2011 Achievement Award Winner

The Slope-Hettinger Soil Conservation District awarded the 2011 Soil Conservation Achievement Award to Mark and Maretta Franklund of Amidon, ND. 

 

Mark and Maretta Franklund believe that grass management is vital to their native grass ranch’s success.  The Franklunds have developed an intensive grazing management system on their ranch which is tucked into the badlands of southwestern ND. 

 

Mark and Maretta have incorporated conservation practices on their grazing lands.  They have installed pipelines and tanks for improved water quality.  They also installed crossfences to better manage their cattle and grazing distribution.  Their hayland plantings consist of pure alfalfa stands, while their cropland consists mainly of peas and corn for forage use.  The Franklunds practice the take “½ leave ½” philosophy to ensure improved plant health, adequate grass re-growth and provide forage reserves for the droughty years.  Rotational grazing is the key to their operation consisting of 12 pastures.  Intense coordination needs to take place to create a workable grazing plan with the US Forest Service and State land to properly utilize for their operation. The Franklunds also practice winter grazing on predetermined grazing cells to manage forage and to minimize winter manure accumulations within their corrals. 

 

In receiving this award, Mark and Maretta have received a 16 by 20 inch aerial photo of their farmstead which will be showcased in a traveling display with the other ND Achievement Award Winners throughout the year. As part of the Soil Conservation Achievement Program, the Franklunds winning farmstead will be featured on the KFYR-TV show “Country Morning” on April 2, 2012.

 

Congratulations Mark and Maretta!