SDSU Hosts Sixth Annual Specialty Crop Field Day in Brookings
The sixth annual Specialty Crop Field Day is set to take place on September 15, 2026, at South Dakota State University's campus in Brookings. The event will run from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. CDT and will feature research plots showcasing various specialty crops, including peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes, lettuce, and cut flowers.
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour approximately six research plots, where they can engage in discussions with SDSU faculty and extension specialists on topics such as variety selection, heat reduction strategies, disease prevention, and soil management techniques. Additionally, open field, high tunnel, and caterpillar tunnel production methods will be featured.
Throughout the event, educational booths staffed by SDSU faculty, extension specialists, and local organizations will provide resources to support the success of specialty crops in South Dakota. This includes networking opportunities for beginning and current vegetable, flower, and fruit farmers, as well as non-profit organizations, technical service providers, Master Gardeners, and home gardeners.
Kristine Lang, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist, emphasized the importance of this event: 'This will be a great networking event with multiple chances to learn from students, extension specialists, and each other.'