Jay Fuhrer

As a long time Conservationist growing up in the Dakotas on a small grain and livestock farm, Jay Fuhrer built a career taking care of the soil. 

Working at the Natural Resources Conservation Service/USDA from 1980 – 2020 out of Bismarck, North Dakota, Jay particularly enjoyed working from the pickup end gate on the field edge, with a spade and the client. 

Conservation planning one field at a time. Staying grounded with a personal goal of: I want to farm forever!

Currently, Jay spends his time supporting soil health efforts through the Menoken Farm, which is a conservation demonstration farm, along with the North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition.

Both are Jay’s favorite places to work; applying and monitoring the soil health principles as they relate to soil, water, air, plants, animals, and people. 

Paul DeBourt

Born and raised in Carrington, ND, Paul DeBourt operates a family farm where he raises wheat and soybeans. His agricultural roots have given him a firsthand understanding of farming and the importance of caring for the land.

Paul has worked for NRCS since 2003 and has a strong passion for building soil health. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to supporting producers and promoting practices that improve the long-term health of working lands.

He believes that farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of our nation’s working lands, a belief that closely aligns with NRCS’s mission of “keeping working lands in working hands.”

Paul enjoys helping producers overcome challenges and improve their operations while valuing the opportunity to learn just as much from the producers he works with. He appreciates the knowledge and experiences each producer brings, making collaboration and shared learning an important part of his work.