Dakota Rural Action’s Farmer Network will be hosting a series of farm tours and skill sessions this summer. This series is an extension of the Farm Beginnings class schedule but is open to all who are interested. The following are the details for June’s tours and skill sessions.
Cliff’s Solstice Bonfire Get-Together and Pasture Walk
Saturday, June 16 | 4 pm | Gary, SD
There will be a pasture walk led by Cliff Millsapps from 4 to 6 pm and then he will grill up some burgers at 6pm followed by a bonfire and conversation. Bring a dish to share and something to drink. Plates and utensils will be provided. Please no pet dogs. RSVP here and to read a write-up on Cliff’s process.
Directions from Clear Lake: (If you are coming north on I-29 it saves some time to take the Toronto Exit and Hwy 15 to Clear Lake). But from Clear Lake go 7 miles east on Hwy 22 to a paved road, then north 3/4 of a mile to a pasture (steel) gate on the east side. Drive in to the top of the hill. Phone 605-880-0658 if you need help finding it.
Linda’s Gardens – High Tunnel Veggie Production & Field Tour
Sunday, June 17 | 1:30 pm | Chester, SD
Linda and Jim Krsnak of Linda’s Gardens invite you to tour their commercial vegetable production in Chester, SD. The tour should last 1.5 to 2 hrs and it will showcase their high tunnels, herb gardens, and fields. Recommended to bring walking shoes as the lanes and rows may not all be filled in with cover crops, plus the ground is uneven. They share the land with many mosquitoes, so wear sleeves or bring repellent. Kids are welcome.
Directions to 24009 465th Ave: From I-29, take exit 104 and go west on 240th St. Then go south on 465th Ave. Linda’s Gardens is located on the west side of the road.
If you are interested in carpooling, contact Robin Nelson at 605-521-1384.
Dakota Carding – Wool Sheep Farm Tour and Carding Demonstration
Saturday, June 30 | 1 pm | 40053 James Road, Groton, SD 57445
Kelly Knispel, Handspinner and Shepard, will host a tour and demonstration of her carding operation and her Icelandic sheep & Angora goats. A carpool will be leaving from the Brookings DRA office at 9:30 am and having lunch in Groton before the tour. The tour will last 2.5 hrs and is limited to 10 participants. Sign-up here for the tour.
For more information about the Summer Farm Tours & Skill Sessions, the Farmer Network, or Farm Beginnings, contact Heidi at heidiku@dakotarural.org or 605-697-5204.