MCKENZIE, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Gov. Kelly Armstrong participated in a roundtable discussion with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stressing the importance of soil health to agriculture and the future of Americans’ health and well-being.

U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer hosted Kennedy at Black Leg Ranch near McKenzie for a discussion on regenerative agriculture with Armstrong, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak, state Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, farmers and ranchers, and others.

Armstrong highlighted last January’s launch of the Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program, a voluntary working lands program that incentivizes North Dakota farmers to strengthen cropland productivity and resilience with perennial grass cover, while improving soil health and water retention and creating wildlife habitat and access for hunters. A partnership between the state Game and Fish Department and the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts, the two-year, $6.5 million pilot project is fully subscribed with more than 9,000 acres funded for 2026.

“We appreciate Secretary Kennedy coming to North Dakota to discuss Ag practices that improve soil health and farmland productivity and profitability, which will strengthen America’s food supply and support health in the long term,” Armstrong said. “As we explore ways to expand our program here in North Dakota, we look forward to working with our federal, state and local partners to promote the health and economic benefits to farmers, ranchers, sportsmen and all citizens.”

Feature photo: Left to Right; Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Sen. Kevin Cramer, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.