ABOUT US

Position: District Clerk
Phone: 701-622-3381
Email Address: grantscd@outlook.com

I am a Grant County native. I was born in South Dakota but have spent my whole life in or near Grant County. I grew up on a ranch just 3 miles from Carson ND. I moved to Bismark in 2001 but returned to Carson in 2015. Upon my return I worked for First International Bank and Trust in Elgin ND until the spring of 2022. In April of 2022 I was hired by the Grant County Soil Conservation District. Having grown up on a ranch I have a huge love for the outdoors. Landscaping/gardening are my summer passion. The winters around here are quite long, so I’ve taught myself how to paint on canvas. So, I spend the winter painting and cherishing time spent with my mom and my wonderful family.

Position: District Tech

My name is April Newhall and I was raised on a ranch near a small town in South Dakota. Most people know me as April Waldner, as I just got married in the fall of 2024. I have lived in South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana, with my most recent move (hopefully final move) back to North Dakota and just outside of Carson with my husband Thomas.

I started my love for trees back in my freshman year when I began my journey with the Edmunds County Conservation District in South Dakota. I started with a large hand plant plot and returned for 9 years receiving more responsibility year after year. I have done everything from planting trees, laying fabric, driving tractor, driving the pickups and trailers, organizing the tree cooler, and mapping the tree plots to help us when we got lost.

I received a Ranch Management degree from Lake Area Technical College in 2016. At the beginning of 2024 I decided to return to college to receive my bachelor’s degree in accounting which I am continuing online.

When I am not a Soil and Water Conservation Program Director in Carson and I am not working on my college courses, I keep myself very busy. I have horses, cows, goats, chickens, dogs, and cats. I also own a Goat Milk Soap business, so when I am not representing the Grant County Soil Conservation District you may see me representing my business! I am also a steering committee member of the Dakota Goat Association.

I am all about the outdoors with gardening, landscaping, trees, and striving towards a regenerative and holistic style of living. I am excited to represent Grant County and will be happy to visit with you about all your tree planting needs. Whether you want a few trees for the yard, acres of trees, or just want to expand your knowledge for future ideas I would love to assist you. Feel free to give me a call or stop by the office in Carson.

Chairperson

My wife Kayla and I farm and ranch 25 miles south of Carson near the North Dakota/South Dakota border. We run a commercial Black Angus/Hereford cow calf operation along with grass fed yearlings. In addition, we also grow small grains and row crops. In recent years we incorporated cover crops and rotational grazing into our farming and ranching practices. I was elected to the Grant County Soil Conservation Board in 2020 and am currently serving my first term.

Board Member

I was born and raised in Elgin. After high school, I went to BSC and then transferred after two years to NDSU, where I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Ag Systems Management. I have worked at Dakota Grain & Livestock Supply since 2011 as an agronomist/salesperson. I also run a cow/calf operation with my wife, Megan. We have a 5-year-old son who enjoys helping with the cows when he can.

Vice-Chair

I farm and ranch with my family along the eastern edge of Grant County. I have been involved with the Soil District for over 20 years. I have improved my rangeland through participation in educational events and cost share programs. My cropping system has improved with use of no-till methods and rotation diversity, including cover crops. Through my involvement with the Conservation District I have met and worked with many great people committed to furthering resource education and conservation.

Board Member

I farm and ranch North of New Leipzig. We use minimum till, no-till and have a commercial heard of cattle. I served in the National Guard from 1991-2012 and was deployed to Iraq from 2004-2005. We have been trying to move to more in crop fertilizer applications and working on implementing more crops into our rotation.

Treasurer

My husband Dan and I have been married 44 years and have been Ranching 20 miles south of Carson for 44 years. I am a volunteer EMT for the Carson ambulance service and am active at St Theresas Catholic church in Carson. We have always utilized conservation practices on our Ranch including cell grazing, solar water systems, pipeline water systems, tree plantings and grass management. We have 4 children and 11 grandchildren and have been lifetime residents of Grant County. I am currently serving an appointed position.

If you are interested in becoming a Board Member, contact Jaymie at 701-622-3381.

If there are any cost share projects that you would be interested in, please feel free to reach out to a board member, call our office or send us a letter/email. We would love to hear from you. You as a citizen are welcome to our board meetings, as they are open to the public. We have them every third Tuesday of the month, starting at 7 a.m. MDT, but may be subject to change. Please watch our Facebook page we have for updates.