By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University Extension and the Southeast Research Farm at SDSU invite farmers to attend the Sioux Falls Organic Conference scheduled for March 12, 2026. The event brings together growers, researchers, and agriculture experts to share practical ideas for organic farming and sustainable crop production.
Pete Sexton, associate Professor, SDSU Extension Sustainable Cropping Systems Specialist and Southeast Research Farm Supervisor, said the conference is a great way for farmers to explore new methods for controlling weeds while reducing tillage.
“It’s an opportunity for people to network, to learn about research being done in other areas where people are reducing tillage,” Sexton said.
The conference will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. CST at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel. Registration costs $25 per person and is available through the SDSU Extension Events page by searching “organic.”
The program includes presentations from several experts and experienced farmers. Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist, will start the day with a session on soil health principles. Additional speakers will discuss topics such as weed control tools for organic systems, crop production practices, organic no-till farming, food quality, and the human gut microbiome.
Other presentations will focus on using ecological principles to reduce tillage, strategic use of organic herbicides in sensitive soils, and flame weeding techniques for weed control. These sessions provide growers with practical knowledge that can be applied directly to their farming operations.
“We think this is a timely event, with presentations on a number of ways to reduce disturbance in the ecosystem while controlling weeds,” Sexton said.
The conference supports learning, networking, and sharing ideas among farmers who want to improve soil health and reduce ecosystem disturbance while maintaining productivity. Organizers encourage growers to attend and connect with experts and fellow producers to strengthen organic farming practices in the region.
For more information, contact Pete Sexton at Peter.Sexton@sdstate.edu, associate Professor, SDSU Extension Sustainable Cropping Systems Specialist and Southeast Research Farm Supervisor; or Sasha Huether at Sasha.Huether@sdstate.edu, Southeast Research Farm senior secretary.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: South Dakota, Sustainable Agriculture