Broadcaster Press 7 December 19, 2017 www.broadcasteronline.com Cover Crops – Another Tool In Holiday Traditions May The Conservation Toolbox Increase The Risk Of By Bill Smith Resource Conservation and Forestry Division Director Sustainability—it’s a word many people in and around the agricultural world have been hearing a lot lately. But what does sustainability mean and how can it be implemented? Sustainability can be defined, in the environmental science sense, as “the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.” Many producers across South Dakota are taking steps each and every day to ensure their operation is sustainable today and into the future. One measure some South Dakotans are implementing is including cover crops in their crop rotation. Cover crops are un-harvested crops, such as flax or radishes, grown as part of a planned rotation that provide benefits to the soil, most importantly by feeding microbes within the soil. Keeping living roots in the soil (before and after harvest) provides soil microbes with the habitat they need to thrive. Those microbes, in turn, provide nutrients and protection for crops harvested from that soil. Many people take soil for granted and view it as a static feature on the landscape. What few people realize is that soils are a complex combination of air, water, organic and mineral matter. Until fairly recently, many people never gave much thought to how soil microbes could have an impact on the productivity and sustainability of a soil. What we know now is that soils are alive and by keeping the soil microbes healthy, we get more productive soils to grow the food, fiber and fuel that make our modern society possible. Along with providing a healthy habitat for plants to thrive, cover crops also offer many different benefits. These include protecting the soil against water and wind erosion, suppressing weeds, reducing soil compaction and providing supplemental forages for livestock. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has resources and information available through their website (nrcs.usda. gov) or their local service centers. I would strongly recommend any producer looking to add cover crops to their rotation talk with their local NRCS team about what options would best help them reach their operational goals and possible assistance that may be available. Where do you see your farm in ten years? Maybe even in twenty, thirty or forty years? Sustainability is all about taking care of what we have now and preparing it for the future. Cover crops can be one tool to help you have a sustainable operation for years to come. Experience The Magic At The 2018 SD State Fair HURON, S.D. – The South Dakota State Fair has announced its 2018 State Fair theme, Experience the Magic. Each year the South Dakota State Fair boasts a variety of events including livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, carnival rides, free entertainment, beer gardens, Championship Bull Riding and grandstand concerts. “The fair is a magical experience that combines music, entertainment, livestock shows and more to create a little bit of fun for everyone,” said state fair director Peggy Besch. “The people of South Dakota come together to experience the fun, celebrate their accomplishments and spend time with family and friends, creating a magical air around the fairgrounds each year.” When asked what makes the fair magical, fairgoer Rachel Farrell from Cavour, South Dakota, commented, "The people coming together in the spirit of fun and South Dakota,” while fairgoer Brian Gibson from Baker, Montana, said, "…and so much more that makes it feel like you are shaking hands with an old friend every time you walk in for the first time every year." Mindy Fuks from Volga, South Dakota, said, “Carrying on the family traditions of showing cattle and hogs with the third generation.” An updated State Fair logo has also been designed and can be viewed on the South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s website, sdda.sd.gov, under Happening Now. The 2018 SD State Fair is scheduled for Thursday, Aug 30, to Monday, Sept 3,. For more information on State Fair events, contact the Fair office at 800-529-0900, visit www. sdstatefair.com or find them on Facebook or Twitter. Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. New Features Being Added To SD Driver’s Licenses/ID Cards PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s driver license and ID cards are getting a new look. Starting in January 2018, several minor changes are being made to the license and card. The header on driver’s licenses, which currently says “Operator License, ” will read “Driver License” on the new card. The organ donor indicator, which is in the bottom righthand corner, will have a heart next to the word “donor.” Also changed is the current solid gold star on federally compliant licenses and IDs. The star will now be white in a gold-colored circle. The new style meets the new federal REAL ID guidelines in using the license or card for such activities as commercial air travel. “The changes will increase the readability of the license and the card,” says Jane Schrank, director of the state Driver Licensing program. “It has been several years since we changed the style or lettering so we thought it was a good time to make the upgrades.” The changes are being made as new driver’s license issuance equipment is being installed in exam stations statewide. Schrank says changes will be made first at the Pierre exam station in early January and then implemented statewide through early February. Schrank reminds people that they have 180 days prior to the expiration date to renew their license. For information about online renewal or what documents are needed for a license renewal and a list of exam stations, go to: https:// dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing. An estimated 225,000 driver licenses and ID cards are either applied for or renewed each year. The Driver Licensing program is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. Home Fires It’s almost time to enjoy our favorite holiday traditions. Whether you are cooking, baking or decorating the Christmas tree, the American Red Cross asks that you keep home fire safety top of mind. drapes. • Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord. • Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home. COOKING SAFETY If you’re simmering, baking, roasting or broiling food, check it regularly. Keep children, pets, and flammable items such as grocery bags and kitchen towels away from the stove and oven. CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY Old fashioned Christmas celebrations featured wax candles on live tree branches – inside homes! Today we know better, but risks still remain. • Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on. • Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. • Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off. • If you’re deep frying a turkey, keep the fryer well away from structures and trees, make sure your turkey is fully thawed, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your fryer. • Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms. Test alarms each month and replace batteries every six months. HOME HEATING SAFETY Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. • All heaters need space. Keep children, pets and things that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment. • Turn off portable heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep. • If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets, or near bedding or • If your family prefers a real tree, water it every day. Dry needles and wood catch fire more easily. • Don’t plug more than 3 strings of lights into each other. Discard light strings that are worn or broken. • Be sure to unplug lights before leaving the house or going to sleep. RED CROSS APPS Download the American Red Cross First Aid App. The app provides users with quick, expert advice on what to do in case of emergencies including what to do if someone is choking. Find all the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-forprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossDakotas. We’re all ears. Your opinion is something we always want to hear. Questions? Call, write us or contact Comments? us via e-mail and let us Story Ideas? know how we are doing. Northern Extrusion Tooling Inc. Design Drafter 201 W. Cherry •Vermillion, SD 57069 605-624-4429 • classifieds@plaintalk.net ON CALL TRANSPORT OFFICER YANKTON COMMUNITY WORK CENTER YANKTON, SD Seeking applicants to transport inmates from the Yankton Community Work Center to the Mike Durfee State Prison as needed. These Transport of?cers will be on call during assigned overnights, weekends and/or holidays • All necessary training provided • Seeking both male and female applicants Extensive background check and drug screening required. To apply or inquire call (605)-369-4427 or e-mail Mary.Kloucek@state.sd.us EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER RAPID CITY, S.D. - A 28-member unit from the South Dakota Army National Guard has received an official mobilization order for deployment to the Middle East beginning in June 2018. The Rapid City-based Detachment 1, Company B, 935th Aviation Support Battalion is scheduled for a nine-month deployment where they will provide aviation maintenance and repair support for U.S. Army rotary aircraft and avionics systems. The unit will report to Fort Hood, Texas, to complete several weeks of theater-specific training prior to deployment overseas. This will be the second mobilization for the unit, which deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012-2013. Northern Extrusion Tooling Inc. PO Box 562 905 W. 19th St. Yankton, SD 57078 MEDIA LAND AUCTION 154.79+/- Acres-Yankton Co. SD Thursday, January 18th at 11:00am Auction Location: Elks Lodge, Yankton, SD ROW CROP FARMERS I INVESTORS This fertile land boasts stability & strength with over 142 acres of Class II dirt ranked at an 82% and higher. The majority soil is Class II clay ranked at an 88%! This farm offers 151.44 crop land acres and is currently enrolled in ARC-CO with 151.40 base acres. This parcel is a square piece of land, with two tree wooded draws for water flow and to hold wildlife. Bravely, invest in your future! Partial Terms: Buyer credit of $37,500 at closing. Closing and landlord possession will be on or before Feb 20, 2018, as this land is subject to a lease agreement for 2018 season, expiring March 1st, 2019. Sale subject to a buyer premium and owner confirmation. Announcements made day of sale take precedence over all written material . Legal: E2SW4 and W2SE4 Section 33-T96N-R55W, Mayfield Twp, Yankton Co, SD. Land Location: From Yankton: 10 miles north on Hwy 81, 2.5 miles east on Hwy 46, the land is on the north side of the road. From Irene: 9.5 miles west on Hwy 46, land is on the north side. AdvantageLandCo.com 605.692.2525 Owner: Susan Connell Vondrak Jackson Hegerfeld, LB, Auctioneer Megan Hammond, LB, Auctioneer Charles Hegerfeld, Broker Assoc. Laura Hegerfeld, Broker Assoc. 510 Main Ave Brookings, SD E X P O S E Y O U R D I R T® Do you have exceptional sales and customer service experience? Enjoy a challenging and rewarding career opportunity in a fun, fast paced environment, working for one of the most established media companies in the area? Must be willing to travel outside Yankton area, but no overnights. Employees receive outstanding compensation and benefits, including: •Commission based •Unlimited, sales performance based earning potential •Medical, dental, vision •Paid vacation/holidays •Hours: 8am-5pm, M-F •Professional work environment CONSULTANT Rapid City National Guard Unit To Deploy To Middle East AutoCad and/or inventor knowledge preferred, but willing to train someone with computer background and strong drive to learn. Full-time day shift with some overtime. Excellent benefits package. Must have completed high school. Background check and drug test will be conducted. Send resume to: Yankton Media Inc. To apply send resume to: Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan Attn: Micki Schievelbein 319 Walnut Yankton, SD 57078 or email: micki.schievelbein@yankton.net Yankton Media Inc. Equal Opportunity Employer Sunset Manor Avera is now accepting applications for the following positions to join our excellent team of caring professionals: RN/LPN Charge Nurse Full-time position available Dietary Assistant Part-time position to work every other weekend To apply go to Avera.org or contact the Personnel Office at Sunset Manor, Irene, SD at (605)263-3318