By Scout Nelson
The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association is organizing the “Small Farms Big Ideas” Summer Farm Tour Series to help farmers, agricultural professionals, and community members explore innovative farming systems across the state. The program includes three guided farm tours focused on specialty crop production, sustainability, and modern agricultural technology.
Each tour gives participants an opportunity to visit successful farms and learn directly from producers using creative methods to improve farm efficiency, profitability, and environmental stewardship. Organizers said the tours are designed to provide practical knowledge that participants can apply to their own operations.
The first tour will take place on June 10, 2026, and focuses on year-round specialty crop production and poultry systems. Participants will visit farms near Martin and Midland, South Dakota, where producers will demonstrate deep winter greenhouse production, free-range egg systems, poultry tractors, low tunnels, sweet corn transplanting, and high tunnel ginger and turmeric production.
The second tour is scheduled for July 15, 2026, and highlights season extension and strategic production systems. Stops near Lake Andes and Delmont will showcase irrigation systems, caterpillar tunnels, soil improvement practices, frost protection methods, tabletop strawberry production, and cold-hardy kiwi systems. Participants will also learn how growers maximize fruit and vegetable yields through innovative techniques.
The third tour will be held on July 29, 2026, and focuses on regenerative agriculture and farm resilience. Visitors will explore water catchment systems, WiFi-enabled soil sensors, no-till vegetable production, composting systems, and value-added herb processing operations at farms near Miller, Frankfort, and Clark.
The association said the tours will provide hands-on learning opportunities while encouraging collaboration among producers and agricultural communities. Participants will gain knowledge about crop diversification, ag technology, climate resilience, and resource management.
Advance registration is required because space is limited. Organizers encourage attendees to wear comfortable outdoor clothing and prepare for walking on uneven terrain during the farm visits. The program receives funding support through a cooperative agreement between the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association.
For registration, visit: eventbrite.com/e/small-farm-big-ideas-tour
Photo Credit: gettyimages-simplycreativephotography
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Sustainable Agriculture