Austin Lang. Photo: Pheasants Forever

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (Pheasants Forever) – Pheasants Forever has expanded its working lands initiative in North Dakota with the recent hiring of Austin Lang as a Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist.

Lang will provide ag profitability analyses for producers in southeast North Dakota with the goal of integrating conservation practices on less profitable cropland acres while increasing farm income.

In his main role, Lang will collaborate with farmers to provide conservation solutions to North Dakota farms by using precision agriculture technology – targeting return-on-investment (ROI) at a sub-field scale – to define areas where alternative crops and/or conservation practices are more profitable for producers than traditional row crops. This will help to diversify farm income, create more sustainable farm enterprises, and provide benefits to soil, water and wildlife over the long-term. Lang will also work closely with ag retailers such as implement dealers, software companies, grain cooperatives, certified crop advisers, ag lenders, and others to help farmers be profitable and successful in their operations. By working directly with farmers and focusing on their ROI, Pheasants Forever will help lift, acre-by-acre, the long-held misconception that farm profitability and environmental quality are competitive.

“My passion is land management and making the best use of land to benefit people and wildlife. I hope to provide knowledge, resources and sound profitable conservation solutions to customers in the southeast region of North Dakota,” stated Lang.

Raised on a fourth-generation family farm near Streeter, North Dakota, Lang earned a degree in biology with a minor in environmental science from Valley City State University in 2004. His previous employment includes 15 years working for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in addition to his most recent career path as a private sector sales agronomist, consultant, and ranch hand. Lang and his wife, Kaylee, are the parents of two young boys – Karter and Bodee.

“I am truly excited to bring Austin onboard with The Habitat Organization,” said Rachel Bush, North Dakota state coordinator for Pheasants Forever. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in both agriculture and conservation to our team, and his reputation of excellent customer service will be a valuable asset while serving cooperators in North Dakota.”

This position was made possible through a partnership with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, North Dakota Natural Resources Trust, and support from the Woodlake, Sargent County, and James Valley chapters of Pheasants Forever.

Lang, an avid land manager, pilot, fisherman and motorcyclist, will be based in Jamestown, North Dakota. For more information regarding precision agriculture, contact Austin Lang at ALang@pheasantsforever.org  or by phone at (701) 840-3062.