Cut Flower Growers Gather for Education and Networking
After a sold out cut flower event in spring, cut flower growers were once again able to get together for an in person event, this time on the west side of the state.
A pre-workshop social was held in the evening on Wed., Sept. 27th at the Knuckle Saloon in Sturgis. This social included a presentation by Helen Skiba, Artemis Flower Farm, about cut flower basics. Her presentation was live-streamed and will be available soon on our YouTube channel.
The main workshop was held on Thurs., Sept. 28th from 8 am to 6 pm at the Sturgis Community Center. Presentation topics included:
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Cover Crops and Soil Health for Cut Flowers by Helen Skiba of Artemis Flower Farm
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Cut Flower Harvest Efficiency by Helen Skiba
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Cut Flower Postharvest Handling by Helen Skiba
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Options for Multiple Revenue Streams by Helen Skiba
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High Tunnel Greenhouses by Dr. Kristine Lang of SDSU Extension
A fun hands-on session was instructed by Jenny Behling, showing participants how to create wearable flower arrangements.
Lunch was provided by Chef Travis Bartels, with local grains making up the sandwich bread and a soup with garden fresh tomatoes & basil.
A tour of Bear Butte Gardens was held after the main workshop. The tour focused on Bear Butte Gardens’ farm stand and high tunnel greenhouse, with a quick walk-through of the commercial kitchen and vacation rental.