Maintaining Organic Seed Integrity in Seed Grain Cleaning and Handling

Video: On Sept. 20, 2024, Dakota’s Best Seed (Todd DenBesten, 3rd generation owner) hosted a field day focused on Maintaining Organic Integrity in Seed Grain Cleaning and Handling. The field day focused on practices and protocols necessary to maintain organic integrity throughout all the steps in seed grain processing and handling. This video from the […]

Soil and Nutrient Management in Transitioning to Organic Crop Production

Video: Denise and Mark Venner, Venner Farm, hosted a TOPP (transition to organic) field day on Sept. 7, 2024. Venner Farm grows a variety of organic crops including yellow corn, blue corn, rye, barley, several varieties of wheat, flax, sunflowers, field peas, and garbanzo beans. The tour highlighted the Venner’s high tunnel used for produce […]

Understanding Risks During Organic Transition- 3rd Quarter 2024 TOPP Update

Video: In this video, the SDSPA Organic Ag Transition Advisor discusses the essential elements of creating an effective plan with a focus on contamination prevention for transitioning crop producers. The discussion begins with an overview of the risks associated with contamination from external sources, such as pesticide drift and non-organic inputs, which can compromise organic […]

Transitioning to Organic Vegetable Production- Weed Management

Video: Bear Butte Gardens in Sturgis, SD, led by Rick and Michelle Grosek, is a successful organic vegetable farm certified organic by OCIA. They hosted a SDSPA field day on August 12, 2024, for transitioning organic farmers emphasizing sustainable farming practices. The field day focused on soil health, weed control, pest management, nutrient management, crop […]

Introducing the Transition to Organic Program- 2nd Quarter 2024 TOPP Update

Video: Discover the Transition to Organic Partnership Program in the Plains region with SDSPA! This informative video offers an overview of our initiative to support local farmers in shifting to organic practices. Learn about the benefits of going organic and get details on resources, financial assistance, and expert guidance available through the program. Join us […]

Transitioning to Organic Poultry Production Field Walk & Demonstration

Video: On June 21st SDSPA hosted an USDA TOPP field day to discuss the production considerations for transitioning to pasture-raised organic egg and broiler production. This video includes the field walk and demonstration portion of the event at Prairiesun Organics with Dr. Angela Jackson, SDSPA, TOPP Organic Ag Transition Advisor & Owner of Prairiesun Organics. […]

Transitioning to Organic Poultry Production in South Dakota

Video: On June 21st SDSPA hosted an USDA TOPP field day to discuss the production considerations for transitioning to pasture-raised organic egg and broiler production. This video includes the recorded speaker presentations from Dr. Angela K. Jackson (SDSPA, Organic Ag Transition Advisor), David Schafer (Founder and Owner of Featherman Equipment and Author/Creator of the “plant-in-a-box […]

DriftWatch: Specialty Crop Site Registry

Video: DriftWatch® Specialty Crop Site and BeeCheck® Apiary Registry are an on-line sensitive site registry programs for South Dakota available through FieldWatch®. This national registry is a voluntary communication tool that enables crop producers, beekeepers, and pesticide applicators to work together to protect specialty crops and apiaries through use of mapping programs. Featuring Katie Hengelfelt, S.D. […]

Understanding Risk Management in Transitioning to Organic Crop and Livestock Production

Video: This webinar discusses several key considerations for transitioning organic producers regarding various risks that require careful management to improve long-term success. Gaining a better understanding of how to prepare for, mitigate, and navigate the risks of transitioning to organic production systems may improve financial outcomes and bolster your organic farm plan.   Presenter: Joyce […]

Introducing the ‘Transition to Organic Partnership Program’ (TOPP) for Producers in South Dakota

Video: The USDA Transitional Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) in South Dakota, administered by Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) under a cooperative agreement to SDSPA, aims to support farmers in transitioning to organic farming. The program offers education and technical support from experienced organic farmers, educators, and consultants. By providing these resources, TOPP helps South Dakota […]