The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) is seeking nominations for the 2024 South Dakota Specialty Crop Producer of the Year Award. Producers, customers, and community members are invited to nominate 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, honey, and nursery crops, including floriculture.
The award is sponsored in part by the S.D. Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service.
South Dakota's specialty crop farmers are influencing the way South Dakotans access their food. Our locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, and other specialty crops are not only found at farmers' markets and highway farm stands, but are also appearing in our restaurants, hospitals, schools, and retail stores. These farmers are supporting their local communities and economies, providing customers with access to fresh and diverse products, and offering social interactions and entertainment. Consumers can even find fresh-cut flower bouquets across the state.
In 2024, SDSPA and DANR would like to recognize one specialty crop producer for making an outstanding contribution to South Dakota agriculture. You may nominate yourself or share the outstanding achievements of your colleagues & neighbors. Nominations must be submitted between Nov. 25 – Dec. 16, 2024. Nominations are limited to 500 words and should include at least one photo of the nominee.
You can cast your nomination by clicking here.
A panel of judges from SDSPA will select the top nominees. Public voting will open on Dec. 30, 2024. The winner will be announced during the Upper Midwest Urban and Rural Agriculture Innovation (UMURAI) Conference on the evening of Feb. 6, 2025, in Oacoma, S.D.
The 'South Dakota Specialty Crop Producer of the Year' will receive a complimentary full conference pass to the UMURAI Conference, as well as a free one-year membership to the S.D. Specialty Producers Association. They will also be featured in a state-wide press release, on the SDSPA website and social media sites, and in the SDSPA newsletter.
For more information: 
South Dakota Specialty Producers Association
sdspecialtyproducers.org/