Senate Commemoration 819
Introduced by: Senator Sauder
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.