Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) have formed a partnership to build the capacity of local partners’ knowledge to develop and implement effective strategies in supporting producers surrounding urban agricultural topics. Learn more.
Resources
The Upper Midwest Urban & Rural Agriculture Innovation Conference (UMURAI) is an annual conference focused on exploring the unique challenges and opportunities facing farmers, ranchers and producers in both urban and rural settings across WY, NE, SD, ND and MN.
Videos from Past Conferences:
Latest SDSPA Videos & Resources
Description: Grace Place Farm and Garden presented at the Sept.10, 2025 SDSPA Organic Operator Chapter Meeting. They share the story of their operation. Published: Sept. 29, 2025 This program is funded under Conservation Collaboration Cooperative Agreement NR246740XXXXC008 between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and South Dakota
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
S.D. Specialty Producers Association’s (SDSPA) Urban Ag Liaison, Malisa Niles, has developed a series of lesson plans that introduce several facets of specialty production for high school students. The five areas covered in this series include: Lesson 1 – Overview of Urban Agriculture Lesson 2 – Plant
New posters are available providing an overview of potential farm management practices. View or print to learn more about these NRCS practices related to Urban Ag: Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Conservation Approach (pdf) Low Tunnel Systems: Extending Your Growing Season & Protecting Crops (pdf) Urban Ag
For a complete listing of SDSPA videos, publications, podcasts and recommended resources visit our Resource Library.
Ag Loans for Cold Storage
Ag Loans for Cold Storage The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) now offers Farm Storage Facility Loans (FSFL) to support the implementation of controlled atmosphere storage for agricultural producers of perishable commodities like fruits, vegetables, and flowers. This technology extends shelf life by regulating
Introduction to the NRCS Conservation Plan
Introduction to the NRCS Conservation Plan The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) whose main mission to provide producers with knowledge and services to assist them in conserving their natural resources while still producing an agricultural commodity. NRCS
Deadline to Submit Initial Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Paperwork Approaching
The deadline to submit initial paperwork Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is approaching on November 3rd! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to improve your farm’s efficiency and sustainability. This month on our Facebook News Feed, we’re highlighting several practices supported by NRCS EQIP, from extending your
Urban Ag News
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February Urban Ag & Small Scale Production Webinars
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Producers Learn About Support for Regenerative, Organic Urban Ag Projects
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Explore Cost-Share Assistance for Organic Transition and Specialty Production
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‘Using Wool As A Soil Amendment’ Project Wrap Up
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Country Apple Orchard’s Fittest on the Farm Event
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S.D. Farm to School Update- Sept. 2025
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Mazing Acres One of 36 Farms Across North America Paying Tribute to Lainey Wilson with Corn Maze
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SDSPA Hosts a Wool Garden Field Day
Upcoming Events
Webinar: Optimizing In-Ground High Tunnel Tomato Production
Dr. Vern Grubinger is the Vegetable and Berry Specialist at the University of Vermont Extension, where he’s worked with and learned from farmers for 35 years. In 2024, he conducted an in-depth survey of 47 farms growing in-ground high tunnel tomatoes, to better understand what growing practices
South Dakota Producers Summit- Rapid City
The South Dakota Producers Summit provides education for specialty crops, niche markets and regenerative integrity. This one-day conference is focused on exploring innovation and opportunities for farmers, ranchers and producers involved in urban and rural agriculture production in the Upper Plains. Thought provoking speakers will provide a wealth
Webinar: Water Conservation & Water Harvesting Strategies For Small Scale Production
Water is an essential resource for small-scale production systems. Join Robin Buterbaugh, SDSU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist, to learn more about water conservation & water harvesting strategies for small scale production. In this SDSPA webinar we’ll look at a variety of rainwater harvesting and water conservation strategies
South Dakota Producers Summit- Huron
The South Dakota Producers Summit provides education for specialty crops, niche markets and regenerative integrity. This one-day conference is focused on exploring innovation and opportunities for farmers, ranchers and producers involved in urban and rural agriculture production in the Upper Plains. Thought provoking speakers will provide a wealth