November 17, 2000

Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman Thursday helped open a new Smithsonian exhibition about the North American prairie -- from its unique mix of flora and fauna to its huge agricultural output. 'Listening to the Prairie: Farming in Nature's Image,' which opens to the public on Saturday, describes the evolution of the vast grasslands region as well as the progressive prairie farmers and ranchers who have found innovative new ways to farm the land and protect the environment.

Glickman, from the prairie state of Kansas, said, "The prairies are the heart of America's breadbasket, producing much of the nation's corn, wheat, and soybeans. I hope this exhibit helps Americans better understand the vital contribution this region and its people make to the high quality of life we can all enjoy together." As a member of Congress, Glickman was the lead initial author in the House of Representatives of legislation to create a prairie designation with the national park system.

The exhibit will run though March, 2001. It will travel to 20 libraries across the country. The farmers and ranchers in the exhibition with help, in part, from USDA grants, have diversified their crops and livestock to minimize crop pests and weather market fluctuations, reduced reliance on chemical pesticides and begun to sell directly to consumers for premium prices that reflect their hard work.

Many varieties of plants and animals can be found on the prairie and which are detailed in the exhibition. Many waterfowl depend on prairie grasslands for breeding and wintering during migration. Milkweed and other native prairie flowers attract monarch butterflies, one of only a few butterflies to migrate thousands of miles. The prairie's purple coneflower, yarrow and other herbs were used by Native Americans for various ills and hold potential today as remedies for common disorders. Prairie grass that once fed bison is now grown as livestock forage and to make renewable fuels. Native prairie grasses do not have to be planted every year, require little or no fertilizer and are tolerant of drought.