Attendees Gather During ‘Plow to Plate’ Event Hosted by Venner Farm

Venner Farm recently hosted their “Plow to Plate” farm tour on Sept. 22nd. Participants journeyed to the picturesque farm, situated along the Missouri River, to gain insight into the organic farming practices employed by Mark and Denise Venner. The tour included a comprehensive exploration of their innovative use of subsurface drip irrigation.

Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to visit Venner’s high tunnel and received valuable insights from Timothy Schoonhoven, representing the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (SDDANR), who discussed forthcoming funding prospects through SDDANR. 

Following the tour, guests were encouraged to indulge in a lunch experience hosted by the Boat House Bar & Grill. Here, they discovered how the restaurant seamlessly incorporates locally sourced produce from Venner Farm into their menu, culminating in a holistic “plow to plate” dining experience. Conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from Venner Farm, the restaurant exemplifies a commitment to supporting and showcasing regionally grown produce.

This event was funded by a partnership between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and South Dakota Specialty Producers, to promote educational agriculture practices and environmental stewardship.