Weekly Producer Webinar Feature- September 2023
SDSPA has been working with local producers and educators to share real world experiences and solutions to common growing and production issues. Learn With SDSPA is a series of webinars focused on sharing knowledge and resources with producers.
Did you miss our live stream? Don’t panic, you can catch up on all our producer educational topics on our YouTube Channel here or learn more below.
Aquaponics with Farmer Bobbi Jo of Nom Nom Gardens
SDSPA is thrilled to share this interview with Farmer Bobbi Jo Hornsted of Nom Nom Gardens! Discover the secrets behind their thriving aquaponics system and geothermal greenhouse, learn how fish and plants create a harmonious ecosystem.
Geothermal greenhouses are innovative structures that harness the Earth’s natural heat to create a controlled environment for plant cultivation. These remarkable facilities leverage the Earth’s geothermal energy by tapping into underground reservoirs of hot water or steam, effectively providing a consistent source of warmth throughout the year. Geothermal energy is a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for maintaining optimal growing conditions, as it significantly reduces the need for fossil fuels or traditional heating systems. In geothermal greenhouses, temperature and humidity levels can be finely tuned, allowing for the year-round production of a wide variety of crops, from exotic fruits and vegetables to delicate flowers.
Nom Nom Gardens is a family owned farm that produces fresh, local and sustainable fruits and vegetables that are grown 365 days of the year in any climate. Bobbi Jo has been able to extend their growing season by utilizing a geothermal greenhouse and aquaponic growing techniques. Nom Nom Gardens also has an event space meant for celebrating and hosting guests.
Watch the webinar here:
Aquaponics with Nom Nom Gardens
Applying for EQIP Grants with Rachel Frei of NRCS
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers technical and financial assistance to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The NRCS has been a pillar of sustainable agricultural practices.
Our featured guest is Rachel Frei, SD NRCS Urban Conservationist. Rachel has worked for the NRCS for four years, first starting out as a soil conservationist and then District Conservationist in the Chamberlain Field Office in south central South Dakota. She took on the role of Urban Conservationist for South Dakota in August of 2022. Prior to moving to South Dakota, Rachel graduated with a bachelor’s in environmental science from The University of Rhode Island. Following, she received her master’s from Aarhus University in Denmark studying agro-environmental systems, soil physics and soil fertility
This webinar offers valuable knowledge for individuals and organizations seeking to enhance their environmental stewardship efforts. With NRCS assistance, applicants can maximize their chances of securing funding for projects aimed at promoting sustainable land use, conserving natural resources, and improving overall environmental quality.
Watch the webinar here:
Applying for EQIP Grants
Leaf And Fruit Diseases Of Tomatoes By Amy Timmerman
Want to learn more about tomato diseases? SDSPA spent an hour with Amy Timmerman, Nebraska Extension Educator, learning about how to spot and treat common diseases found in the garden. Amy Timmerman is a cropping system focused educator based out of Holt County. Amy focuses primarily on integrated pest management with a specialization in plant disease. She also provides support in water quality and quantity issues in the area. For inquiries or assistance, you can reach out to Amy Timmerman at atimmerman2@unl.edu or contact her directly at 402-336-2760
Watch the webinar here:
Leaf And Fruit Diseases Of Tomatoes
Greenhouse Management With Stacy Adams
Greenhouses are an asset for the production of seasonal ornamentals, urban food production, enhancing farm income through diversification, as an education tool, and adding farm resiliency from climatic variation. This webinar will present the varying types of construction and approaches to environmental manipulation for production of crops both seasonally and year round. Growers must consider the crop of interest and the product they desire to market before buying and installing a greenhouse. Greatest returns result from clear direction.
Presented by Stacy Adams, Professor of Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Agronomy & Horticulture. Adams academic career began in 2009 with the teaching of horticulture plant science labs, greenhouse management, and floral design. With nearly 200 students in his classes each semester, many areas of study have found plant science, greenhouses, and flowers to serve a greater need for education and the human experience. His extension programs include greenhouse planning and development for education, individuals, and communities, introduction and training of hydroponics, and teaching floral design to seniors.
Watch the webinar here:
Greenhouse Management
These segments are funded by a partnership between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and South Dakota Specialty Producers, to promote sustainable agriculture practices and environmental stewardship.
We encourage you to spread the word among your fellow producers, as this opportunity for free knowledge-sharing is open to anyone interested in sustainable agriculture. If you have any questions, have a topic idea, or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at sdspainfo@gmail.com.