Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society

NPSAS Board Meeting
2025-03-20 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-12-19 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-09-19 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | SD
This is the monthly meeting of the NPSAS Board of Directors. It is held virtually each month. Board Members meet in person in late March or early April for an annual retreat and at the annual conference in January. NPSAS members are welcome to ask for the link to attend and/or bring forth ideas that they would like to see the board discuss. In addition, members are invited to consider serving on the board as 3 seats are up for renewal each year. It is a great opportunity to be involved in NPSAS. If serving on the board is not your style, but you’d like to help, consider other ways to be involved.

Serve on the Farm Breeder Network Committee where research, seed development, and other ideas are discussed and implemented to improve crop conditions for members
Host a field day at your farm
Write an article for The Germinator
Speak at the annual Food & Farming conference in a workshop on a topic that would benefit members and attendees of NPSAS

Go to our NPSAS Board of Directors page to learn more about the board or find out how to reach out to them.
If you’re interested in serving on the NPSAS board, complete a board application. Elections are in January of each year and there are three positions open each January at the annual meeting held at the NPSAS Food and Farming Conference.

Upper Midwest Urban & Rural Ag Innovation Conference
2025-02-06 08:00 - 2025-02-07 16:00 | Arrowood Resort and Conference Center, 1500 Shoreline Dr, Oacoma, SD, 57365
The S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will host a two-day conference dedicated to producer education and small production operations on February 6-7, 2025, at Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center in Cedar Shore, Oacoma, SD.
It makes no difference if you are an experienced professional or new to the industry, this conference offers an excellent opportunity to gain insights from field experts, connect with fellow professionals, and stay informed about the latest trends and innovations.
You can find more information on the UMURAI Conference here.

NPSAS Food & Farming Sustainable Ag Conference
2025-01-23 08:00 - 2025-01-25 15:00 | Best Western Ramkota Hotel, 1400 8th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD, United States
Join the fun, networking, and learning at the longest running organic, regenerative, and sustainable agriculture conference in the region. This event has a wealth of knowledge and inspiration designed to bring together innovative farming practices that focuses on soil health, profits, reduction of inputs, healthy foods. and more. This event is being held in Aberdeen, SD January 23-25, 2025 at the Ramkota Inn Convention Center.
The keynote speakers for the 2025 event include:
· Jolene Brown – Author, Farmer and Family Business Consultant working with family farms that last for generations
· Ray Archuleta – Soil Scientist & NRCS agent featured in Common Ground and is founder of Understanding Ag & the Soil Health Academy
· Bob Quinn – Organic farmer, green business man, author, and founder of The Quinn Institute

For more information on the 2025 NPSAS Food & Farming Sustainable Ag Conference click here.

Minnesota Organic Conference
2025-01-09 08:00 - 2025-01-10 17:00 | River’s Edge Convention Center, Contact Us 10 4th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as they bring together a great group of speakers, inciteful workshops, 80 tradeshow booths, and a great group of people to network with regarding all things related to organic farming.
This annual event takes place in St. Cloud, MN at the River’s Edge Convention Center. Keynote speakers this year are Tom Cotter, a 4th Generation farmer along with Loon Liquor Company founders Mark Schiller and Simeon Rossi. Check out registration, agenda, and more information here.

AcresUSA Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
2024-12-02 08:00 - 2024-12-05 17:00 | Marriott Madison West, 1312 John Q Hammons Dr, Middleton, WI, 53562, United States
Immerse yourself in the future of agriculture at the Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
From an intensive, all-day Eco-Ag U workshops on Days 1 and 2 to thought-provoking talks, roundtables, and cutting-edge trade show on Days 3 and 4, you’ll gain practical, science-based knowledge that you can implement immediately on your farm. Expert speakers will illuminate the connection between your daily work and the global goal of a healthy, regenerative society.
Join ACRES USA in 2024 as they bring together farmers, ranchers, agronomists, researchers, and industry professionals for top-tier education in sustainable and profitable agriculture. This year, they’re introducing fresh perspectives alongside seasoned experts who will delve into crucial topics like cover cropping, fertilization strategies, livestock integration, agroforestry, and more.
The Trade Show is your chance to connect with pioneers in regenerative agriculture and network with fellow farmers, ranchers, and experts. Get more information here.

NPSAS Board Meeting
2024-11-21 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-07-25 08:00 - 10:00 | SD
This is the monthly meeting of the NPSAS Board of Directors. It is held virtually each month. Members are welcome to ask for the link to attend and/or bring forth ideas that they would like to see the board discuss. In addition, members are invited to consider serving on the board as 3 seats are up for renewal each year. It is a great opportunity to be involved in NPSAS. If serving on the board is not your style, but you’d like to help, consider other ways to be involved.

Serve on the Farm Breeder Network Committee where research, seed development, and other ideas are discussed and implemented to improve crop conditions for members
Host a field day at your farm
Write an article for The Germinator
Speak at the annual Food & Farming conference in a workshop on a topic that would benefit members and attendees of NPSAS

South Dakota Local Foods Conference
2024-11-08 09:00 - 2024-11-09 16:00 | SD
Celebrate the farmers and eaters of South Dakota at the South Dakota Local Foods Conference. This event brings together all those who care about growing and buying local foods that keep our environment and local economies growing. Attend this great event to learn and celebrate everything great about local foods.
This year’s theme is Cultivating Community Connections for the conference being held in Rapid City, SD, November 8 and 9th, 2024 at the Journey Museum. Click here if you would like more information on the conference and registration information.

Webinar: Identifying Organic Specialty Grain and Crop Markets
2024-11-07 13:30 - 14:30 | SD
South Dakota Specialty Producers is hosting a webinar focusing on the increasing opportunities in organic grain and crop markets. This webinar is focused on growers in the Great Plains region and more specifically for those farmers interested in transitioning to organic farming practices. You’ll get interesting and valuable information on market identification. The webinar will feature a panel discussion with seasoned organic farmers and representatives from the Organic Farmers’ Agency for Relationship Marketing (OFARM).
For more information and registration click here.

Grazing Logic: Women in Conservation
2024-10-10 10:30 - 15:00 | SD
At this one-day event is free of charge. Participants will learn about adaptive grazing management, diversifying your operation, soil health, and plant ID.
The speakers will be:
Katrina Johnson, NRCS District Conservationist
Elizabeth Morical, NDGLC Mentor
Amanda Njos, NDGLC Mentor
Presented by Audubon Great Plains, NDSU Extension – Bowman County, North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, North Dakota Wildlife Federation, and Pheasants Forever
To register go to the ND Grazing Lands Coalition event page.

High Tunnel Course
2024-10-10 08:30 - 2024-10-11 15:00 | SD
This course has multiple presenters giving great insight and information on high tunnel growing in the upper Midwest. This event is being co-hosted by NDSU and SDSU at the Avalon Events Center in Fargo, ND and NDSU.
Click the link for more information,

Webinar: Understanding Approved Materials for Use in Organic Crop and Livestock Production
2024-10-02 12:00 - 13:05 | SD
Understanding Approved Materials for Use in Organic Crop and Livestock Production
This one-hour online workshop dives deep into selecting materials approved for organic crop and livestock production under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).
Gain valuable knowledge on:

NOP regulations: Learn how to identify and use approved substances to stay compliant with organic standards.
Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI): Discover how OMRI supports the organic industry through its certification process and product lists.
Informed decision-making: By the end, you’ll have the tools and resources to confidently choose materials that boost both your farm’s compliance and productivity.

Register Here

This program is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Marketing Organic Row Crops Field Day
2024-09-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Albrecht’s Angel Honey Farm & Winery, 20054 South Dakota 37, Huron, SD, 57350, United States
Albrecht’s Angel Honey Farm & Winery in Huron, SD, is hosting a field day for organic farmers on Tuesday, October 1st, from 2-6 PM CDT. The event will focus on marketing organic row crop rotations, the cultivation of aronia berries and grapes, and the potential for high-value market opportunities in wine and juice production. The day will conclude with networking and an organic buffalo taco bar meal.

Maximize Your Organic Farm’s Profitability: A Guide to Crop Rotation and Marketing
Join the S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) for a free workshop designed to help organic farmers optimize their operations. Learn how to:

Balance short-term and long-term profitability: Discover the best crop sequences to align with market demand and boost overall farm productivity.
Tailor crop rotations to your local environment: Maximize your land’s potential by understanding the unique characteristics of your region.
Optimize production and marketability: Gain insights into strategies for enhancing both yield and market appeal.
Navigate the organic marketplace: Benefit from expert advice on positioning and selling organic crops, including identifying niche markets, branding, and building strong buyer relationships.

This workshop is perfect for transitioning organic farmers, processors, buyers, and agricultural professionals. Don’t miss out! Pre-register by September 23rd.
This event is supported by the USDA Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).

Field Day: Maintaining Organic Integrity of Seed Grain Cleaning and Handling
2024-09-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Dakota’s Best Seed, 36656 South Dakota 44, Platte, SD, 57369, United States
Join SDSPA and TOPP Plains region for an insightful learning experience at Dakota’s Best Seed facility, where we will explore the critical practices and protocols necessary to maintain organic integrity throughout all the steps in seed grain processing and handling.

This event is perfect for transitioning organic farmers, processors, and agricultural professionals interested in organic processing and handling. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about maintaining organic integrity in seed grain processing and handling.

Register Here:
This program is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP)

Our Local Plate: Farmfest and Market
2024-09-14 08:00 - 15:00 | Doubting Thomas Farm, 12506 20th St N, Moorhead, MN, 56560
Enjoy Breakfast with Chef Beth Dooley, a James Beard Awarded Food Writer, for a Chef’s demo & talk featuring her cookbook: The Perennial Kitchen: Simple Recipes for a Healthy Future. Breakfast grazing table included in ticket price; book signing to follow.

Then onto the Farm Fest and Market where your ticket includes a meal from Heart-n-Soul Community Cafe. Featuring a Foraged Foods cooking demo with Chef Candace Stock, Farm-2-School champion, Shannon Nowak, a Locally-Sourced Ingredients panel hosted by Bjorn Solberg, and mulching demo from Whitewater Gardens Farm.

Plus, there will be on-farm fun all day, including a nature walk, farm tour, farmer’s market, guided kids activities, and more!

You can find the full schedule and ticket information for Our Local Plate here.

2024 Sustainable Ranchers Tour
2024-09-11 05:00 - 2024-09-12 17:00 | Black Leg Ranch, 24750 62nd Ave SE, McKenzie, ND, 58572
Head on over to Black Leg Ranch in McKenzie, ND and get inspired as you visit this sustainable ranch who is leading the charge toward a more regenerative future for America’s beef industry. You’ll hear from ranchers and farmers just like you who are implementing regenerative practices while managing the challenges of farming today. During the tour, you’ll also benefit from technical resources from our partners who can help provide the tools needed for you to feel comfortable implementing change on your own ranch or farm.
Click to get more information and registration.

Field to Feast
2024-08-28 12:00 - 19:00 | SD
From Field to Feast: A Fargo Area Farm Tour
This event is sponsored by FARRMS in the Red River Valley with a tour of three farms, each offering a unique perspective on sustainable agriculture! This immersive event aims to connect you with passionate local agriculture product producers and introduce you to the area’s local food system.
Tickets ($50) include:

Bus transportation to the tour locations with convenient pick-up and drop-off in Fargo at the Scheels Arena (5225 31st Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104)
Grab & go lunch
Farm tours of diverse farms: Family Roots Farm, Exit 44 Flowers & More, Ten Seven Acres
A grazing table catered by Milk Made, thoughtfully prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Access to an exclusive, evening market at Crooked Lane Farm to interact one-on-one with the farmers and other attendees. Discover and purchase fresh produce, flowers, fiber products, and more, while forging deeper connections with those who grow your food.

Tickets available on the FARRMS website. FARRMS aims to create thriving, sustainable North Dakota communities. They develop a system of educational, social, and economic connections to empower farmers to build sustainable, profitable enterprises.

NPSAS Board Meeting
2024-08-22 08:00 - 10:00 | SD
This is the monthly meeting of the NPSAS Board of Directors. It is held virtually each month. Members are welcome to ask for the link to attend and/or bring forth ideas that they would like to see the board discuss. In addition, members are invited to consider serving on the board as 3 seats are up for renewal each year. It is a great opportunity to be involved in NPSAS. If serving on the board is not your style, but you’d like to help, consider other ways to be involved.

Serve on the Farm Breeder Network Committee where research, seed development, and other ideas are discussed and implemented to improve crop conditions for members
Serve on the events committee to help plan the annual conference, field days, and other events.
Host a field day at your farm
Write an article for The Germinator
Speak at the annual Food & Farming conference in a workshop on a topic that would benefit members and attendees of NPSAS

Farm Innovation Expo
2024-08-15 08:00 - 17:00 | SD
Join NPSAS and other great organic, regenerative, and sustainable ag professionals at the 2024 Farm Innovation Expo.
*Event WILL go on, rain or shine.
The Farm Innovation Expo is the largest event of it’s kind for Organic Farmers anywhere in the United States and Canada.
Join hundreds of like minded, serious Row Crop Farmers and Brands from Across the U.S and Canada for a day of:

In field equipment demos
Organic market updates
Exhibitor interaction
400+ Serious Row Crop Farmers from North America

The Organic Farm Innovation Expo will take place in Cokato, Minnesota on August 15th, 2024. Registration begins at 7:00 am and demos begin at promptly at 8:00 am. Lunch from Famous Dave’s is included with your registration. See what drew 453 other vendors to this event in 2023. Find out more and register here.

Transitioning to Organic Vegetable Production
2024-08-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Bear Butte Farm, 20445 South Dakota 79, Sturgis, SD, 57785, United States
South Dakota Specialty Producers Association is hosting an on the Bear Butte Farm in Sturgis with a discussion regarding effective weed management in organic vegetable production that involves a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and manual practices. Cover crops play a crucial role by competing with weeds, improving soil health, and providing a physical barrier to weed growth, making them an essential component of an integrated weed management strategy.

Intro To Organic Agriculture
2024-08-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Menoken Farm, 1107 171st St NE, Menoken, ND, 58558, United States
Attend this Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) event with Menoken Farm, ACRES USA, FARRMS, & NPSAS to learn:

Transition to organic production tips and ideas
The organic inspection process
Crop rotation
Equipment needs in organic production
Marketing organic grains and products
Soil health strategies

If you plan to attend, find the go to the GET TICKETS link at the top of this page and get more information.

Shifting Gears
2024-08-10 09:00 - 17:00 | Doubting Thomas Farm, 12506 20th St N, Moorhead, MN, 56560
Shifting Gears – Learn to Drive Farm Equipment

If you or someone you know is looking to get into farming and needs to learn how to drive equipment, this event is for you. Whether you’re a retiree, a stay-at-home parent, a high school kid, or someone looking for a second income that didn’t grow up on a farm, take part in this event and drive an actual simulator to get the feel for the farm life.
Doubting Thomas Farm
12506 20th St N, Moorhead, MN
August 10, 2024
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost is $10
Register Here
Hands-on class helping to master manual transmission or
heavy equipment driving ages 16+.

SDSU Organic Field Day 2024
2024-08-08 09:00 - 15:00 | SDSU Southeast Research Farm, 29974 University Road,, Beresford, SD, 57004, United States
South Dakota State University Extension will host an Organic Field Day featuring vegetables and field crops on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Southeast Research Farm (29974 University Road, Beresford, SD 57004).
Farmers from all sizes and types of production are welcome to attend this hands-on field day. Anyone who is curious about getting started in organic production or improving their systems is welcome to attend.
Pre-registration appreciated: https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/organic-field-day-featuring-vegetables-and-field-crops

Investigating Transition to Organic Field Day - Rocking Z Acres
2024-08-07 09:30 - 13:00 | Rocking Z Acres, 20202 374th Ave, Wessington, SD, 57381
Investigating Transition to Organic – Wessington, SD – 9:30 am – 1:00 pm – Rocking Z Acres, Learn about the success and struggles in organic farming from the 2024 NPSAS Steward of the Year Award Winner. This even will take place rain or shine and the tour and speakers will be adjusted as needed.
Rocking Z Acres has been in transition to organic production on their farm since 2018. BJ McNeil and his aunt, Jonnie Zvonek operate their farm together. They are an innovative operation consistently working with elements and ideas that will make their operation more sustainable. Come and visit and learn what’s worked, lessons learned, and ideas for success moving forward.
McNeil will give tips on how innovation and biology are part of Rocking Z Acres’ core beliefs. Also speaking at the event will be Jerry Matzner, a farmer at Century Farm Organics and Ken Jenkins an organic advisor, Peak Ag Solutions.
Space is limited and a free lunch will be provided for those who register before Tuesday, August 6, at 9:00 am.

Sign- up here to join us.

July 2024 NPSAS Board Meeting
2024-07-25 08:00 - 10:00 | SD
The NPSAS Board of Directors will meet via zoom from 8:00 am. If you have ideas or suggestions that you think would benefit the member of this organization or items you’d like the board to discuss send an email to the NPSAS Director or send a message, text, or call a board member.
If you’re interested in serving on the NPSAS board, let us know. Elections are in January of each year and there are three positions open each January at the annual meeting held at the NPSAS Food and Farming Conference.

Walk With Gabe Brown
2024-07-24 09:30 - 13:00 | Doubting Thomas Farm, 12506 20th St N, Moorhead, MN, 56560
Enjoy the wisdom of this inspirational leader talking all about cover crops.
Doubting Thomas Farm – 12506 20th St N,
Moorhead, MN
July 24, 2024
9:30 am – 1:00 pm
This event is full an no longer taking reservations.

Organic Academy Road Show - SD
2024-07-17 08:00 - 2024-07-18 13:00 | St. Peter on the Prairie, Madison, SD
FIELD DAY & TRAINING: Join Fellow Farmers for a great field day and conversation at St. Peter on the Prairie in Madison, SD. Included with field day, there’s also have a 1.5-day training for those farmers who are new to or interested in transitioning land to organic farming and/or ranching practices. A $200 stipend is available to offset travel costs for farmers & ranchers transitioning who attend. JOIN The Johnson Family Farm, National Center for Appropriate Technology – NCAT, and Northern Plains Sustainable Ag. To learn more click link.
Organic Academy Roadshow SD 2024

Organic Academy Road Show - North Dakota
2024-07-15 08:00 - 2024-07-16 13:00 | NDSU Carrington Research Center, Carrington, ND
Organic Academy Road Show – North Dakota
FIELD DAY & TRAINING: Join Fellow Farmers for a great field day and conversation at NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center. Included with the field day, there’s also have a 1.5-day training for those farmers who are new to or interested in transitioning land to organic farming and/or ranching practices. A $200 stipend is available to offset travel costs for farmers & ranchers transitioning who attend. JOIN North Central Region SARE, National Center for Appropriate Technology – NCAT, and Northern Plains Sustainable Ag. To learn more click link.
Organic Academy Roadshow ND 2024
