Learn from 2025 UMURAI Conference Videos Great resources are now available from the 2025 Upper Midwest Urban & Rural Ag (UMURAI) Conference. Listen to a variety of thought provoking speakers who shared a wealth of knowledge and expertise! View all the videos on the 2025 UMURAI Conference
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Description: Cover crops are a foundational conservation practice for organic farmers that improve soil health, protect water quality, and increase resilience across South Dakota’s diverse climates. On the wet, highly productive eastern side of the state, cover crops help reduce erosion and nutrient leaching. On the drier
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Description: The SDSPA Soil Health Technical Guide helps organic farmers build resilient, productive farms by outlining USDA organic requirements and proven soil-building practices. Learn the principles of soil health and how to enhance biological activity, increase organic matter, reduce inputs, and monitor progress using practical, science-based strategies
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Description: Join SDSPA and Wyatt Johnson, S.D. Soil Health Coalition’s Soil Health Technician, who specializes in Small Scale Agriculture and Urban Agriculture soil health practices. In this video Wyatt discusses how to compost chicken manure and about composting in general. This is the last in a three-part
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Video: Kristine Lang, SDSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist along with Robin Buterbaugh, SDSU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist and Jaelyn Whaley, SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist will explain the importance of using mulch in the garden and what the different types of mulch are and how they are
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Presenters: Helen Skiba, Artemis Flower Farm Description: This webinar focuses on the importance of soil health and practices on how to maintain a healthy soil balance for cut flowers. This presentation was a session at the SDSPA’s cut flower workshop in Sturgis, S.D. Recorded: Sept. 27-28, 2023
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Presenters: Dr. Angela K. Jackson, SDSPA, and Mark Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition Description: Jackson and Gutierrez discuss the importance of working through a plan for soil health in your organic operation, and offer tips for developing that plan. Gutierrez points out practical
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Description: Doug Voss of the The Soil Health Academy emphasizes the foundational principles of soil health, particularly the importance of minimizing disruption to soils. In light of this, they advocate for a no-till approach, as it is the most effective strategy for promoting soil health and biological
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Presenters: Denise and Mark Venner, Venner Farm and Dr. Angela Jackson, SDSPA Organic Transition Ag Advisor Description: Denise and Mark Venner hosted a TOPP (transition to organic) field day on Sept. 7, 2024. Venner Farm grows a variety of organic crops including yellow corn, blue corn, rye,
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Presenters: Jaelyn Whaley, Small Ruminant Specialist at SDSU Extension and Gwendolyn Kitzan, of Kitzan Sheep Description: Have you wondered how improving your soil quality affects your livestock’s intake of nutrients? SDSPA spoke with Jaelyn Whaley, Small Ruminant Specialist at SDSU Extension and Gwendolyn Kitzan, of Kitzan Sheep
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