SDSU Extension and its partners will host a field day focused on high tunnel and no-till vegetable production on Monday, August 17, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. CDT at Flat Rock Farms (11774 386th Ave, Westport, SD 57481).
This event will showcase sustainable production practices to extend and improve commercial vegetable production in northern South Dakota. This event is for current and beginning farmers, technical service providers, gardeners, and anyone who would like to learn more about converting to no-till, improving soil health, and using high tunnels on a diverse vegetable farm.
This on-farm event will include a walking tour of the vegetable production fields and high tunnels highlighting the five soil health principles, many forms of mulch and compost, several forms of irrigation. Attendees will learn from Chris and Lori Goldade, owners of Flat Rock Farms, and Kristine Lang, Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist. Chris and Lori are excited to teach people about the importance of soil health and how they can begin to practice regenerative growing practices on their own land. Throughout the entire day participants will be encouraged to ask questions, share ideas with each other, and network with members of the SD Soil Health Coalition (SDSHC), South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA), and the SD Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and SD Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE). After the tour concludes, light refreshments will be served. Attendees are invited to bring their favorite lawn chair and a water bottle.
This event is open to all members of the public; children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; please let all pets at home. Each attendee will be asked to sign a liability waiver at event check-in per Flat Rock Farms. This is a rain or shine event, but if there is an active storm warning or lightning the event will be canceled. This tour will include moderate distances of walking, so please wear proper footwear that can get dirty. If you have mobility concerns that would require accommodation please contact Kristine Lang prior to the event so arrangements can be made to assist you.
Schedule
- 5:30 p.m. - Event Check-in + Visit with Partner Organizations
- 5:45 p.m. - Welcome + SDSU High Tunnel and Vegetable Research Updates
- 6:00 p.m. - Farm Overview and Walking Tour of High Tunnel and Field
- 7:15 p.m. - Large Group Question & Answer Session
- 7:45 p.m. - Wrap-up Formal Tour, Light Refreshments, and Networking
- 8:30 p.m. - Field Day Concludes
Registration
Registration is appreciated using the blue register button above. Walk-in registration is welcome.
About Flat Rock Farms
For more than two decades, owners Lori and Chris Goldade have operated Flat Rock Farms with a foundational belief that high-quality food starts with a deep respect for the land. Located near Westport, South Dakota, this 19-acre property is managed with a strict commitment to sustainable soil health and environmental balance. Since purchasing the land over 20 years ago, Lori and Chris have carefully nurtured their original 10,000-square-foot garden into a thriving 2-acre production area. Their uncompromising standard for quality ensures that everything from peak-ripeness produce and winter preserves to small-batch artisan breads is rooted in integrity. Ultimately, this hard-working family operation remains deeply dedicated to expanding community access to fresh, handcrafted foods across the entire state. Learn more about Flat Rock Farms by visiting their website and Facebook page.
Partners
This event is supported by a Conservation Collaboration Cooperative Agreement NR226740XXXXC008 between the NRCS and SDSPA, to promote sustainable agriculture practices and environmental stewardship; the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, and a USDA North Central SARE Professional Development Program grant.
