Cedar Creek Gardens Hosts Successful Field Day and Producer Training
Cedar Creek Gardens hosted an Open House and Producer Training on Thurs., June 12th offering valuable hands-on demonstrations and insights for gardeners and commercial growers of all experience levels.
Cedar Creek Gardens welcomed approximately 50 attendees, including several Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff, to their Open House and Producer Training on Thurs., June 12, 2025. The come-and-go event, held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST, offered valuable hands-on demonstrations and insights for gardeners and commercial growers of all experience levels.
The field day provided a comprehensive learning experience, covering practical irrigation water management, various season extension techniques using low, caterpillar, and high tunnels, and strategies for maximizing yields through smart, intensive planting. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the beautiful gardens and tunnels, with many showing specific interest in the diverse tunnel types available for extending the growing season. The Cedar Creek Gardens team was on hand throughout the day, enthusiastically answering in-depth questions from producers and enthusiasts alike.
Participants traveled from across the state to attend, with the furthest individual coming from Brookings, highlighting the widespread interest in specialty crop cultivation. Tours were conducted to demonstrate several NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) practices, providing practical examples of conservation efforts in action. The presence of NRCS staff further facilitated detailed discussions on these important practices.
Bud Manke of Cedar Creek Gardens shared information on high and low tunnels with farm visitors during the June 12th open house.
Beyond the educational aspects, the event offered a chance for visitors to meet Cedar Creek Gardens’ happy free-range chickens, adding a touch of farm charm to the day. With excellent weather complementing the engaging demonstrations, it was an enjoyable and informative day for Cedar Creek Gardens to share their extensive knowledge of growing specialty crops with the wider community.
Cedar Creek Gardens is located at 25580 249th Street, Midland, S.D., just south of I-90, Exit 172.
Participants from across South Dakota viewed production areas with educational posters featuring irrigation management, season extension techniques, and integrated pest management. Additionally, Cedar Creek Gardens team members were available to answer guest’s questions.