
Farming for the Future: The Littles’ Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture
Barry and Eli Little are like two peas in a sustainable-farming pod. The father-son duo are deeply rooted in the sustainable farming world, and their dedication to learning and innovating at the family-owned and operated Blioux River Ranch in Hamlin County, South Dakota, is truly inspiring. As the 2024 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award recipients, they have shown a life-long passion for sustainable farming.
Throughout the last 20 years, the Littles have incorporated various soil health practices on every acre of their land. They have gained valuable knowledge from numerous sources, such as agricultural leader Gabe Brown, the many experiments they’ve conducted on their land, and programs such as Farmers for Soil Health.

Created by farmers for farmers, the Farmers for Soil Health program provides financial incentives to offset the start-up costs associated with adopting cover crops, on-the-ground and research-based technical support, and an exclusive sustainability marketplace that connects farmers with corporations and supply chain partners interested in supporting sustainable farming practices.
For Barry and Eli, enrolling in the program provided support when implementing cover crops into untapped areas of their ranch. They see the financial incentives as insurance allowing them to try different cover crop mixes and test different grazing methods without worrying about how it will affect the rest of their operation.
Eli Little says, "You have to keep everything in mind" when deciding to use a single species or mix when implementing cover crops. The type of soil you have, the types of crops you grow, and environmental factors impacting your land are vital to consider when deciding which species to use or include in your mix. You also need to bear in mind what problem you want cover crops to help you solve. For the Littles, this included improving the organic matter in their soil and having grazing forage to supplement their livestock feed.
Each year, the tactics may change, but the Littles’ goal remains the same: to leave the land healthier and more productive than they found it for future generations. By continually experimenting and adapting their methods, the Littles are setting a high standard for stewardship and resilience in farming.
The Soy Checkoff, Pork Checkoff, and National Corn Growers Association, with support from various partners, lead Farmers for Soil Health. Visit www.FarmersforSoilHealth.com for more information.