Producers Invited for Real Talk on Transitioning to Organic
Join the S.D. Specialty Producers Association for ‘Real Talk on Transitioning to Organic’ on Sept. 20, 2025, from 12–3 p.m. CDT near Hartford, SD. Featured speaker Blake Burggraff of 465 Farmstead Ltd. will share firsthand insights on transitioning large parcels of land to regenerative and organic certification.
Burggraff will share the motivation of why he chose to transition his farm to organic. Learn about best practices, inputs, soil health, and the challenges Burgraff faced. He will also discuss the financial and operational realities of organic farming including the input changes and certification costs, the timeline of transitioning, organic premiums, buyers, and market access.
The event will include a walking tour of the transitioning fields where attendees can see regenerative and organic principles in practice. Participants will have time to connect with other organic farmers during farmer questions and peer-sharing time. Discussions will include lessons learned and tips for new transitioners.
Dr. Angela K. Jackson, SDSPA Organic Transition Advisor, will share information on organic certification steps, resources and technical assistance and programs.
This field day is for current and beginning farmers, technical service providers, and anyone who would like to learn more about transitioning their farm into organic production.
Pre-registration is required for this free event.
Register Here465 Farmstead is located at 46536 Grand Meadow St., Hartford, SD 57033. For online maps, you may need to type in ‘Grand View Meadow Street.’ The farm is located 4.5 miles north of Hartford, SD. From 464th Ave. Turn east onto Grand (View) Meadow St and continue east for 1.4 miles. The farm is on the north side of the road.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).