Soil Health & Conservation Strategies for Transitioning to Organic Regenerative Ag (Small Scale)

Join us on June 18 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. in Vermillion, South Dakota for the field day “Soil Health & Conservation Strategies for Transitioning to Organic Regenerative Ag (Small Scale)”

Participants will tour Genesis Gardens, a regenerative urban farm transitioning from conventional to organic production under an NRCS OM-823 interim conservation contract.. Speakers from NRCS, Precision Soil, BioFlora, SDSPA, and NPSAS TOPP Plains will discuss soil health, conservation practices, and organic transition strategies. Angela Jackson, SDSPA Organic Ag Transition Advisor, will explain organic certification. The event includes practical demonstrations, networking opportunities, and a free lunch for all attendees.

Who Should Attend?

• Farmers (organic, transitioning, and conventional)
• Agricultural professionals & extension educators
• Conservationists & sustainability advocates
• Students & researchers in regenerative, organic, and sustainable agriculture

AGENDA:

10:00 – 10:10 a.m. – Welcome & Opening Remarks

Angela Jackson, SDSPA Transitioning to Organic Advisor- Overview of the day, introductions, and goals for transitioning producers.

10:10 – 11:30 a.m. – NRCS Rainfall Simulator Demonstration (90 minutes)

Shane Johnson, NRCS Conservation Specialist – Live rainfall simulation demonstrating soil health principles including infiltration, soil structure, erosion control, residue management, and conservation practices commonly used in OM-823 conservation planning.

11:30 – 11:35 – Break / Move to next spot

11:35 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. – Farm Tour of Genesis Gardens

Guided tour of conservation practices and regenerative production systems being implemented as the farm transitions from conventional to organic production.

12:45 – 1:00 p.m. – Free Lunch and networking + Angela Jackson introduction of SDSPA Regen Ag Pathway Program

1:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Session – Precision Soil Management

Cooper Millar of Precision Soil – Comprehensive soil analysis strategies for setting soil health goals.

1:30-1:45 p.m. – NRCS Soil Analysis and assistance options

Ryan Frickel, NRCS conservationist shares conservation planning support, practices, and cost-share pathway.

1:45 – 2:00 p.m. – Session – Biologicals in Organics

Larry Sax of BioFlora – Understanding microbial activity and biological inputs that support soil health in regenerative and organic systems.

Directions: Take Exit 26 off I-29. Go 5.5 miles west on Hwy. 50 into Vermillion. Take first left to go south on Crawford Street 0.5 mi, then turn right on E. Main Street and head west for 0.3 mi. Park in the church parking lot and walk over to the big white shed next door at 1314 E. Main.