March 19, 2019 • Page 13 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Salute to Agriculture Explore a Career in Agriculture Water Management South Dakota farmers work hard to spiration and the soils’ water-holding teria, resulting in the removal of nitrate protect streams, ponds, rivers, lakes capacity, runoff and erosion associated from the drainage water. Another study and wetlands. Practices include: with the runoff is inevitable. Tile draintests water flow and water quality, us• Keeping water edges in their natuage reduces runoff by slowly lowering ing data to evaluate the effectiveness ral state, to help control runoff and ero- the water table between precipitation of selected conservation practices for sion and allow water insects, animals events, creating a sink for future prereducing nutrient losses from drained and fish to thrive. cipitation, resulting in the opportunity lands. Conservation practices to be • Using cover crops to help reduce for infiltration rather than runoff, thus evaluated include nitrogen stabilizers, soil erosion. reducing erosion.” (iGrow) drainage water management, saturated • Placing natural vegetation “filter South Dakota Corn is funding buffers and understory and cover strips” to intercept and trap pollutants several research projects on drainage crops. Learn more about this study. and soil from fields before they reach through South Dakota State University. South Dakota Corn.com waterways. One of the studies includes installing • Aligning furrows to reduce the and monitoring amount of runoff from rain or irrigation. drainage denitrify• Using diversion channels to send ing bioreactors runoff to safe areas and prevent excesin eastern South Residential • Commercial • Lawn Equipment sive erosion. Dakota. These • Making use of buffer strips and bioreactors for We salute the dedicated men and grass waterways in ditches to capture drainage water sediments or nutrients and prevent treatment use a women of agriculture for all that erosion. subsurface trench they bring to the table! Drain tiling is another way of manag- along the edge of ing water. During the past several years, the field which is 5 miles West of Tyndall on precipitation in South Dakota has been filled with wood far above average, which has created chips that support Hwy. 50 Corner of Hwys. 50 and 37 hardships for farmers. Tiling helps with: denitrifying bacwww.schuurmansfarmsupply.com • Reducing storm water runoff and downstream flooding through absorption. • Reducing water damage to public roads. Smith Insurance • Decreasing crop loss was founded due to drowning. in 1949 on the idea of • Increasing soil surface building strong temperatures, which helps relationships seeds germinate. with their • Allowing plant roots “family” of to grow deeper into the soil customers. so they can absorb more We’re dedicated to caring for your Health, Life, Auto, Home, nutrients. and Business Insurance needs. • Providing enough oxy“Don’t Gamble”...Insure With gen for plant roots to mature properly. • Increasing the number of days available for planting 204 W. 4th St., Yankton, SD and harvesting crops. smithins@iw.net • 605.665.3611 • 1.888.665-3611 • Improving soil structure by avoiding soil compaction and structural damage. • Promoting energyconserving farming practices OIL CO. such as no-till and conservation tillage. PETROLIUM FUELS AND LUBRICANTS DISTRIBUTOR • Reducing loss of sediment and nutrients. • Allowing for more efficient use of resources. Use Your Own Products Former SDSU Extension Precision Farming Specialist Ag Fuels Available Gregg Carlson says, “Contrary to the misconception of Bio Diesel & Ethanol Blends many environmentalists, tile Call: Brandon Frazee, 661-0631 drainage can result in signifiRoland Adam, 661-2235 cant positive environmental consequences. During those 3004 East Highway 50, Yankton, SD times when precipitation exPhone: 605-665-5568 • Wats: 1-800-456-0744 ceeds the sum of evapotran- The agricultural industry provides a variety of opportunities to professionals interested in this often misunderstood field. According to the employment resource AGCareers. com, more than 250 career profiles are available to people interested in a career in agriculture. And while jobs in agriculture may not be as prevalent as they were a few centuries ago, when 72 percent of the workforce was employed in farm occupations in the United States, agriculture remains a booming industry that greatly affects the nation’s economy. Today, one in 12 American jobs is depends on agriculture, according to the career resource Payscale. The following are some potential professions for those considering careers in agriculture. • Agricultural business manager: This person oversees the business operations of a farm by providing organization and leadership during the production process. He or she contacts creditors, selects seeds, buys new equipment, and ensures the distribution of product. • Agricultural lawyer: Attorneys who specialize in agriculture deal with water and environmental issues, represent agricultural labor in disputes, ensure proper marketing techniques are followed, handle real estate and land use issues, and much more. • Animal control officer: These officers enforce local and regional laws that pertain to the treatment and care of animals. They patrol for distressed animals and ensure cruelty-free practices are adhered to. • Grain buyer: Grain buyers build relationships with producers so they can purchase grain for their particular companies. They negotiate purchase agreements, source grain supplies and issue purchase orders. • Poultry hatchery manager: Hatchery managers oversee all of the aspects involved in poultry hatching. These can include management of personnel, handling and sorting of eggs, maintenance of equipment, coordination of pick-ups and deliveries, and overseeing quality control. • Soil scientist: Among the many tasks they might perform, scientists in the field of agriculture test soil samples for minerals and contaminants. By studying the soil, scientists can recommend which crops the land can support, how much livestock can feed in an area and the implications of agriculture on the area as it pertains to managing natural resources. A career in agriculture presents many exciting opportunities in a number of different applications. It’s a vast industry that utilizes professionals with an array of skillsets. MetroCreativeConnection Schuurmans Farm Supply Insurance With a Personal Touch Family, Friends, Community. Roy Wilcox, Agent 200 W 4th St Yankton, SD 57078 Bus: 605-665-7140 www.roywilcox.com We’re all in this together. State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support Our Ag Industry!. Get to a better State® State Farm, Bloomington, IL H The Crop Insurance Specialists... Hubbs Agency Yankton, SD Ph. (877) 260-5126 or (605) 206-5126 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer Agriculture... Planting the Seeds of Success M.T. & R.C. Smith Insurance Gerstner Farmers Are Fueling Our Future ank Th WE DO ALL GLASS! You FARMERS! RON’S AUTO GLASS 1915 Broadway • Yankton, SD 605-665-9841