A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Honoring Blioux River Ranch as the 2024 Leopold Conservation Award recipient.

WHEREAS, the Leopold Conservation Award, named for renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes farm and ranch families who demonstrate outstanding conservation leadership on their land and in their communities; and

WHEREAS, a commitment to the health of South Dakota's natural resources is exemplified by Blioux River Ranch, the recipient of the 2024 Leopold Conservation Award; and

WHEREAS, the emphasis of Eli Little, and his father, Barry, on conservation and integration of livestock rotational grazing reduced input costs while increasing yields and productivity, thereby allowing Eli to join the family operation as a partner; and

WHEREAS, the Littles began to focus on improving the soil's health on every acre of cropland and pasture at the Blioux River Ranch by integrating two hundred cow-calf pairs into grazing groups, which led to a decrease in the amount of land needed to annually feed each cow-calf pair; and

WHEREAS, the Little's rotational grazing allows pastures to flourish without the need for synthetic fertilizer or pesticides, and encourages native plant species to bloom and provide food sources for beneficial pollinators and wildlife;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the One Hundredth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Blioux River Ranch is the 2024 Leopold Conservation Award recipient.