USDA Programs Support South Dakota Farm Growth

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota specialty producer Kelly Johnson will share her family’s farming journey at the South Dakota State Fair Value-Added Agriculture Day on September 3, 2026.

The event will take place at the Day Sponsor Tent from noon to 12:30 p.m. Johnson will discuss Farm Mom Phenom and her family’s TLCK Farm, along with their experience using conservation programs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Johnson’s first NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contract in 2023 enabled her to install a high tunnel. The structure helps increase specialty crop production and provides additional space for growing farm products.

A second EQIP contract in 2025 focuses on additional improvements. These include low tunnel systems for raised beds and new tree belts that help protect garden areas from wind.

“Support the NRCS has provided our farm has not only widened our understanding of conservation practices, but it has also propelled us forward to build a larger scale, more effective operation,” said Kelly.

Johnson and her husband, Curtis, have also entered the Regenerative Pilot Program’s Conservation Stewardship Program. Their work focuses on improving grain production through conservation practices.

The planned efforts include small grains and cover crop rotations. The family will also use variable rate fertilizer applications and plant field borders to help reduce erosion and soil compaction.

Through the Farm Service Agency, the Johnsons have enrolled some of their land in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The program supports conservation while helping protect grassland resources.

Johnson is also working on a commercial kitchen project. Funding from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service supports the project.

The kitchen will help expand its value-added goods business and provide new opportunities to develop farm products.

Johnson’s experience shows how farmers can use conservation programs to improve production, protect natural resources, and support farm growth. Her presentation will give fair visitors a closer look at these opportunities.

Farmers interested in USDA programs can contact their local USDA Service Center for information about available services and conservation opportunities.

Photo Credit: usda