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![A young native american man handing a customer a canvas bag.](/sites/default/files/2018-12/W-M99-2010-01-crow-creek-native-garden.jpg)
Native American Gardens
Learn more about Native American community garden projects throughout South Dakota and access helpful resources with information on starting up Native American community garden projects.
![Young wheat growing in a foggy field.](/sites/default/files/2019-01/W-M7195-01-wheat-spring-field-fog-v2.jpg)
Dormant Seeding Wheat
Dormant seeding is when a crop is placed in a soil long before soil temperatures and/or moisture conditions are going to allow the seed to germinate and grow. This technique is commonly used for plants like native grasses and forbs. It is less common with grain crops.
![A diagram with two winter wheat plots side-by-side.](/sites/default/files/2019-01/W-M9418-02-wheat-plot-border-tiller-v2.jpg)
The Difficulty in Winter Wheat Stand Assessments
From freak snow storms to sub-zero temperatures and on to a recent lack of moisture and a cool spring, the climate in South Dakota has left many winter wheat growers and agronomists wondering about the health of their stands.
![A green combine harvesting wheat.](/sites/default/files/2019-01/W-M12649-06-wheat-harvest-green-combine.jpg)
Factors Affecting Wheat Production Decisions: Producer survey findings
Recent USDA data shows that during the past 3 years acres devoted to wheat production continue declining in both South Dakota and North Dakota (USDA, 2018). South Dakota wheat acres experienced a remarkable decrease of 31.5% during the past 3 years, compared with a relatively mild drop of 16.4% by North Dakota.
![A wheat field at sunset.](/sites/default/files/2019-01/W-M6351-01-green-wheat-field-sunset.jpeg)
Water Use by Plant Stage
Over the growing season, solar radiation, air temperature and plant size are the dominant factors in determining evaporative demand and the rate of water use by wheat. Water use can vary dramatically on a day-to day basis, depending on climate and wheat health.
![Baskets of fresh vegetables at a farmers market](/sites/default/files/2019-01/W-M99-2013-01-local-foods-vegetables-market.jpg)
Local Foods: Whole Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
Fresh, whole raw fruits and vegetables grown in South Dakota can currently be sold without a food service license from the South Dakota Department of Health.
![The La Montanita Co-op Veteran Farm Project (VFP) in Albuquerque, NM.](/sites/default/files/2019-01/W-M99-2040-01-training-garden-community-business.jpg)
Training Gardens and Business Incubators
Community gardens are associated with urban areas and food production. However, community gardens can also be used as job training sites or small business incubators.
![A woman rinsing vegetables off in an outdoor sink.](/sites/default/files/2019-01/W-M12487-01-vegetables-garden-rinsing-safety.jpg)
Food Safety Rules for Fruit & Vegetable Growers: FAQ
It seems rules and guidelines for growing fresh produce safely are constantly changing, as new laws and regulations are implemented each year.
![Frozen vegetable aisle at a grocery store.](/sites/default/files/2019-01/W-M10261-01-frozen-vegetables-grovery-aisle.jpg)
Fresh May Not Always Be Best
To have a healthy diet all year long, consider all options (fresh, frozen, and canned) when it comes to eating fruits and vegetables.
![a field of wheat starting to grow](/sites/default/files/2018-12/W-M11804-01-winter-wheat-field.png)
Split Application of Nitrogen in Winter Wheat
Adequate N early in the growing season is important to support healthy tillering and to give young plants the best opportunity to survive the sometimes-harsh South Dakota winter