audience , and I was the only ag presenter that night , but the comments afterwards were from people who appreciated learning more about natural resources in farming and ranching ,” he said .
During his 18-minute speech , he discussed what he believes are the four methods to gather available resources — mining , drilling wells , farming or fishing . Of these , farming and fishing are regenerative methods to gain resources because they can be replenished .
“ Farms and ranches today are far more sustainable than anything coming from a linear system ,” he added .
In his talk , Knock depicted sustainable agriculture with a personal example . Years ago , their family purchased land that was degraded cropland . While these acres were no longer practical to grow row crops on , he was able to plant perennials and produced forage to feed his cattle , which led to a nutritious , rich protein .
“ These are the kind of management strategies diversified cowcalf producers and crop farmers use ,” he said .
Through his TEDx , he reminded consumers beef production is balanced from a nutritional standpoint and an ecological standpoint .
“ I tell consumers to make every effort to buy things from renewable sources , and those sources are farmers and ranchers primarily ,” Knock said . “ Look at which systems , like beef production , are cyclical in nature and have a closed-loop cycle .”
In addition to speaking , ranching , and contributing to multiple businesses , Knock is proud to be on the South Dakota Cattlemen ’ s Foundation board . In June , the South Dakota Cattlemen ’ s Foundation celebrated its 10th year of the Prime Time Gala & Concert where money is raised for Feeding South Dakota . Through this program , beef is purchased and distributed to food insecure individuals and families in all 66 counties of South Dakota .
For Knock , his passions are cattle , cattle , and talking about cattle . By raising his own cattle , helping others improve their genetics , and speaking on beef ’ s nutritional and environmental value , he has contributed to our industry in numerous ways .
Knock concluded , “ I want to see a future where the solutions that agriculture can provide are invested in and utilized to their full potential .”
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