South Dakota looking for nominations for 2025 Specialty Crop Producer of the Year; Nomination deadline is Dec. 19

The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) is seeking nominations for the 2025 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 South Dakota 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.

Across South Dakota there are many farmers working hard to produce and increase access to fresh, locally grown foods and products. As a result of their hard work, a variety of specialty crops are easily available throughout our state. Consumers can easily find and access local honey, cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, jams, salsas and other value added products at their nearest farm stand, restaurant, or farmers market. These locally grown specialty crops are also appearing in more places like our hospitals, schools, and retail stores due to the commitment and dedication of our state’s niche growers. To find local producers near you visit SDSPA’s directory at https://localfoods.sdspecialtyproducers.org/.

In 2025, SDSPA and DANR would like to recognize one specialty crop producer for making an outstanding contribution to South Dakota agriculture. 

The South Dakota Specialty Crop Producer of the Year is someone who:

• Provides visionary leadership to South Dakota’s agricultural industry, and advocates for specialty crops – fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops, including floriculture. 

• Actively promotes growth, innovation, and prosperity for South Dakota local food systems and specialty crops. 

• Mentors new and beginner farmers and invests in the next generation of producers.

Tell us your story! You may nominate yourself or share the outstanding achievements of your colleagues & neighbors. Nominations must be submitted by Dec. 19, 2025.

Nominations are limited to 500 words and should include at least one photo of the nominee. The nomination form can be found on the SDSPA website at https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/p/17905.

A panel of judges from SDSPA will select the top nominees. Public voting will open Dec. 29, 2025. The winner will be announced at one of the South Dakota Producers Summits in February, 2026 (Feb. 13 in Rapid City, SD or Feb. 20 in Huron, SD). 

The ‘South Dakota Specialty Crop Producer of the Year’ will receive a complimentary pass to one of the South Dakota Producers Summits, 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.