BROOKINGS — South Dakota State University Extension will host a High Tunnel and Cut Flower Field Day for anyone who would like to learn more about growing cut flowers outdoors and under protective tunnels.

This free field day is from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 21 at two locations: Freedom Acres South Dakota near Brandt and Blue Dasher Farm near Estelline. Registration is requested. To register and see a complete schedule, visit extension.sdstate.edu/events and search “flower."

Interactive tours at both farms will highlight unique aspects of growing flowers in high tunnels and caterpillar tunnels, such as recovering from storm damage, collecting rainwater, troubleshooting soil fertility, incorporating on-farm research, managing livestock integration and harvesting native prairie plants for bouquets.

Kristine Lang, assistant professor and SDSU Extension consumer horticulture specialist, and Morgan Hughes of the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association will join farm representatives to discuss cut flower resources within South Dakota. Current and beginning farmers, technical service providers, gardeners and cut flower enthusiasts are welcome to attend.

“I think this is a special event, because it’s a behind-the-scenes look at how to get started in cut flower farming and weigh decisions about how and what to grow,” Lang said.

The event will start at Freedom Acres and include a farm tour and question-and-answer session with farm owner Connie Johnson. Johnson, who grew up on a farm near Elkton, is a U.S. Army veteran who started Freedom Acres as part of her recovery from injuries sustained while serving overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her flower farm’s mission is “Grow. Sustain. Recover.”

“I’m really excited to host a field day, not because I am at the end of my journey and I want people to see the result, but because I am at the beginning,” Johnson said. “Starting something new is hard, with a ton of trial and error, and I want to share with others how a dream, with determination, persistence, patience and continuous hard work, can be achieved. I’m excited to show others what I have accomplished towards the dream of what Freedom Acres will be.”

After Freedom Acres, attendees will visit Blue Dasher Farm, a working, educational and research farm focused on regenerative agriculture. Christina Lind has been growing flowers for more than 20 years and joined Blue Dasher Farm four years ago. She added cut flower production to the farm’s operations in 2023 and will share the different growing methods she has tried.

“I am excited to share the treats and trials of growing flowers in this style, while also raising a beautiful 10-year-old and working off-farm in research and how that has influenced my growing style and methods,” Lind said. “I enjoy sharing my journey and what has worked and what has been a challenge for me, especially while trying lesser-practiced methods of bed establishment and management. I always love showing people around some lovely flowers and adorable farm animals.”

Cut flowers are any flowers or flower bud that is cut from the plant and used decoratively. Lang said cut flower farming is growing significantly in South Dakota from just a handful of operations in 2021 compared to more than 30 in 2024.

Lang said that aligns with industry growth across the U.S., and she expects to see that trend continue. High tunnels and other protective structures help cut flower farmers start growing earlier in the season, allowing them to market to popular floral spring holidays like Easter and Mother’s Day.

“I’m very appreciative that Connie and Christina are willing to share the realities of their experiences,” Lang said. “The ability to hear both of their experiences with building a high tunnel and caterpillar tunnel will help others get ideas to take back to their farm.”

For more information, contact Lang via email or call 605-688-5796.