Shubeck said by no means does this one consensus solve the drainage issue in South Dakota. It is a completely different issue from the overall wetlands dispute currently under discussion in the state. Another misconception surrounding the legislation is that producers might lose control of the landowner's rights when it comes to hunting. That is not true, according to Shubeck. The farmer still has total control.
Incidental grazing is a bonus addition to the proposal.
As outlined in the pilot, the livestock grazing period is extended so that winters when there is little snowfall, the livestock can stay out in the fields until spring. Overall, Smith said he expects to see strong interest in the pilot program, but it may not impact every operation. We're very pleased from the standpoint we finally got together with environmental and other conservation groups, and pulled toward the same thing. This started at the grassroots level and there's benefit if we all work together on the issues. There are workable solutions to some of the conflicts we've experienced.