Since summer is a busy time for most of you, consider taking a break to attend a farm field day near you this year! I have mentioned some of these events previously, but feel they’re important enough to have their own article.

If you’ve never attended an SDSU field day event or agronomy learning event, I strongly encourage you to take the time to give it a chance. We offer a wide variety of programs and opportunities for growers to network with one another and hear from researchers and Extension professionals about the most updated technology, research findings, and ideas! Each of the field days listed below are free of charge and open to the public.

Every year we offer several research farm field day events across the state. These field days allow the public to see what happens at a research station, how it gets accomplished, and the value of said research. We’ve already had a couple events this year but there is more to come:

• Dakota Lakes Research Farm Field Day — June 26; 3 to 8 p.m. at 21310 308th Ave., Pierre (approximately 17 miles east of Pierre on Highway 34). This year’s field day will feature a tour of the popular oats/wheat variety trials, winter wheat breeding area, and pulse crop evaluation area along with presentations on several agronomy topics. Dinner will be provided. Registration is preferred for a head count, please visit extension.sdstate.edu/events to register or learn more.
• Southeast Research Farm Summer Field Day and Family Evening — July 8; 1:30-8 p.m. with family fun beginning at 4:30 p.m. at 29974 University Road, Beresford (6 miles west and 3 miles south of Beresford). Featured topics will include agritourism, conservation, crop rotation, food preservation, horticulture, nutrient management, precision agriculture, small grains, climate, and weed management. This year, the farm is adding new activities for young families including kids’ activities, informational booths, food trucks, ice cream and more! Dinner (food truck meal) will be provided. This event is open to all. Please visit extension.sdstate.edu/events to register or learn more.
• Eastern South Dakota Soil and Water Research Farm Field Day — July 9; 9:30 a.m.-noon at the USDA Eastern South Dakota Soil and Water Research Farm (3714 Western Ave., Brookings). Topics include: beneficial insects, cover crops, cropping systems, pollinators, and soil health. Lunch will be provided. Please contact Shannon Osborne, USDA-ARS research agronomist for more information at 605-693-5201.
• Northeast Research Farm Field Day — July 10; 4 p.m.-dusk at 15710 455th Ave., South Shore (2.5 miles west of I-29 off exit 193). This year’s field day will cover topics including weed management, small-grain management and breeding, disease and pest updates, crop management, and soil health. Dinner will be provided. Registration is preferred. Please register at extension.sdstate.edu/events for more information and to register.
• Oak Lake Field Station Field Day — July 10; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 19862 483rd Ave., Astoria. This year’s topics will include the effect of pollinators on the plant community, using native plants to restore tall grass prairies, small mammal conservation in South Dakota, and looking at the changing flowering time over 120 years at prairie Coteau. Lunch will be provided. Registration is preferred. For more information or to register please visit extension.sdstate.edu/events.
• Cover Crop and Organic Vegetable Production Field Day at Haroldson Farms — July 22; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 20044 464th Ave., Bruce. This co-hosted event with SDSU Extension, the SDSPA, and Haroldson Farms. It will focus on USDA-certified organic vegetable production, incorporating cover crops, and managing soil health. It’s designed for beginning farmers, technical service providers, gardeners, and anyone interested in learning more about managing cover crops, intensive cash crop rotations, and soil health on a diverse vegetable farm. A light farm-to-table lunch will be provided. Please register at extension.sdstate.edu/events.
• Cut Flower and Pumpkin Field Day — July 25; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. beginning at Eden Acres near Alpena (21614 398th Ave. Alpena). This event will focus on cut-flower production, producing pumpkins, and extending your growing season with high tunnels. Lunch will be provided, and registration is preferred. For more information and to register please visit extension.sdstate.edu/events.
• Cottonwood Field Station Field Day — Aug. 13; 9 a.m-noon at 23738 Fairview Road, Philip. This field day will feature a hands-on demonstration of virtual fencing precision technology, among other topics. For more information or to register please visit extension.sdstate.edu/events.

For more information on any of these events, and to learn about similar programs happening across the region, visit extension.sdstate.edu/events and browse for events near you! Have a safe and productive June!