-2109 or jklath@pheasantsforever.org.

​

Dates to Remember for the James River SCD/Ellendale USDA Service Center:

·         November 11 – Veteran’s Day, office closed

·         November 12 – SCD Board Meeting, 9 am, location TBA (*see note below)

·         November 27 – Thanksgiving Day, office closed

 

*At the time of writing this article, the NRCS portion of the USDA Service Center in Ellendale (a federal office) is closed. The James River Soil Conservation is still open because it is not a federal agency. Staff are working from the Ol’ Nursery in Oakes and can be reached by calling 701-320-0192. If the federal government reopens by the time of the next board meeting, the meeting will be held in Ellendale. If not, it will be held at the Ol’ Nursery in Oakes. For the latest updates, remember to visit the James River Soil Conservation District Facebook page and our website for more information –http://www.jamesriverscd.org/.