Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How and when was DakotaFlavor.com developed?
- The Dakota Flavor project was initiated in 2002 by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, Ag Development Division. They receive numerous requests for current information and contacts for the agriculture industry. This prompted the division to develop a project that would be a media shift from the previous hard copy that was costly and quickly became dated.
- What is the purpose of DakotaFlavor.com?
- In this age of the internet, DakotaFlavor.com is critical to the present and future of South Dakota's agricultural industry. Agriculture encompasses the food we eat, the clothes that we wear, the trees and plants in our communities, and some of the fuels we put in our vehicles. The purpose of DakotaFlavor.com is to enable consumers across the state, nation, and world to find their favorite South Dakota products easily. It is equally valuable to the same people and companies listed as an industry directory.
- Why is the site named DakotaFlavor.com?
- With today's agricultural industry representing such a depth of products and with so many of consumers' favorites coming from the state of South Dakota, the name DakotaFlavor.com represents the high quality products grown and produced in South Dakota. The term "flavor" also reveals more about the people, their heritage, and the way things are done in the state.
- Can I buy South Dakota products on DakotaFlavor.com?
- Site users are not able to purchase products directly from DakotaFlavor.com. You can search for businesses that offer ecommerce (online purchasing) websites linked from DakotaFlavor.com where consumers can purchase the individual business' products. We certainly encourage email requests, phone calls, or correspondence to purchase products.
- What qualifies a business to be listed on DakotaFlavor.com?
- Governor Mike Rounds announced his 2010 Initiative in 2003, designed to enhance the state’s economy. Dakota Flavor promotes producers and businesses that grow, produce, and manufacture food and agricultural products in the state of South Dakota. Entities and individuals that provide service and support to agriculture are encouraged to be on the site as well.
- Why can't I find a certain business that meets the qualifications on DakotaFlavor.com?
- When complete, DakotaFlavor.com will be the most comprehensive online directory for South Dakota's agricultural industry. Producers and businesses that qualify must complete the registration to be listed on the site. If site users don't find a business, it has not yet been registered on DakotaFlavor.com. We encourage you to tell others about this exposure opportunity.
- Who do I contact if I have questions about DakotaFlavor.com?
- The site administrator is provided by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. Questions can be emailed to DakotaFlavor@state.sd.us and phone calls can be directed to (605) 773-5436.
- Is there a website administrator who approves businesses that register to be on the DakotaFlavor.com site?
- Yes, the website administrator and staff time is provided by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, Division of Ag Development. The website administrator checks business profiles to ensure completeness and that the business and products meet the qualifications of the DakotaFlavor.com site prior to approval.
- Is my business registration on DakotaFlavor.com a one-time registration? Would registration have to be renewed each year so that the website is sure to be up-to-date?
- A business registration on DakotaFlavor.com is a one-time registration, however, producers and businesses are encouraged to update their information as often as needed. DakotaFlavor.com will send periodic reminders for profile updates via email. It benefits everyone to have accurate and current information listed at all times.
- How do I register my business on the DakotaFlavor.com website?
- After you've entered the DakotaFlavor.com website, become familiar with the categories and determine where you should be. Read the Disclaimer. In the side bar of each page you can click on Register/Edit for adding or updating. Click to bring up the entry information form. You are prompted by directions to enter and select information that describes you. This should only take a few minutes. When finished select "Submit". Your entry will then be reviewed by Department of Agriculture staff for correctness and content. After their review, your listing will appear and you will be notified by email. This notification will welcome you and provide you with your password. Please check your entry on the website. You will need the password to allow you edit your information. Select at the side of the page Register/Edit and then "Update Listing" to correct or renew the information. There are additional help screens throughout the registration pages to assist you if you have questions.
- I don’t fit into any of the categories. What should I do?
- We have tried to anticipate most categories that might be listed. With the rich diversity of agriculture in the state, we will have missed something. If you believe that you should be in a category that is not listed, please email us at DakotaFlavor@state.sd.us and describe what you do. We will review the information and try to accommodate appropriate requests.
- Who should register on the DakotaFlavor.com website?
- The DakotaFlavor.com website is designed for agriculturally-related producers, businesses and entities in South Dakota. This includes everything in the agriculture industry from "pick-your-own" fruit and farmers markets, livestock and crop producers, specialty food companies, and large commercial export companies. Veterinarians, consultants, educational and financial institutions have a place as well. When complete, DakotaFlavor.com will be the most comprehensive online directory for South Dakota’s agriculturally-related products and services.
- Will all of this information collected in my registration be displayed on the website?
- Most of the information you enter will appear on the website. If you wish not to have some information available, do not include it in your registration. Some businesses may find listing certain information helpful to their customers, but we understand that not every business would want to display certain information. Basic information is in a "Required Field" and must be completed for successful submission. Some information is only for the management of information by the Department of Agriculture. Additionally if you would just like to be included in the Dakota Flavor project but not have your information available publicly you may choose that option. The section at the bottom of the form will allow you to only be accessed by the Department of Agriculture. We will occasionally use this only for communication purposes only.
- Why should I register my business/company on DakotaFlavor.com? What are the advantages?
- When complete, DakotaFlavor.com will be the most comprehensive online directory for South Dakota’s agriculturally-related products, businesses and entities. This will be a tremendous resource for you to find fellow producers, technical assistance, or a new market. Registration is free and the start-up process will take you about 20 minutes.
- What do I do if I forget my username and password?
- Click DakotaFlavor@state.sd.us to send us an email request for your password. Please include the name of your listing as it is displayed on the website.
- Can I change the information listed in my profile? How?
- Yes, and you are encouraged to review and change as necessary. You will need the password to allow you edit your information. In the side bar of each page you can select Register/Edit and then "Update Listing" to correct or renew the information. A screen with your information will appear. Review and edit the information. When finished, press submit. Your changes will again be reviewed by the Department of Agriculture and made available on the website. There are additional help screens throughout the registration pages to assist you if you have questions.
- Can I add an image to my information? How?
- Yes, we encourage you to do so. Have your image file ready. On the side bar of each page there is a Register/Edit link for adding or updating. Click to bring up the entry information form. When adding or reviewing an entry, just check the "Select checkbox to upload image" near the bottom of the page. You will then be thanked for entering your information. Click the link directly below this text to open a window with commands for selecting and uploading your image. We recommend pictures, graphics, logos, text and combinations in JPEG format sized no larger than 6" x 3" and 72dpi. Usually these JPEGs are no larger than 40k. Most image editing tools will let you resize pictures to this size or smaller. Other images will work with mixed results.
- Can I sell my products on DakotaFlavor.com?
- At this time, there is no functioning part of the DakotaFlavor.com website that allows consumers to sell their products online. The primary function of DakotaFlavor.com is to connect consumers to producers/businesses from South Dakota. If you have a website for your business, you are encouraged to include that in your profile. Consumers will be able to link from DakotaFlavor.com to your site if it’s included in your business profile. If you are interested in selling your products online, visit www.madeinsouthdakota.com, a site developed and maintained by the office of South Dakota Department of Tourism and State Development.
- Is there someone I can call for help in registering my business?
- Producers should call South Dakota Department of Agriculture - Value-Added and Crop Specialist, Ty Eschenbaum at (605) 773-5436 or 800-228-5254.
