S.D. Specialty Producers Association Annual Meeting March 7
The S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) is hosting its annual membership meeting Sat., March 7, 2020 from 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. CST in Chamberlain, SD. Members as well as non-member producers, farmers market managers and vendors, chefs, value-added businesses, local foods enthusiasts, and agencies are encouraged to attend. The statewide event works to promote and support the growing specialty crop production and local foods movement.
Registration and networking will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the AmericInn Conference Center, 1981 E. King St., in Chamberlain.
The day will include the SDSPA annual membership meeting and a web conference session featuring Carol Ford, a Minnesota vegetable producer specializing in Deep Winter Greenhouse production.
The SDSPA Annual Membership meeting will run from 10 – 11:30 a.m. The meeting is open to all, but current membership is required to vote. Membership must be made current before March 1, 2020. If members cannot attend the membership meeting in person, a web conference link will be available to participate in the online meeting. The afternoon sessions will not be available online.
From 1-2:00 p.m. Carol Ford will discuss the latest in design and production with Deep Winter Greenhouses (DWG). Ford will discuss explorations into extending the growing season in DWGs for added profitability. DWG uses passive solar technology to create an environment where cold tolerant crops like leafy greens can be grown during the winter to satisfy consumer demand for fresh local produce year-round and increase revenue for farmers. Hear about the structural changes for the new 3.0 design. Following Ford, Nathan Jones, S.D. State Soil Scientist will present on current soil projects and Jeff Stewart, SDSPA Board Member, will share legislative updates.
Pre-register online by Mar. 1 on the SDSPA website. The registration fee is $8.50 per person plus processing to cover the cost of the meal. Walk-in registration is also welcome, but does not include a meal. To register for the web conference session only click here.
A room block is available at the AmericInn for March 6 and 7 until Feb. 26, 2020. Contact 605-734-0985 to make a reservation.
SDSPA works to promote specialty crops and products; develop cooperative marketing opportunities; create opportunities for producers to market, network, and learn; market agritourism; develop South Dakota product identity; support research and serve as a venue for networking and information gathering. SDSPA is made up of growers and value-added processors of non-commodity products including produce, fruits, herbs, grapes, specialty grains, hops, honey, nursery crops and more; Chefs, agritourism promoters and other local food enthusiasts interested in supporting South Dakota specialty crops and products are active members of the organization.
Membership dues are $25 and applications for 2020 are available on the SDSPA website. Specialty producers and local foods enthusiasts can stay up-to-date on relevant issues and educational opportunities by following SDSPA on Facebook.
For more information on this event or membership contact the SDSPA membership coordinator.