BELCOURT, N.D. — Tribal producers, conservationists and community members gathered Sept. 16 for ‘Honoring Buffalo, Building Tribal Agriculture: Turtle Mountain Field Day’, a free, in-person event hosted by the North Dakota Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Intertribal Agriculture Council’s Great Plains Region.

The event celebrated the sacred role of buffalo in Indigenous traditions while promoting sustainable agriculture, conservation practices and partnership-building. Held at the Sky Dancer Casino and Resort Event Center in Belcourt, the field day began with a light breakfast and continued with presentations in the South Buffalo Pasture.

J.J. Desjarlais Jr., of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Department of Natural Resources, said the department is working with the NRCS tribal liaison to implement cross-fencing through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), supporting rotational grazing. The plan also includes a centralized water unit to serve the buffalo.

Jeff Desjarlais, Sr., NRCS tribal liaison for Turtle Mountain, emphasized the long-term nature of these efforts. “The conservation projects through NRCS are not overnight projects,” he said. “It’s a lot of planning and a lot of work.” Jeff added, “J.J. always likes a solution, but we have to get there through conservation planning.”

Jonathan Fettig, NRCS state rangeland management specialist, spoke about the importance of diverse plant species in the landscape and the goal of increasing diversity in the fields, including warm- and cool-season grasses. Fettig also introduced the NRCS Soil Web tool, which provides interactive maps and reports to help producers understand soil types and suitability for agriculture, conservation and land management.

Irona Howe, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Buffalo Corporation and farm-to-school representative for the Cheyenne River Buffalo Authority Corp., emphasized the importance of reintegrating buffalo meat into the diet — not only for its nutritional value, but to reconnect with Tribal heritage and secure a sustainable food source for future generations. “The buffalo gave us everything we needed,” she said. “Without buffalo, we were nothing.”

NRCS and Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff from North Dakota shared insights on conservation programs and initiatives. Amanda Buchweitz, FSA county executive director, presented on disaster assistance and urban farming loans. Technical and financial assistance are available, with conservation planning and advice provided free of charge.

Adam Flaagan, tribal liaison for Spirit Lake Nation, highlighted funding opportunities through EQIP and the Conservation Stewardship Program, both authorized under the Farm Bill. He cited the Spirit Lake Orchard — an EQIP tribal contract project established in 2018 featuring 10 rows of fruit trees representing 10 different species — as a successful example.

Casey Olson, urban conservationist, addressed small-scale and urban agriculture, noting its relevance across the state. “Most people in North Dakota live in an urban setting,” she said. “NRCS practices are applied at a smaller scale.” Olson gave examples of small-scale and urban agriculture in North Dakota: pollinator plantings, high tunnels, and the increasingly popular practice of raised garden beds.

Partners from the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) led sessions focused on empowering Native producers through financial planning, market access and professional development. Fanny Brewer, Great Plains technical assistance specialist, introduced IAC’s mission to support tribal agriculture through training, technical assistance and USDA program access. “Native producers need a voice,” she said. “That’s how IAC was established.”

Padgley Patch, IAC regenerative economies director, shared strategies for recordkeeping and financial planning. Latashia RedHouse highlighted export opportunities through American Indian Foods, while Kelci Bends discussed youth and professional development pathways.

Chris Roper, regional technical assistance provider director of Flower Hill Institute, closed the afternoon with resources for new and existing meat processors, including bison inspection support.