Group studying grassland policy

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — Six researchers from China are spending time at the Northern Great Plains Research Lab near Mandan to learn about regulations and policies regarding the management of grasslands.

KXMB television reported that the visitors also want to learn how to prevent erosion and how to make rangeland more profitable for farmers.

One researcher said what’s missing in China is the link between researchers and producers.

Ecophysiologist Xuejun Dong says the weak link is the lack of extension personnel. He said farmers and ranchers are in need of new methods and techniques to better manage grasslands, but there are no specialties of extension to link the two groups of people.

The group will also tour areas of Nebraska and South Dakota.

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