SDSU Extension will host a Western South Dakota Specialty Crop Tour on July 21 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. MT at Magpie Farm (24717 Coolidge Creek Drive, Hermosa, SD 57744) and Bent Oak Ridge Flower Farm.
In South Dakota, most specialty crop farms operate on just a few acres or less, and producers face unique challenges and considerations that differ from those encountered in most of the state's agricultural operations. This tour will provide participants with an inside look at the production of vegetables, herbs, tea flowers, and cut flowers. Attendees will also learn about high tunnel and field production systems, as well as key food safety requirements, regulatory considerations, and business strategies for specialty crop operations.
Magpie Farm in Hermosa is a 1-acre specialty crop operation focused on sustainably growing fresh produce, herbs, and flowers. Run with a strong land-stewardship ethic, the farm emphasizes soil health, low-input practices, and providing high-quality, naturally grown products to the local community.
Bent Oak Ridge Flower Farm near Keystone is a thriving cut flower farm known for its extensive perennial plantings and expanding rows of specialty blooms grown for bouquets, on-farm sales, and local events. Over the years the farm has grown the farm into a vibrant community resource, offering fresh arrangements, DIY buckets, and flower-centered creativity while sharing her passion for sustainable, pollinator-friendly flower production.
Tentative Schedule
- 9:00 a.m. – Participants arrive, park at Magpie Farm, and check in
- 9:20 a.m. – Welcome and introduction to Magpie Farm
- 9:30 a.m. – Farm Tour
- High tunnel production
- Field production
- Walk-in cooler, wash/pack station, and food safety practices
- 11:00 a.m. – South Dakota Cut Flower Production
- Introduction to Bent Oak Ridge Flower Farm
- Business insights and marketing strategies
- Cut flower research and trial updates
- 12:00 p.m. – Question-and-answer session and lunch
Registration
This tour is free to attend and is supported, in part, by a North Central SARE Professional Development Program grant. Registration is requested and can be completed using the blue register button above.
