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Pheasants Forever has expanded its Precision Ag and Conservation Solutions program in South Dakota with the recent hiring of Cristin Weber as a Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist. Weber will provide ag profitability analyses for producers in South Dakota with the goal of integrating voluntary conservation practices on unprofitable cropland acres while increasing farm income.
In her main role, Weber will collaborate with farmers to provide conservation solutions by using precision agriculture technology – targeting return-on-investment (ROI) at a sub-field scale – to define areas where alternative conservation practices and programs can help producers be more profitable in their operations. This will help to diversify farm income, create more sustainable farm enterprises, and provide benefits to soil, water and wildlife over the long-term. Weber will also work closely with ag retailers such as implement dealers, software companies, grain cooperatives, certified crop advisers, ag lenders, and others to help farmers be profitable and successful in their operations. By working directly with farmers and focusing on their ROI, Pheasants Forever will help lift, acre-by-acre, the long-held misconception that farm profitability and environmental quality are competitive.
“After working in private sector ag consulting for the past 10 years, I am excited to be a part of an organization that can help transition unprofitable acres back into habitat, build soil health, and help producers find the sweet spot for profitability,” stated Weber.
Prior to joining Pheasants Forever, Weber worked for five years as a precision Ag specialist for Next Level Ag, performing farm analyses for South Dakota producers on a variety of precision agriculture technology platforms. Additionally, with more than a decade of experience as a licensed crop insurance agent, Weber’s deep knowledge of farm programs makes her an ideal candidate for working one-on-one with farmers and ranchers.
“Having someone like Cristin who possesses strong experience in precision ag technology is going to benefit Pheasants Forever’s mission and our work within the agricultural community,” stated Matt Morlock, South Dakota State Coordinator for Pheasants Forever. “She brings a wealth of knowledge to our team that will ultimately help grow our precision agriculture program to the next level.”
This position was made possible through a partnership with South Dakota State University-Extension, Second Century Habitat Foundation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nestle Purina, and a Pheasants Forever Elite Member donation.
Weber resides in Wessington Springs, South Dakota with her husband and two kids on their working farm. She is also a loyal volunteer for Pheasants Forever as part of the local chapter in Wessington Springs. For more information regarding precision agriculture in South Dakota, contact Cristin Weber at CWeber@PheasantsForever.Org or by phone at (605) 999-3905. Follow her on Twitter with the handle @cristin_weber.
About Pheasants Forever
Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 138,000 members and 760 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Since creation in 1982, Pheasants Forever has spent over $900 million on 550,000 habitat projects benefiting 19 million acres nationwide.
Media Contact
Jared Wiklund
(651) 209-4953
jwiklund@pheasantsforever.org