Sustainable farming with SDSPA and NRCS support

By Scout Nelson

The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) has partnered with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under a Conservation Collaborative Cooperative Agreement (CCCA) to encourage regenerative organic practices (ROP) across the state. This initiative aims to enhance soil health, reduce erosion, and improve water quality while supporting biodiversity, boosting crop yields, and building climate resilience.

Program Highlights

• Educational Support: SDSPA will offer technical assistance, educational resources, and practical guidance to help producers adopt ROP in their operations.
• Wide Reach: The program will benefit various agricultural producers, from specialty crop farmers to traditional growers.
• Sustainability Goals: By promoting ROP, SDSPA is fostering a more sustainable agricultural future for South Dakota.

Dr. Angela K. Jackson’s Role

Dr. Angela K. Jackson, an SDSPA Organic Agriculture Advisor, leads the initiative. With extensive experience in organic farming and regenerative practices, she brings expertise in soil regeneration, ethical stewardship, and community empowerment.

Services Offered by Dr. Jackson

• Technical Assistance: Office hours via phone or email and on-site visits.
• Educational Resources: Guides on regenerative agriculture practices and resource publications.
• Events: Field days, webinars, monthly meetings, and seasonal outreach programs.
• Conference Participation: A dedicated learning track on organic regenerative agriculture at the Upper Midwest Urban & Rural Ag Innovation (UMURAI) Conference, February 6-7, 2025, in Oacoma, SD.

Dr. Jackson, owner of PrairieSun Organics, has decades of experience as an organic inspector, educator, and producer. Her family farm is certified under the USDA National Organic Program and Regenerative Organic Certified®. She also contributes to the Regenerative Organic Alliance and the University of South Dakota.

Upcoming Events

Farmers and agribusinesses can join a webinar on November 20, 2024, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. CST. This session, led by SDSPA and NRCS, will discuss the new Organic Regenerative Ag Program and Organic Management Standard 823.

Contact Information

Agricultural operators in South Dakota seeking guidance on regenerative organic practices can contact Dr. Jackson at 605-624-1966 or via email.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev