Farmers, hunters, and researchers came together in Great Falls Monday to look at the relationship between precision agriculture and conservation.
The Precision Ag for Conservation Workshop organized by Pheasants Forever focused on helping farmers identify areas of ground that do not provide an adequate return on a farmer’s investment.
In some cases, Pheasants Forever said these areas can be better utilized for conservation of wildlife by planting grasses or other habitat.
Presenters explained that advances in precision agriculture software can help farmers better determine areas that should not be farmed.
“Anytime that we’re trying to improve conditions for wildlife, we think that we are improving soil health and sort of the general condition of the farm for the farmer,” Rick Sojda, Pheasants Forever Gallatin Valley Chapter Habitat Chair, said. “We were interested in doing things that not only help the farmer’s bottom line, but that also help upland gamebirds bottom line if you will.”
Pheasants Forever also helps farmers deal with the cost of implementing some conservation measures.
To learn more about Montana Pheasants Forever and the Precision Ag for Conservation workshop, click here.
-Reported by Joe Huisinga/MTN News
