S.D. Organic Producers Host Educational Tours
Four Meade Co. area organic producers were excited to share their farm and story during the SDSPA bus tour on Aug. 20, 2022 to learn about organic local food production.
Four organic producers in and near Meade County were excited to share their farm and story with over twenty individuals who attended the bus tour on Aug. 20, 2022 to learn about organic local food production during a day long event.
The first stop was Bear Butte Gardens, with owners Michelle & Rick Grosek. Here attendees were organized into groups to visit three areas on the farm (round-robin style): 1) The organic gardens, 2) the goats, sheep, and livestock guardian dogs, and 3) the farm stand and commercial kitchen. Topics included farm history, organic certification, farm business model, and farm products. Snacks included local meats & cheeses as well as some baked snacks. Participants had an opportunity to purchase farm stand products.
During the commute to Belle Valley Ancient Grains, Rick Grosek, presented high-level information about USDA Organic Certification, including history, OFPA, high-level regulations, audit trail, inspections, fees, and a few specific examples.
At Belle Valley Ancient Grains, the attendees first visited the big shop where owner, Brian Stambaugh, presented information about their farm history, farm products, ancient grains (e.g. definition, characteristics, etc.), the grain farming process, the Belle Fourche Water Irrigation system, field equipment, weed and pest controls, and a bit on grain cleaning equipment.
The group then moved to the small shop where freshly baked bread and pancakes were served. Stambaugh presented additional information about grain cleaning, packaging, and milling. Stambaugh had several displays of grain cleaning and packaging equipment and briefly demonstrated a couple pieces of the grain cleaning equipment. Participants had an opportunity to purchase milled grain products.
During the commute to Duncan Heritage Farm, Grosek answered additional questions regarding USDA Organic Certification, mainly focused on inspection process questions.
At Duncan Heritage Farm, owner, Jesse Duncan, presented information about their farm history, their transition from “conventional” to “organic” farming, their farm products, their farm scale and farming methods, and farm equipment.
Duncan explained more about the Belle Fourche Water Irrigation system (how to ‘order’ water, how water is delivered, perspectives about water quantities, etc.) Duncan also compared and contrasted conventional to organic farming- the attendees had plenty of questions and discussion. Samples of slow cooked Highland beef and Mangalitsa pork were served along with watermelon slices. Attendees had time to wander about the farm a bit to see goats, crops, equipment, etc.
During the commute to Owl Creek Organics, Grosek pointed out a few examples & features of the Belle Fourche Water Irrigation system (e.g. canals, valves, pivot irrigation vs flood irrigation, etc.).
At Owl Creek Organics and Natural Products, the group first visited the new (in final stages of construction) product sales area. Participants had an opportunity to purchase products. Cecily presented information about the Barnaud Family Farm, farm products, the family’s involvement as organic inspectors and organic producers, the honey bee operation, and the new commercial building. The group toured the newly constructed honey bee winter storage facility. They then relocated to the old family farm site to visit the honey extraction and packaging facility, commercial kitchen, and gardens.
After departing Owl Creek, the bus passed by the Belle Fourche Reservoir on its route back to Sturgis. A bit more discussion about the irrigation project occurred. Grosek shared information about the S.D. Specialty Producer’s Association and their role in promoting producers. The event was hosted by SDSPA and supported in part through the Specialty Crop Block Grant program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Grosek also presented more information about the local organic producers community – how the Barnaud family mentored Bear Butte Gardens, and Bear Butte Gardens then mentored Belle Valley Ancient Grains and Duncan Heritage Farm.