KADOKA, S.D. — Agriculture in South Dakota is about more than just vast rows of corn and soybeans and ‘far-as-the-eye-can-see’ ranch land. On June 10, 2026, the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) kicks off its inaugural “Small Farms, Big Ideas” summer tour series, showcasing the innovative techniques farmers and ranchers use to thrive in the state’s unreliable climate.

This first of three guided bus tours departs from Kadoka and offers an intensive look at niche diversification, year-round production, and custom labor-saving tools.

The Route: Three Farms, Dozens of Ideas

The day-long circuit (8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CDT) connects participants with producers who are pushing the boundaries of traditional farming:

  • Stop 1: Kratovil Farm (Martin, SD) – Explore Deep Winter Greenhouse production. Learn how Kris and Chad Kratovil maintain consistent harvests even when the mercury plunges.
  • Stop 2: England Ranch (Midland, SD) – Dive into the logistics of pasture-raised poultry. George and Suzanne England will demonstrate the design and daily movement of “chicken tractors” for both meat and egg production.
  • Stop 3: Cedar Creek Gardens (Midland, SD) – See how Peggy Martin and Bud Manke dominate the early-season market. Highlights include transplanted sweet corn, high-tunnel ginger and turmeric, and DIY post-harvest equipment like automated root washers.

Why Attend?

Whether a seasoned producer or a community member curious about local food systems, this tour provides technical, “boots-on-the-ground” insight. “This tour moves beyond the basics,” says the SDSPA. “It’s about the ingenuity and grit required to produce high-value crops in a challenging climate.”

  • Maximizing Profit: Integrating multiple income streams like poultry and specialty crops.
  • Season Extension: Using low and high tunnels to harvest in early July.
  • Efficiency: Viewing DIY labor-saving inventions, from green spinners to specialized tray washers.

Logistics & Registration

  • Cost: $16 (Includes bus transportation and a sack lunch).
  • Departure: Participants will board at Kadoka Area School.
  • Deadline: The last day to register is June 3, 2026.
  • Requirements: Guests should wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.

Registration Link: sdspecialtyproducers.org

Looking Ahead

This event is the first in a series funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to promote sustainable stewardship. If you can’t make the June date, keep an eye out for:

  • Tour 2 (July 15): Strategic production and season extension (Lake Andes/Delmont region).
  • Tour 3 (July 29): Resilient farms and regenerative technology (Miller/Frankfort/Clark region).