Vermillion, S.D.– Join the S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) on Fri., Dec. 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The SHED on Main Street in Vermillion, S.D. for an indoor field day highlighting how Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) EQIP assistance and conservation planning can support organic and transitioning vegetable farmers.
Using the Pulse of Life Genesis Garden urban ag project, developed in collaboration with Prairiesun Organics, we will walk through the journey of moving ground from a conventional corn–soybean rotation into a regenerative, certified organic vegetable system under a current EQIP contract with NRCS.
Learn how specific EQIP conservation practices are used in an regenerative organic urban agriculture setting to improve soil health, protect natural resources, and reduce the financial barriers of transition.
NRCS Clay County staff will share information on EQIP conservation practices and this cost-share opportunity that can support urban ag, small scale producers, and organic and transitioning farmers. They will discuss how to apply for this program, which is currently accepting applications until mid-January, 2026.
SDSPA’s Organic Ag Advisor, Angela K. Jackson, will also discuss transitioning from conventional to certified organic in an urban ag setting during the training, noting challenges and available resources.
Pre-registration is required for this free event. Register on SDSPA’s website at https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/p/17872. Registration includes lunch and networking time to visit with NRCS staff, Jackson, and project partners.
Whether you are already certified or considering the transition, this field day offers honest insights, peer-to-peer learning, and helpful planning resources for producers looking to get into certificate organic small-scale vegetable production in an urban ag setting.
This program is funded under a Conservation Collaboration Cooperative Agreement between the NRCS and SDSPA.
Additional programming supporting regenerative organic producers is planned this winter. Join us Tues., Dec. 9th for a webinar on organic seed starting and growing transplants. On Dec. 10th, organic operators will meet virtually to learn about processing chickens and a ‘plant in a box’ facility concept. For a full listing of events visit https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/events/.
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South Dakota Specialty Producers Association
