S.D. Specialty Producers Forum – March 18

BROOKINGS – An educational forum for specialty producers and marketers, including fruit, specialty grain and vegetable growers, will take place March 18 at the scenic Spearfish Canyon Lodge from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Topics include the latest research on northern grape varieties, pest management for organic growers, updates on the newest food safety regulations and more. Attendees will also learn more about ongoing efforts to encourage community- and regionally-based food production and purchases. The public is welcome to participate.

The event is being sponsored by the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) and SDSU Extension. The SDSPA is a non-profit organization comprised of growers, processors and others interested in producing and marketing fruits, vegetables, grains and other specialty crops and products. The organization serves as a venue for networking, marketing, collaboration and education.

The cost of the forum is $35 for non-SDSPA members and $25 for members in advance by March 12.

Registration at the door or after March 12 will be $45 for non-members and $35 for members. Non-members can join SDSPA for a year by including an additional $25 membership fee with their registration, entitling them also to vote at the SDSPA meeting to be held during this educational event.

To register for the forum, send a check made out to “SDSPA” for the appropriate amount to SDSPA, SDSU-WRAC, 1905 N. Plaza Blvd., Rapid City, SD 57702. For more information contact Dr. Rhoda Burrows, SDSU Extension Horticulturist at 605-394-2236 or Rhoda.burrows@sdstate.edu.