HURON — Albrecht’s Angel Honey Farm & Winery in Huron is hosting a field day focused on marketing organic row crop rotations essential for transitioning organic farmers on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 2 to 6 p.m. The event also explores the cultivation of aronia berries and grapes, emphasizing their use in producing wine and juice and their potential for high-value market opportunities.
The day concludes with networking time during an organic buffalo taco bar meal. 
During the event experts will highlight the importance of diverse rotations. A panel of experienced organic farmers will share their successful practices for implementing crop rotations in organic systems. 
Farmers will gain insights into how strategic crop rotations can enhance soil fertility, prevent erosion, and promote beneficial microbial activity, leading to healthier, more productive soils. The panel will highlight successful practices to naturally disrupt pest and weed cycles, reducing the need for chemical inputs and supporting organic certification requirements. 

Farmers will learn how to balance short-term and long-term profitability by choosing the right crop sequences that align with market demand and improve overall farm productivity. The discussion will include tips on tailoring crop rotations to make the most of their local environment.
Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to optimize both production and marketability in their operations. A panel presentation from buyers will provide practical advice on positioning and selling crops from organic rotations, including identifying niche markets, branding, and building relationships with buyers to ensure consistent sales.
Join the S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) for this insightful learning experience by pre-registering for this free event by Sept. 23 at SDSPA website at https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/p/14059.
This USDA Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) event is perfect for transitioning organic farmers, processors, buyers, and agricultural professionals.
This is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). This fall and winter this SDSPA will provide additional education through webinars supporting producers transitioning to organic. 
On Oct. 2nd, Dr. Angela Jackson, SDSPA Organic Transition Ag Advisor for OCIA TOPP Plains region and an expert from the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) will discuss approved materials for use in organic crop and livestock production.
During the Nov. 7th webinar Dr. Jackson, the Organic Farmers’ Agency for Relationship Marketing (OFARM) and a specialty grains organic producer panel from the Great Plains region will identify organic specialty grains and crop markets. The Dec. 6th webinar will focus on achieving profitability during the transition, featuring insights and practical advice from Blake Burggraff, a recently transitioned organic farmer in Hartford and Dr. Jackson. 
Learn more and register on SDSPA’s website at https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/events/.