Dakota Rural Action (DRA) is seeking local food producers, farmers markets, and community gardens from around the state to be listed in the newest edition of the SoDak Grower’s Guidebook. As the local foods movement is expanding in South Dakota, DRA is creating a guidebook to share knowledge and build relationships among local growers and farmers. The guide will include free listings for agrarians, farmers, foodies, ranchers and resiliency advocates who are interested in skills sharing. The guidebook, a beginning grower’s guide to producing locally, will include resources for those who want to connect to the local food systems network and be a part of creating a resilient agriculture system that empowers local community members. In the SoDak Grower’s Guidebook, we are hoping to create a comprehensive guide of people who are participating in creative solutions to change the food system, whether that be those who are participating in small-scale production, growing food in their backyard, or processing foods at home.
The SoDak Grower’s Guidebook is an extension of the Farmer’s Network Handbook, which was first created in an effort to create a community of beginning and established farmers who are interested in resource sharing and education. It was initially developed as an extension of the Farm Beginnings class to support beginning farmers in the crucial first years of starting a farm. This year, we hope to expand the listings so that it can be a useful resource for anybody interested in learning about sustainable food systems. The handbook is part of a long-term vision to help connect and vitalize the people of South Dakota with good abundant food, clean and healthy communities, and economic prosperity.
The guidebook is beautifully laid out and will include an interactive pdf version through DRA’s website, so that those looking to learn specific skills can be easily connected to mentorship, internship, employment, 1-1 Day visits, or land and equipment sharing in their region. In addition to network profiles, the handbook will include resources on funding, no-till resources, sustainable pest management and more.
If you’re interested in sharing your skills and being apart of the 2021 SoDak Grower’s Guidebook, call 605-697-5204 OR email lilli@dakotarural.org.