Cut Flower Producer Workshop Scheduled for Sturgis
Cut flower farmers and potential producers are invited to gather in Sturgis, Sept. 27-28th, 2023 to network and learn.
The workshop kicks off Wed., Sept. 27, at 6 p.m. Mountain at the Knuckle Saloon, 931 1st St., in Sturgis with a social and talk on cut flower basics with Helen Skiba, of Artemis Flower Farm. Skiba owns the ecology-focused farm and floral design studio located in Longmont, CO. Attendees will have the option to purchase items off the menu for supper.
Thurs., Sept. 28th, the workshop will continue at Sturgis Community Center 1401 Lazelle St. in Sturgis, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Participants will hear four additional seminars from Skiba.
Additionally, Jenny Behlings, 35–year owner of Jenny’s Floral in Custer, SD, and Kristine Lang of SDSU Extension will share topics including the use of cover crops and soil health for cut flowers, harvest efficiency, post harvest handling, options for multiple revenue streams, considerations for a high tunnel, and more. A hand on session will provide practice making wearable flower arrangements and a take home goodie bag of supplies.
The event will conclude with an optional farm store tour of a neighboring farm, Bear Butte Gardens.
Those interested should register on Eventbrite for $55/person. Lunch and snacks are provided by Chef Travis Bartels.
The Gathering Registration
This event is hosted by the S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) and supported in part by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Thanks to funding through a cooperative agreement with NRCS, portions of Skiba’s presentation will also be offered virtually for those who cannot make it in person. To register for online only events, see the links below.
- Webinar 1: Helen Skiba- Cut Flower Production 101, Sept. 27th, 6:30 PM Mountain Time
- Webinar 2: Helen Skiba- Cut Flowers & Soil Health, Sept. 28th 08:45 AM Mountain Time
- Webinar 3: Helen Skiba- Cut Flower Harvest, Sept. 28th 10:15 AM Mountain Time