Ryan and Elizabeth Benedict of Redwood SWCD have been named the 2023 Outstanding Conservationists. Their significant conservation efforts, including mitigating pollution and addressing on-farm concerns, have made them exemplary stewards of the environment. Ryan, a dedicated professional in land and livestock management, is also actively involved in the Lamberton community through volunteer work.

Conservation Practices

MAWQ Certification

Ryan’s first notable achievement was successful completion of the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification in 2016. This certification not only reflects his dedication to water quality standards on the farm but also provides access to funding opportunities. Utilizing these funds, Ryan has addressed erosion concerns and implemented various conservation projects over the past several years.

Wind Erosion Practices

Benedict’s practices in wind erosion control reflect a thoughtful approach to preserving the integrity of his fields in the prairie pothole region. Although tree and hedge planting practices are not common in the prairie pothole region of Minnesota, Ryan established a farmstead shelterbelt to save energy and protect livestock from the winter winds.

In addition to forestry improvement, Ryan also mitigates wind erosion by keeping his soil covered as much as possible throughout the fallow season. He finds minimal tillage is the best practice for his operation, and seeds cover crops after harvest in the fall. Benedict’s minimal tillage strategies, cover crops, and no-till are important to protect his farm from the effects of wind erosion. 

Cropland Management

Ryan farms over 1,400 acres near Lamberton where he raises corn, soybeans and wheat. Ryan’s approach to cropland management involves careful monitoring of soil fertilization through regular soil sampling and variable rate fertilizer applications. Since utilizing variable rate fertilizer technologies, Ryan has noticed better quality crops in his fields. He believes that placing additional fertilizer in areas that have the ability to grow healthier crops is a better approach than flat-rating nutrients over varying soil types. 

Integrated Pest Management

Ryan utlizes the experts at Centrol Crop Consulting for pest management, with technicians scouting his fields weekly and determining whether pests reach threshold concentrations. Following his CSP requirements, he adheres to an approved pest management plan. Despite outsourcing some scouting, Ryan is proactive in addressing challenges. He diversifies his crops, adding wheat to break pest cycles, monitors field borders for weed pressures, and employs various methods like mowing, burning, and spot spraying to keep grassland areas pest-free. Removing buckthorn and selecting pest-resistant hybrid seeds are integral to his strategy. In tackling heavy weed pressure, he uses cover crops like cereal rye, providing protection and suppressing weeds for the following spring, often allowing him to skip a sprayer pass.

Livestock & Manure Management Practices

Ryan manages a large swine finishing operation with a focus on efficient manure utilization. Liquid manure is collected in lagoons, tested for nutrient content biannually, and applied to fields following University of Minnesota standards. After ground temperatures drop, manure is injected into cropland at predetermined rates. Synthetic fertilizers are added as needed. Ryan employs additives to prevent nutrient loss through denitrification and leaching. Ryan has worked with Ag Explorer to optimize manure applications, discovering and addressing greater-than-expected nutrient losses. Stabilizers and additives now enhance his system's efficiency, minimizing nutrient loss and maximizing targeted nitrogen rates.

Buffers

Farming along the banks of the Cottonwood River, Ryan understands the importance of providing a filter to protect these surface waters from field runoff.  Most of the acres in Ryan’s operation boarder a surface water making buffers and filter strips commonplace on his operation. When the Buffer Law went into effect, Ryan was already in compliance with all the state’s new regulations due to past conservation efforts. His proactive involvement in programs like CREP further extends buffer zones to safeguard sensitive lands.

Wetland Restoration

Ryan is currently working with district staff to complete a wetland restoration on two basins that show high potential to be restored.  To accomplish this, he is utilizing both CRP and CREP Programs.  The restoration includes the construction of a berm to hold water in the wetland pocket, rerouting tile that drain neighboring fields, daylighting existing tile into the restored basins, and breaking tile.  The native grasses and forbs have already been seeded on this easement and have begun to flourish.  This project is expected to be completed as early as next spring.

Wildlife Practices

The Benedict family prioritizes wildlife in the Lamberton area, collaborating with the DNR to plant 92 acres of small food plots for local wildlife. Utilizing a new soil health cost-share program, they've committed to a 2-year contract promoting soil health with cover crops in the fall and no-till soybeans in the spring. With numerous grassland acres dedicated to RIM, CREP, and CRP programs, they maintain easements through mowing, burning, and spot spraying to deter weed and tree growth. Through CSP, Ryan enhances practices by inter-seeding diverse mixes for pollinator habitat. Additionally, he added an acre of pollinator habitat funded by the Regional Cooperative Partnership Program for water quality-certified producers.

Gully Erosion

In addressing concentrated gully erosion challenges, Ryan has implemented various conservation practices, including farmable water and sediment control basins and grade stabilization structures. These efforts, funded through programs like EQIP and state grants, demonstrate his commitment to overcoming erosion issues on his farm.

Other Conservation Initiatives

In addition to his farming endeavors, Ryan actively participates in conservation organizations, contributing to the Local Water Plan Task Force for the past five years. His extensive knowledge of conservation and soil health practices has made him an invaluable asset to the community, influencing decisions on local conservation dollars and practices.

Ryan's commitment to the environment extends to his home farm, surrounded by over 800 acres of conservation and state lands. He supports outdoor recreation by donating to local sports teams and chapters dedicated to deer, duck, and pheasant activities, ensuring accessibility for everyone.

Leadership in the Community

Ryan's leadership extends far beyond farming> After graduating from high school in 2007, he served as a Sargent in the Army National Guard for seven years, including a combat tour in Iraq.

After Ryan was honorably discharged from the military, Ryan immediately joined the Lamberton Fire Department in 2014 where he currently serves as the Safety Training Officer. His commitment to both local and national service has earned him recognition as a well-rounded conservationist. 

Sportsman and Conservation Relationships and Activities

Ryan has been an active participant in the Local Water Plan Task Force for the past five years. His expertise aids in decision-making on local conservation spending and preferred practices among producers.

      In addition to farming, Ryan is also very passionate about the outdoors.  With his home farm site nestled in the middle of over 800 acres of conservation and state lands, it’s easy to understand why.  Much of this land includes acreage that was donated to the state by his grandfather.  Ryan supports outdoor recreation by donating to the local trap shooting team in Lamberton.  He also supports the local deer, duck, and pheasant chapters to help keep outdoor activities accessible for everyone. 

2023 Conservationist of the Year

Overall, Ryan Benedict's comprehensive and dedicated conservation efforts, spanning various aspects of land and resource management, make him a well-deserving recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Conservationist award.