By Scout Nelson
Aronia berries, native to North America, are gaining popularity among South Dakota farmers for their exceptional health benefits and versatility in various products. Known for their high concentrations of flavonoids, these berries are potent antioxidants and are linked to several health benefits, including cancer prevention and heart health improvement.
In South Dakota, farmers like Julie Auch have embraced aronia cultivation, seeing it as an opportunity to contribute positively to community health. Auch, who started her aronia farm in Lesterville in 2011, was motivated by personal loss and a desire to offer healthful options.
Her farm, which now spans 5 acres, produces thousands of these beneficial berries, harvested primarily for making juice blends and other value-added products.
The crop thrives in the local climate, with harvesting taking place from mid-August to mid-September. Farmers use Brix meters to determine the optimal sugar levels for harvest, ensuring the berries' best taste and nutritional value.
The interest in aronia has also encouraged other local entrepreneurs, such as Angela Jackson and Glenn Pulse from Prairiesun Organics in Vermillion, to offer frozen berries directly to consumers, emphasizing the importance of organic and regenerative farming practices.
Moreover, the University of South Dakota’s AWOL program supports these efforts by helping to package and distribute the berries, fostering a strong community connection. The impact of these activities extends beyond immediate agricultural benefits, as aronia plants also contribute to the landscape’s aesthetic with their vivid fall colors and serve as effective windbreaks.
As the aronia market continues to grow, more farmers are considering these berries as a staple crop, despite the challenges posed by limited market sizes and environmental factors such as droughts. Their commitment not only enhances the local economy but also enriches the state’s agricultural diversity.
Photo Credit:pexels-mali-maeder
Categories: South Dakota, General, Sustainable Agriculture