SDSPA Northern Plains Program Success in 2025
Dr. Angela K. Jackson, SDSPA Organic Ag Transition Advisor, assisted S.D. producers in 2025 with one-on-one technical assistance to move from organic planning to implementation.
During 2025, SDSPA’s work in certified organic transition support continued to translate strong producer interest into practical, on-the-ground progress. One-on-one technical assistance supported transitioning operations, with a clear emphasis on helping producers build confidence in organic systems, strengthen documentation, and move from “planning” to “implementation.”
Technical assistance this quarter covered the core building blocks of organic success: certification readiness and compliance (including transition timelines, handling rules, and recordkeeping/OSP preparation), soil health and conservation planning (cover crop selection, reduced tillage, water conservation, and NRCS practice standard OMS 823), and crop/livestock management strategies that reduce reliance on inputs while improving resilience. Producers also received support with marketing and value-chain development—connecting with buyers and brokers, navigating contracts for small grains and emerging markets like hemp fiber, exploring cooperative sales strategies, and considering value-added opportunities—along with risk-management planning, especially related to pesticide drift mitigation and whole-farm revenue/insurance options.
In total, 55 producers received direct technical assistance across diverse enterprises, spanning row crops and small grains as well as specialty and controlled-environment products such as hemp seed, alfalfa seed, mushrooms and microgreens, plus forage and pasture systems. Support also extended to livestock (beef and poultry) and handling/processing considerations, reflecting the integrated nature of many Northern Plains operations.
Importantly, SDSPA directly supported 9 transitioning operations this year in South Dakota and 4 in Nebraska as the program celebrated a meaningful milestone: one transitioning operation achieved USDA organic certification (NOP) for crops. As we close 2025, the momentum is clear: more operations are building strong organic foundations, reducing barriers to certification, and positioning themselves for resilient, market-ready growth in 2026.