Producers Invited to Get Away & Connect With Information & Each Other

Connecting South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers with information, resources and each other is the focus of the South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) Young Producers Event held July 30-31 at Cedar Shores Resort, Oacoma.

“Farming and ranching is an around the clock job. We design this event to give producers an opportunity to get away and glean valuable information to help them improve their operations,” explains Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator.

The two-day event is sponsored by SDFU – free for members and $50 for non-members. Meals and hotel accommodations are covered by SDFU, the state’s largest agriculture organization.

In addition to information from speakers, connecting with other family farmers is the reason fifth-generation Frederick farmer, Chris Sumption recommends attending the SDFU Young Producers Event.

“The exchange of ideas with other producers was as beneficial as learning from experts, explains Sumption, who attended the event with his wife, Christina. “Our farms may be located in different regions of the state, and what we raise may not be the exact same, but it seems we all face similar problems. So, it was refreshing to learn from others and realize we are not alone.”

A weekend away with Christina was something else Sumption appreciated about the event. 

“It was good for our relationship. I tend to get so concentrated and caught up in farm work that I don’t make time for life. You know, our generation doesn’t go to town on Saturday night and relax like our grandparents did,” Sumption says.

Experts discuss soil health, weaning tips and more

Austin Carlson, Soil Health Technician with South Dakota Soil Health Coalition and Warren Ruche, SDSU Extension SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Management Associate are among the lineup of event speakers.

“Taking time away from their farm or ranch is no simple task, so we work to make sure this investment of their time is worthwhile,” Forman explains.

Evaluating the condition of your soil: Providing farmers and ranchers with hands-on demonstrations to help them effectively gauge the condition of their soil is the focus of Austin Carlson’s presentation.

“By the end of my presentation, participants should be able to accurately gauge the condition of their soils, have a greater understanding of the importance of soil health, and will be equipped with knowledge to improve soil health while meeting or exceeding their farm goals and needs,” says Carlson, Soil Health Technician with South Dakota Soil Health Coalition.

Transition from weaning to background or finishing: Warren Rusche, SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Management Associate, will provide producers with management suggestions to transition their cattle from weaning to the backgrounding or finishing phase as well as discuss strategies for adding value to home-raised feedstuffs.

“As summer is winding down, it is time to begin thinking about weaning calves and lining up feed supplies for the fall and winter,” Rusche says.

Register at www.sdfu.org

To learn more about the 2021 Young Producer’s Event and register, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Adult Programs link under the Education tab. Contact Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator with questions, [email protected] or 605-350-3421.