Bush Foundation Partners with DU to Support Grass-Based Agriculture in South Dakota
New partnership will help support farmers and ranchers enhance the state's landscape for future generations
May 20, 2025 •
3
min read
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – May 20, 2025—Ducks Unlimited (DU) and its conservation partners are expanding efforts to restore grasslands in South Dakota thanks to a $787,500 Community Innovation grant from the Bush Foundation. This funding enhances the scale and impact of the existing Working Grasslands Partnership (WGP) between DU and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), among other organizations. Over the next five years, the partnership aims to collaborate with farmers and ranchers to restore 25,000 acres of grassland in South Dakota. These working lands will provide economic support to local producers and communities while fostering diversity in both the agricultural system and the ecosystem.
“Through our Community Innovation program, we fund the most promising ideas, across issue areas, that have the potential to make our region better for everyone,” shared Rudy Guglielmo, grantmaking officer at the Bush Foundation. “We also work to inspire, equip, and connect leaders in the spirit of true collaboration. Great ideas spread through people. The man organizations coming together to help farmers and ranchers through the Working Grasslands Partnership are doing meaningful and important work for people, communities, and wildlife habitat.”
The Bush Foundation works through open grantmaking to fund the development and spread of great ideas, making large commitments to ensure those ideas get the support needed for success. The Foundation recognizes the WGP as an innovative model for regional conservation of grasslands designed to benefit farmers and ranchers throughout South Dakota.
“This is a win-win for producers and wildlife,” says Bruce Toay, Manager of Conservation Programs for Ducks Unlimited in South Dakota. “By working with farmers and ranchers, we are improving soil health, livestock forage, habitat for wildlife, and enhancing the state’s landscapes for future generations. I would like to recognize and thank the Bush Foundation for investing in this program.”
Grass-based agriculture is well-suited to the soil types and terrain of South Dakota and can serve as an effective alternative for managing marginal soils. With the up-front cost share and technical assistance provided in this partnership, a productive mosaic of cash crops, forage crops, grasslands, wetlands, and livestock are possible. Participating landowners can expect to transition marginal cropland soils to healthy grasslands, improve water quality and soil health, and enhance habitat for grassland birds. Furthermore, livestock operations will financially benefit from improved program practices.
How to Apply
During the 10-year commitment, participants receive incentive payments during years one to three of the initial grass establishment phase. Technical assistance for seeding plans and infrastructure support for grazing systems is also provided. After year three, landowners can utilize the re-established grasslands for grazing and haying.
South Dakota farmers and ranchers interested in participating in the program can learn more or request an application by visiting ag.ducks.org or contacting one of the WGP partner organizations listed below.
About the Working Grasslands Partnership
The Working Grasslands Partnership was established with a significant award from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). With this investment, DU and RCPP partners will work with South Dakota producers to restore more than 25,000 acres over five years. Partners include Ducks Unlimited, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Partners for Wildlife, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Audubon Great Plains, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, and the South Dakota Grassland Coalition.
About Ducks Unlimited Inc.
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent capital campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
About Bush Foundation
The Bush Foundation inspires and supports creative problem-solving—within and across sectors—to make our region better for everyone. We invest in great ideas and the people who power them in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography. We are inspired by the lives of Archie and Edyth Bush, who created the Bush Foundation in 1953. Today, our job is to do the most possible good with the resources they left to the community.
Media Contact:
Ben Romans, communications specialist
