Celebrate National Farmers Market Week August 7-13

Zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet corn and other fresh produce are filling farmers market stands across South Dakota.  To celebrate the value of buying local, August 7-13 has been designated as National Farmers Market Week.

South Dakota has more than three dozen farmers markets, and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) encourages residents to buy local produce from those outlets.  Supporting local farmers markets puts money in the pockets of South Dakota producers and helps strengthen rural communities.

“Farmers markets are a great way for consumers to visit face-to-face with the people growing their food,” said Walt Bones, South Dakota’s Secretary of Agriculture. “These relationships allow consumers to tell producers what is important to them and for producers to tell consumers how their food is raised.”

To better assist the connection between consumers and farmers markets, SDDA has developed the South Dakota Flavor!™ program.  The voluntary initiative identifies and promotes food items that are produced or processed in South Dakota. Participating growers and retailers can use the South Dakota Flavor!™ logo, making it easy for shoppers to identify South Dakota products.

Producers, processors, and retailers interested in participating in South Dakota Flavor!™ can review program rules and apply online at www.dakotaflavor.com .  Specific locations and contact information are available on the website.  Communities interested in forming a farmers market can contact Ty Eschenbaum at 605-773-5436.

Organic Certification Cost-Share Program Available

Organic food producers and processors in South Dakota may be eligible to receive up to 75 percent reimbursement for their organic certification costs.

“The annual cost of certification is a major expense for both new and established organic producers,” said Ty Eschenbaum, value added marketing specialist with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA).  “New for this year, producers and handlers can qualify to receive additional money if they hold more than one certification scope, such as crops and livestock.”

To help minimize the organic certification costs, SDDA is offering a 75 percent cost-share reimbursement program.  Any organic food producer or handler may receive up to $750 per qualified scope per year.

Reimbursement applications and supporting documents must be sent to SDDA for eligible certification or re-certification expenses incurred after Oct. 1, 2010, and before Sept. 30, 2011.  All applications will be reviewed and processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Application material will be mailed to anyone who has previously participated in the program.  Program guidelines and applications are also available online at http://sdda.sd.gov/AgDevelopment or will be sent upon request.

Funding for this program is provided through a cooperative agreement between SDDA and the Agricultural Marketing Service branch of the United States Department of Agriculture.

For more information or to receive an application form, contact SDDA at (605) 773-5146 or email ty.eschenbaum@state.sd.us.

SD State Fairgrounds and Huron Selected as the 2014 Site for the National Red Power Round-Up

The International Harvesters Collectors Club (IHC) has selected Huron, SD to host the National Red Power Round-Up on the SD State Fairgrounds on June 26-28, 2014.

The event draws approximately 20,000 people annually from across the United States and Canada who are interested in the preservation of history, products, literature and memorabilia of the International Harvester Company. There are more than 40 chapters worldwide including the South Dakota Chapter 21 International Harvester Club which bid for the event along with representatives from the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau and the SD State Fairgrounds this weekend in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

“The South Dakota State Fair is both honored and pleased to be chosen as the host facility for the National Red Power Roundup.  The State Fairgrounds is well equipped to handle a show of this size.  We have a dedicated and experienced staff who are ready to assist Chapter 21 and the City of Huron make the show a success,” commented Jerome Hertel, SD State Fairgrounds Manager.

“This is a great event for South Dakota, and more specifically Huron and the State Fairgrounds,” states Wilbur Goehring of Yankton, SD Chapter 21 IHC President. “Our state chapter has been working on our bid for the past year. The SD State Fairgrounds is the perfect venue to host the Round-Up and we are excited about the opportunities but also recognize we have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us.” 

Steve Masat from Redfield, SD Chapter 21 IHC Vice-President and Jared Beck from Huron, SD Chapter 21 Board Member have been lobbying to host the 2014 Red Power Round-Up for over a year. They will serve in a leadership role in planning for the 2014 Round-Up. “Now that we have actually secured the event, the work really begins,” said Masat. “There are a lot of logistics involved in pulling off a successful event of this magnitude so planning will start right away. We are going to need a lot of help and support. SD Chapter 21 is not a very large group and they are all willing to chip in but we are going to need a lot more help than that. We have to organize a lot of committees so we are hoping people from Huron and the surrounding areas will be interested in getting involved,” Masat added.

“While the year 2014 may seem a long ways away, it will take that long to prepare,” said Beck. “This show features approximately 1,000 tractors, hundreds of vendors and exhibitors, farm machinery, and entertainment. This is a big deal for the Huron area and it is going to take the whole community to get involved.”

If you are interested in getting involved in the planning of the 2014 Red Power Round-Up, you can contact Steve Masat at 605-472-3853, Jared Beck at 605-350-1625 or Peggy Woolridge of the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau at 605-352-0000.

South Dakota’s Growing Wine Industry

Wineries are popping up all over South Dakota, favorably impacting both the agricultural and visitor industries.

South Dakota wineries have produced in excess of one million bottles of wine since 1997. When the first farm winery was licensed in 1997, the industry produced a mere 230 gallons of wine.  That grew to more than 78,000 gallons last year; production is expected to double in the next three years. There are now 19 active farm wineries in the state.

The wine industry is a prime example of value-added agriculture. For every dollar of fruit purchased, the wineries generate $7.17 of revenue. Each gallon of wine also generates about $6.00 in taxes.

“Our wineries are a great example of value-added agriculture. Trends show that this segment of the industry will continue to grow in the coming years – producing more wine which leads to more jobs and economic growth in the state,” said Walt Bones, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture.

Besides creating a value-added agriculture product, wineries have also become popular tourist destinations. Visitors are taking advantage of the close proximity of wineries and tasting some of the unique wines made in South Dakota, including rhubarb, chokecherry and black currant. South Dakota’s family-owned wineries offer tours, wine tastings and special events throughout the year.

Wineries in the southeastern corner of the state have created a wine trail, where visitors can stop at multiple wineries along the route. Each winery offers a unique visit and signature wines.

"Visitors are looking for a 'South Dakota experience' on their vacations. South Dakota's wine industry is doing an excellent job of allowing the visitor to have a taste of South Dakota, coupled with an interesting, rich, agri-tourism experience," said South Dakota Secretary of Tourism, Jim Hagen.

Visitors to the South Dakota State Fair will again have a chance to sample South Dakota wines in the Heartland Building.  It is the only venue in the state where consumers can taste and purchase wines from most South Dakota wineries under one roof.

Quasquicentennial Farm and Ranch Award at SD State Fair

Farm families who have endured 100 or 125 years of life on the farm or ranch have the opportunity to be recognized during the South Dakota State Fair on Thursday, Sept 1.

Century Farms have been recognized at the State Fair since 1984 by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) and the South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB). Last year, in recognition of the State Fair’s 125th anniversary, those farms and ranches that have been family-owned for 125 years or more were recognized in a quasquicentennial event and that tradition will continue in 2011. Recognition of the Quasquicentennial Farms will immediately follow the Century Farms program.

“It’s not easy for one family to hold onto a piece of ground for over 100 years,” said South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Walt Bones.  “This program recognizes the tremendous hard work and dedication shown by these farm and ranch families.”

A farm or ranch is eligible for Century Farm recognition if at least 80 acres of original land have been continuously owned by the same family for 100 years or longer.  A Quasquicentennial Farm must meet the same acreage requirements and be owned by the same family for 125 years or longer.

“Farm and ranch families are the backbone of South Dakota agriculture,” said SDFB President Scott VanderWal.  “Families that have survived 125 years of drought, floods, winter storms, insects and difficult economic times should be recognized for their great achievements.”

Application forms can be obtained online for both the Century Farm and the Quasquicentennial Farm recognition at www.sdfbf.org or http://sdda.sd.gov/Secretary/Century-Farms or by calling 605-353-8052.  All forms must be completed and notarized before being returned by Aug. 12 to the South Dakota Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 1426, Huron, SD, 57350.

The fair will run Sept. 1-5 at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron.  You can find the SD State Fair on Facebook and Twitter (@SDStateFair).  For more information about the fair or grandstand acts, log onto www.sdstatefair.com.

South Dakota State Fair Searches for Talent Showcase Acts

The South Dakota State Fair and Sherwin Linton Entertainment are looking for the best and brightest talent in South Dakota to perform on the AARP Centennial Stage at the 2011 State Fair.

For the past 14 years, the Centennial Stage at the South Dakota State Fair has been host to the South Dakota Talent Showcase, which is hosted and produced by South Dakota native and country music entertainer Sherwin Linton.  More than 30 entertainment acts from throughout the state are featured each year. 

“Our goal is to give as many performers as possible the opportunity to perform and showcase their talents at the state’s biggest ‘end of summer party,’ ” Linton said.  “State Fair patrons enjoy seeing the variety of talented individuals who may live in their own neighborhoods. This show isn’t about pomp and circumstance.  It’s about being down-home.”

The South Dakota State Fair talent showcase is open to both amateur and professional acts.

“Younger and new acts have found the showcase to be an excellent way to hone their skills before an appreciative audience, and professional entertainers also enjoy the exposure the show affords them,” Linton said.

Many acts that have been part of the State Fair Talent Showcase have gone on to receiving regional and national recognition for their talents, including Mallorie Haley, who has appeared on “American Idol,” popular country singers Gregg Hanson, Donnie Miller, and Hailey Steele, and two-time National Champion Whistler, Carole Skinner.

To be considered for a performance position in the 2011 South Dakota State Fair Talent Showcase, an applicant should submit a photo, CD or DVD and bio to: Sherwin Linton, Centennial Stage Showcase, South Dakota State Fair, 890 3rd Street SW, Huron, SD  57350.  Deadline for entry is June 15.

The fair will run Sept. 1-5 at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron.  You can find the SD State Fair on Facebook and Twitter.  For more information, log onto www.sdstatefair.com

Lentsch Named Director of Ag Development for SDDA

Lucas Lentsch has been named as the new Director of Ag Development for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA).

“Lucas will be a great addition to the department,” said South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Walt Bones.  “His experiences on the family farm and in business development will be an asset to our state’s producers and the agriculture industry.”

As director of Agricultural Development, Lentsch will oversee a number of programs, including South Dakota Certified Enrolled Cattle™, South Dakota Certified Beef™, dairy development, value-added agriculture, crop development and marketing, financing programs, and mediation and finance counseling.

“It is an honor to join Secretary Bones’ leadership team.  I look forward to partnering with him in the development of our State’s largest industry,” said Lentsch.

Lentsch brings ag business and community development experience to SDDA.  He has a family farm background in Marshall County and received his B.S. in Agriculture from South Dakota State University.

Lentsch is also a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, having served as a Commanding Officer with the South Dakota Army National Guard.  He is a graduate of South Dakota Agricultural & Rural Leadership, Inc. and serves on the SDARL Board of Directors. Lentsch has been executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party since January 2009.

He and his wife, Laura, have four children and reside in Pierre.

Agriculture is South Dakota's number one industry, generating nearly $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 143,000 South Dakotans.  The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow.  Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov/ or follow us on Facebook.

Agriculture Is A Part of Our Daily Lives

Farmers and ranchers across the country provide the food, feed, fiber and fuel we all depend on. Take a moment to think of how agriculture impacts your daily life – even if you live far from a farm. In addition to our food and clothes, agriculture provides components of hundreds of products that we use every day, including cosmetics, tires, newspaper ink, insulin and many more.

Governor Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed March 13-19 as National Ag Week in South Dakota to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. National Ag Day will be celebrated on March 15.

The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

• Understand how food and fiber products are produced
• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products
• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy
• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry

“Consumers have never had more choices in the food and products that they buy. National Ag Day is a good time to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by American agriculture,” said Walt Bones, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture.

National Ag Day is also a reminder of the impact agriculture has in South Dakota.

• Agriculture is our state’s No. 1 industry, with a $21 billion annual economic impact

• South Dakota is home to 46,000 producers on 31,500 farms
• 98 percent of farms and ranches in South Dakota are family owned and operated
• Agriculture and its associated industries employ 143,000 South Dakotans
• 90 percent of South Dakota’s land is dedicated to agricultural activities
• Each producer raises enough food to feed 155 people in the world

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating nearly $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 143,000 South Dakotans.  The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow.  Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov/ or follow us on Facebook.

Explore the Outdoors at the SD Outdoor Expo

Even though the temperatures outside are less than balmy, it’s not too early to start thinking about warm weather activities such as camping, fishing and hunting.

Maybe this is the year you resolved to try something new – what about kayaking, geocaching, bass fishing, or turkey hunting?

The South Dakota Outdoor Expo, scheduled for June 11-12 in Huron, is just the place for families to try out some of these warm weather activities and spend some quality time together.

While at the Outdoor Expo, families can try out dozens of hands-on activities, including kayaking, archery, shotgun shooting, elk calling, making bird feeders, trapping, panning for gold, outdoor crafts, outdoor photography and more.

Participants can also enter the Cabela’s Dutch Oven Cook-Off or the Wild Game Cook-Off.

“The Outdoor Expo is the perfect opportunity to introduce a young person to the world of the outdoors. Bring along kids, grandkids or neighbor kids and help the next generation develop a love of the outdoors that will last a lifetime,” said Jerome Hertel, State Fair Manager.

The purpose of the South Dakota Outdoor Expo is to introduce people of all ages, with an emphasis on families, to outdoor activities by providing hands-on exhibits and activities. Visit us online at www.sdoutdoorexpo.com or follow us on Facebook.

Funds Available for Specialty Crop Projects

The specialty crop industry in South Dakota can now apply for select federal funding of projects that enhance the competitiveness of fruits, dried fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops and horticulture.

The funds can be used for projects that involve research, food safety, nutrition, promotion, distribution, best management procedures, and a variety of other uses to advance the specialty crop industry in South Dakota. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) encourages applicants to develop projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.

“These funds provide support for this growing segment of South Dakota agriculture,” said South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Walt Bones. “We look forward to partnering with the specialty crop industry to further enhance these crops in South Dakota.”

SDDA has established the following priority areas for projects in South Dakota:

• industry education
• local foods initiatives
• promoting specialty crops to institutions

Applications may be submitted for projects outside of the priority areas. All applications are due to SDDA by March 25, 2011.

The Federal funds are part of the Specialty Crop Block Grant, a program funded in the 2008 Farm Bill. 

For program guidelines, application forms, or other Specialty Crop Block Grant Program information, call SDDA at 605-626-3272 or visit http://sdda.sd.gov/AgPolicy/Grants/default.aspx.  

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating nearly $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 143,000 South Dakotans.  The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow.  Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov/ or follow us on Facebook.

Producers Urged to Attend Sorghum Checkoff Meeting

South Dakota sorghum producers are urged to attend a meeting Jan. 18  in Oacoma to hear representatives of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program explain what the checkoff has been doing for sorghum research, promotion, and education.

Research personnel and agribusiness interests are also encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion.

A referendum vote is scheduled for February at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices to determine the fate of the sorghum checkoff program. Farmers who have planted sorghum in the past three years can take proof to their local FSA office to obtain ballots.

South Dakota is typically one of the nation’s top 10 states in sorghum production. Sorghum is well adapted to dry climates and is grown predominantly in south-central and western South Dakota.

Jerry Van Zee of Platte is a representative on the national board of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program and is excited about the prospects of sorghum production in South Dakota.

“The Sorghum Checkoff is helping to move the industry forward,” Van Zee said. “Sorghum producers like the lower input costs compared to other crops, and the checkoff is our investment into sorghum’s future as a viable, profitable crop.”

Robert Weyrich, an agriculture development specialist with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture said, “We are lucky to have Jerry on the board representing the northern sorghum production areas. Sorghum provides a valuable cash crop that has demand around the world for food, feed, and fuel.”

For more information on the Jan. 18 meeting, which begins at 10 a.m. at Cedar Shore Resort, contact Robert Weyrich with SDDA at 605-773-5436.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating nearly $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 143,000 South Dakotans.  The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow.  Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov/ or follow us on Facebook.

Financing Available from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) has financial programs available for agricultural producers and agriculture-related businesses.

SDDA’s financial programs partner with lenders across the state to provide borrowers with lower interest rates. Programs are available for livestock purchases, facility expansion, grain storage, and value-added projects.

Tax-exempt bond programs are also available.  The Beginning Farmer Bond program provides lower interest rates to qualified beginning farmers on land and depreciable agricultural property, as well as tax benefits for a contract seller or commercial lender.  Program maximums for 2011 have been increased to $477,000.

The Agribusiness Bond Program is available for any agricultural processing or manufacturing business located in South Dakota.  The program provides tax benefits to commercial lenders or investors while providing a lower interest rates to the businesses.

The Livestock Nutrient Management Program is a tax-exempt bond program available for manure management projects involving feedlots, dairies, and hog confinements.  Any costs associated with the collection, storage, treatment, and utilization of livestock nutrients are eligible.  Projects must be located in South Dakota.  Other agricultural businesses in South Dakota with waste components may also be eligible.

For additional information on any of the financial programs offered through SDDA, contact local lenders or call SDDA at 605-773-5436. All program summaries and application forms are available on the Web at http://sdda.sd.gov/.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating nearly $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 143,000 South Dakotans.  The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow.  Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov/ or follow us on Facebook.

Coordinated Natural Resources Conservation Grants Awarded

Nineteen grant projects benefitting South Dakota’s natural resources were recently approved by the State Conservation Commission.

The funds were awarded to 15 conservation districts that applied for funding through the Coordinated Natural Resources Conservation Fund.  The fund is administered by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) on behalf of the State Conservation Commission.

Those conservation districts receiving funding include:

• Beadle County Conservation District - $52,000 for the North Missouri Coteau grassland project
• Brookings County Conservation District - $27,400 for the resource conservation technician project and $61,880 for the tree restoration & planning project
• Butte County Conservation District - $46,780 for the Belle Fourche watershed ground water compilation project
• Corson County Conservation District - $17,500 for the resource conservation technician project
• Day County Conservation District - $28,253 for the northeast glacial lakes project
• Elk Creek Conservation District - $70,500 for the Elk Creek livestock dam project
• Hamlin County Conservation District - $53,000 for the Prairie Coteau grasslands management project
• Jackson County Conservation District - $63,500 for the Jackson County ponds project
• Lawrence County Conservation District - $52,000 for the thinning for forest health project
• Marshall County Conservation District - $32,000 for the northeast South Dakota wetlands project
• Mellette County Conservation District - $21,000 for the pre-approved practices project and $15,183 for the Mellette/Todd wind and erosion project
• Miner County Conservation District - $24,903 for the shelterbelt project; $3,745 for the replacement cedar project; and $9,150 for the public outreach and conservation project
• Moody County Conservation District - $30,062 for the resource conservation technician project
• Perkins County Conservation District - $76,426 for the natural resource conservation technician project
• Yankton County Conservation District - $13,420 for the Yankton conservation project

Funding for the Coordinated Natural Resources Conservation Fund is provided by revenues from the unrefunded portion of the motor fuel taxes collected for non-highway (off-road) uses.  State law requires an amount equal to 35 percent of the claimed refunds to be deposited into the fund each year.

Conservation districts may apply at any time for grant funds through the Coordinated Natural Resources Conservation Fund. Grant applications are typically reviewed in May and November each year.  Applications for the May grant round must be received by April 1 and grant applications for the November round must be received by Nov. 1.

Conservation districts interested in the grant programs can call the SDDA at 605-773-3623 or 1-800-228-5254 (in-state toll free), or visit our website at: http://sdda.sd.gov/Forestry/grants-loans/conservation-grants.aspx

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating nearly $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 143,000 South Dakotans.  The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow.  Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov/ or follow us on Facebook.

Wagon Train Heading for State Fair

An old-fashioned wagon train traveling from Highmore to Huron will kick off the 2010 South Dakota State Fair.

Wagon train participants can register on-site for $20 per individual or $35 per family. Participants receive free gate admission to the State Fair on Thursday as well as half price tickets for the CBR Bull Bash.

The wagon train will gather in Highmore on Friday, Aug. 27 at the Highmore Rodeo Grounds. Supper and entertainment will be provided by the Highmore Booster Club. The wagon train will leave Highmore on Saturday morning and travel to Ree Heights, where the group will camp for the evening.

The wagon train will leave Ree Heights the next morning and spend the evening in Miller. The Miller community has several activities lined up for Sunday night, including a supper provided by the Miller FFA Chapter, a Fast Draw Shooting demonstration, a traveling display by the South Dakota State Historical Society and community activities at the 4-H Center.

Monday, Aug. 30 will see the wagon train traveling from Miller to Wessington. Supper with a free will donation is being planned along with entertainment by Brian Bergeleen. The wagon train will head on to Wolsey on Tuesday, Aug. 31. On Tuesday night the Wolsey Business Association, Wolsey Firefighters and Onward Wolsey organization will provide supper for all wagon train participants.

The wagon train will arrive at the State Fair in Huron on Wednesday, Sept. 1. Participants will be treated to a supper sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America and will join the State Fair’s 125th Anniversary parade at 4:00 pm on Thursday, Sept. 2.

For more information on the wagon train, contact Jeff Schneiderman at 261-3293, Bryce Baker at 773-5436, or Dennis Klein at 360-3076. The wagon train is sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America.

The 125th South Dakota State Fair will run from Thursday, Sept. 2, through Monday, Sept. 6. Pannar Seeds preview night will be Wednesday, Sept. 1. For more information on events at the 2010 State Fair, contact the Fair office at 800-529-0900, visit www.sdstatefair.com or follow the State Fair on Facebook.

National Farmers Market Week August 1-7

Zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet corn and other fresh produce are filling farmers market stands all across the state.

To celebrate the bounty from farmers markets, August 1-7 has been designated as National Farmers Market Week.

South Dakota has more farmers markets than ever and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) encourages residents to buy local produce from these outlets. Supporting local farmers markets puts money in the pocket of South Dakota’s farmers and keeps that money in South Dakota.

"Farmers’ markets are a great way for consumers to visit face-to-face with the people growing their food", said Jon Farris, acting secretary of agriculture. "Farmers have an opportunity to show off the bounty of their land, while consumers get to meet the producer firsthand and learn more about where their food comes from."

To facilitate the connection, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture has developed the South Dakota Flavor™ program. The voluntary program identifies and promotes food items that are produced or processed in South Dakota. Participating producers and retailers can use the South Dakota Flavor™ logo, making it easy for shoppers to identify South Dakota products.

Producers, processors, and retailers interested in participating in South Dakota Flavor™ can review program rules and apply online at www.dakotaflavor.com.

Consumers looking for South Dakota products can also find a listing of all participants.

South Dakota has nearly three dozen farmers markets in communities across the state, and Farris urges consumers to support producers who are bringing their hard work to the counter.

For more information about South Dakota Flavor™ or to learn more about establishing a farmers’ market.

Funds Available for Specialty Crop Projects

The specialty crop industry in South Dakota can now apply for select funding of projects that enhance the competitiveness of fruits, dried fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops and horticulture.

"We are pleased to partner with specialty crop producers to help bolster this growing industry in South Dakota," said South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Bill Even. "The funds can be used for projects that involve research, food safety, nutrition, promotion, distribution, best management procedures, and a variety of other uses to advance the specialty crop industry in South Dakota."

The funds are part of the Specialty Crop Block Grant, a program funded in the 2008 Farm Bill. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) encourages applicants to develop projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.

SDDA has established the following priority areas for projects in South Dakota: industry education consumer promotion applied research local foods initiatives.

Applications may also be submitted for projects outside of the priority areas, but all applications are due to SDDA by April 23, 2010.

"We have funded some excellent projects in the past and look forward to working with the specialty crop industry on new projects that will enhance these crops in South Dakota," said Dale Blumanhourst, SDDA Director of Agricultural Development.

For program guidelines, application forms, or other Specialty Crop Block Grant Program information, call SDDA at 605-773-5436 [1-800-224-5254 - in state] or click here.