Workshop attendees visited Budding Moon Farm near Spearfish to learn about movable / mobile high tunnels. The discussions included information about structure design, construction, economic benefits, and how to actually utilize a movable high tunnel.
SDSU Extension Hosts High Tunnel Short Course
SDSU Extension hosted a two-day educational event focused on information pertinent to small-scale producers considering a high tunnel greenhouse. Their informational short course included a mix of business planning concepts, finances, high tunnel design & construction, season extension, food safety, management, and operation.
This entire event presented ample opportunity for networking between attendees, presenters, and tour sites.
SDSPA participated in the event with Peggy Martin, Cedar Creek Gardens, presenting, and Rick Grosek, SDSPA Urban Ag Liaison providing outreach on behalf of SDSPA with the many new producers learning about high tunnels. If you would like more information on topics or presenters, contact Rick and he will be happy to connect you with the wide range of experts.
Day 1: Indoor Classroom Presentations:
- What does high tunnel season extension mean in the Dakotas?, Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, North Dakota State University
- Profit Season Extending, Bob Weyrich, South Dakota Small Business Development Center
- Beat the Heat: The Benefits and Pitfalls of Shading Midwest High Tunnels, Kristine Lang, South Dakota State University
- Effective Season Extension for High-Tunnels, Shannon Mutschelknaus, Wayward Springs Acres
- Greenhouse Coverings in Challenging Conditions, Dirk and Kjersten Oudman, Blue Sky Vegetable Co.
- Food Safety for High Tunnel Producers: What do I need to know?, Rhoda Burrows, South Dakota State University
- High tunnel innovations: Saving you time and reducing labor by sharing a variety of technology options for automation and labor saving ideas, Peggy Martin, Cedar Creek Gardens
- Diversifying Your High Tunnel Crops with Cut Flowers, Esther McGinnis, North Dakota State University
Day 2: On-Sight Tours (via charter bus)
Tour 1: Re-Member and SDSU Extension: Growing a healthier today on the Pine Ridge Reservation with Will Paese and Devorah Mlotkowski, Feather II
The tour group visited two high tunnels and various outdoor gardens. Feather II, Re-Member’s community gardening hub produces fresh produce and opportunities to exchange wisdom and knowledge on our 160-acre property outside the community of Porcupine, South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Tour 2: Season Extension In and Out of the Mobile High Tunnel with Jared Lukens-Black, Budding Moon Farm
The tour group visited a mobile high tunnel, a few low tunnels, a large outdoor garden, and pack shed.
Lunch was provided both days by by Scott Brinker of Bashful Bison Market in Rapid City, SD.