SDSU Extension to Feature Midland Growers at New Cover Crop and Soil Health Field Day

 SDSU Extension is hosting a Cover Crop and Soil Health Field Day for fruit and vegetable producers from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT on Aug. 14, 2023, at Cedar Creek Gardens near Midland, South Dakota. 

This new field day will highlight on-farm trials related to cover crops and weed management. Anyone who would like to learn more about fruit and vegetable production is welcome; gardeners, current and beginning farmers, and technical service providers who support producers are especially encouraged to attend.

“On-farm demonstration trials help us understand how new ideas work on a busy farm,” said Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist Kristine Lang. “We get invaluable feedback from the vegetable growers on what we need to change to make the idea successful and meet their needs.”

Cedar Creek Gardens is a 12-acre farm near Midland in south-central South Dakota co-owned by Bud Manke and Peggy Martin. They grow fruits and vegetables and have incorporated five high tunnels, crop rotation and spring-fed wells for irrigation to grow produce especially suited to South Dakota’s soil. They also have free-range chickens and a certified commercial kitchen for canning.

Lang, Professor and SDSU Extension Horticulture Specialist Rhoda Burrows, and Martin and Manke will share soil health management strategies for central South Dakota. The field day will include a farm tour, equipment feature, presentations, networking time and a light picnic lunch. 

“I'm excited that we can continue hosting events around the state in summer 2023 so even more South Dakotans can meet us in their local area,” said Lang. “SDSU Extension and Cedar Creek Gardens look forward to welcoming the community to learn and share ideas at this event.”

Registration is not required. The event is free and open to everyone. It will be held rain or shine. Please leave pets at home. Cedar Creek Gardens is located 2 miles east and 9 miles south of the 1880 Town along Interstate 90, at 25580 249th St., Midland, S.D., 57552. Signage at the event will direct visitors to parking.