Producers Invited for a Closer Look at No Chemical Systems for Wholesale Grape Production
S.D. Specialty Producers Association is hosting an on-farm event Sept. 28, 2024 from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. CDT at Lewis and Clark Lake Vineyard in Yankton, S.D. with owners Greg and Muriel Stach.
This event will cover both logistics and information regarding wholesale production and unique growing techniques for specialty crops. The tour will include an overview of the operation, a field walk, and more on growing techniques used to produce high quality grapes for wholesale. In addition to the tour there will be opportunities to learn more about aggregation and wholesale opportunities in the area.
The vineyard sells its wine grapes in the wholesale market to Prairie Berry Winery near Hill City, S.D. The Stach’s have been growing grapes for wine production for 30 years. During the tour they will share about their experiences with a wholesale market, ripening parameters, and coordinating with the winery, and their unique natural farming practices.
The tour will include a look at the vineyards, the pear and apple permaculture project, the Stach’s journey with Korean Natural Farming (KNF) techniques and compost tea extract inputs for foliar and ground sprays, and the vineyard’s several hügelkultur mounds that are 250 feet long or more. Lewis & Clark Vineyard is not registered certified organic with the USDA but has been using a non chemical system for about 10 years.
There are first come first serve funds to cover SDSPA members travel to this event. Please contact sdspecialtyproducers@gmail.com.
Registration