Across South Dakota , many farmers are working hard to increase admittance to unfermented , locally grown food and products . A superfluity of speciality crops , let in honey , cut flowers , fruit , vegetables , jams , salsas , and other economic value - added product , are useable across South Dakota .
This variety of ware can be found anywhere from farm stands and farmers grocery store to foodstuff stores and eatery . The commitment that South Dakota manufacturer make to growing and bring forth their good helps fortify the economy , solid food system of rules , and communities in many field across the body politic .
The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association ( SDSPA ) and the S.D. The Dept . of Agriculture and Natural Resources moved to recognize one metier crop manufacturer for making an outstanding contribution to local production in South Dakota .
felicitation to Christy Heckathorn of Fleurish Flower Farm , the 2023 S.D. Specialty Crop Producer of the Year .
Fleurish ’s one - acre flower farm near Elk Point , S.D. , is home to a variety of annuals , perennials , and an heirloom pumpkin patch . The farm is mainly open to the public for you - pick and special events and includes a grass track for wing enthusiast to use to attend the farm ’s case . This yr , the farm added a sunflower patch .
Fleurish Flower Farm host bi - weekly you - pick issue that are highly attended and have brought people from close and far to the rural Union County flower farm . Fleurish Flower Farm ’s commitment to cultivating beauty from seed to bloom , combined with its innovative marketing scheme , has bring on a unique exit for Heckathorn , farm staff , and customers . Fleurish also offers wedding florals , arrangement , and ' make - and - take ' class .
Heckathorn is passionate about promoting USDA through hands - on experience . She has taught family on how to arrange your own prime , verbalise at the South Dakota State University ’s Cut Flower Camp , ' and recorded a " Getting pop with Cut Flowers " podcast with SDSPA . Heckathorn is always activated to partake in her knowledge and experiences uprise flowers with those around her .
nominee for the S.D. Specialty Crop Producer of the Year provides visionary leading to South Dakota ’s agricultural industriousness . They actively further growth , innovation , and prosperity for our local food system and specialty crops . They mentor newfangled and beginner farmers , investing in the next generation of producer .
Nominations were reconcile in December and public votes were swan in January . The other two finalists include Alan Carner , Black Hills Mushrooms , Rapid City S.D. and Rodney Peachey , Prairie Lane Farm , Newell S.D.
Source : sdspecialtyproducers.org
