 Hello, my name is Kevin Senevich, Director for Central Grasslands Research Extension Center located near Streeter. North Dakota has 1.8 million head of cattle, with almost 95% of our beef cattle, cow-calf pairs. Roughly one-third of North Dakota is range in pasture land and considered the fundamental base acres for the cow-calf industry. These grasslands are also considered critical habitat for wildlife and pollinators and an important resource for producing high-quality water for human consumption and a valuable recreational resource for hunting, hiking, and other outdoor recreation activities. We hear repeatedly from activist groups that livestock are bad for the environment, they destroy habitat, and pollute our water and air. The Central Grasslands and Heading and Research Extension Center, in collaboration with the main station scientists, have, can, and will continue to conduct research to show the value of livestock grazing on the environment and then assess management strategies that enhance the land, water, and air, while providing a valuable protein source for our growing population. The drivers of healthy grasslands are soil biology and biodiversity. Biodiversity was listed by the United Nations as the number one global environmental issue in 2020. We need to create greater biodiversity if we want to improve soil biology. We need better soil biology to capture carbon and other greenhouse gases, clean water, and increased microbial activity that consumes and converts chemicals and minerals produced from contaminants to a usable resource by the plants. It is our job as research centers to conduct studies that not only create greater opportunities for ranchers to be profitable and produce a safe food, but also address environmental issues and improve ecosystem services. In summary, large-scale environmental research is needed and takes time, labor, infrastructure, and a lot of soil and forage analysis. The RECs will continue to find ways to address the needs of the air cultural and environmental communities by creating a safe food while enhancing ecosystem services. We truly appreciate your support and your time. Thank you.