SDSU hosts annual specialty crop field day

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is excited to welcome the public to its fourth annual Specialty Crop Field Day on September 10, 2024. This free event, held from 4 to 7 p.m. CDT at the SDSU Campus Specialty Crop Research Field-South in Brookings, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore small- to mid-scale commercial vegetable production research.

Attendees will enjoy guided field tours showcasing research plots of cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, onions, peppers, and broccolini. SDSU Extension experts will present on various topics, including soil health and disease management strategies.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service will also demonstrate soil health techniques using a rainfall simulator.

Kristine Lang, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist, encourages specialty crop producers, non-profit organizations, Master Gardeners, and home gardeners to attend.

“I've grown to love this event because it feels like a celebration of a whole season of hard work by the graduate and undergraduate student team,” Lang said. “We are excited to continue highlighting our new high tunnels and share our plans for research that will begin in 2025.”

In addition to the tours, SDSU faculty and Extension specialists will host educational booths with resources on specialty crops.

After the event, attendees are invited to tour the SDSU Local Foods Education Center, located on the northern edge of campus. Lang adds, “This will be a great networking event with multiple chances to learn from students, SDSU Extension specialists, and each other.”

Attendees are advised to wear appropriate footwear for the walking tours, and pets are not allowed. For more information, contact Kristine Lang at SDSU Extension.

Photo Credit:south-dakota-state-university