PIERRE — The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association invites the public to participate in voting for the South Dakota Specialty Crop Producer of the Year Award. Cast votes by Jan. 12 for a farmer who has made a significant contribution to specialty crop production in the state.

Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops, including floriculture. The award is sponsored in part by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Two candidates have moved forward for public voting.

• Fred Fast Horse, Rick's Micro Farm, Mission.
• Dan Paulson, Farm 484, Sherman.

To learn more about the candidates and to access the voting form visit the SDSPA website here.

The S.D. Specialty Crop Producer of the Year is someone who:

• Provides visionary leadership to South Dakota's agricultural industry, and advocates for specialty crops - fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops, including floriculture.
• Actively promotes growth, innovation, and prosperity for South Dakota local food systems and specialty crops.
• Mentors new and beginner farmers and invests in the next generation of producers.

The winner will be announced during the Upper Midwest Urban and Rural Agriculture Innovation Conference on Feb. 6 in Oacoma.

The nominees will receive a complimentary day conference pass to the UMURAI Conference. The "S.D. Specialty Crop Producer of the Year" receives an award plaque and a one-year membership to the S.D. Specialty Producers Association. They will be featured in a statewide news release, on the SDSPA website and social media sites, and in the SDSPA newsletter.