Feb. 20, 2026:
Shannon Mutschelknaus of Wayward Springs Farm in Aurora has been named the 2025 S.D. Specialty Crop Producer of the Year. The S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) and the S.D. Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources coordinated this award to recognize one specialty crop producer for making an outstanding contribution to local production in South Dakota.
Across South Dakota many farmers are 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 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 our hospitals, schools, and retail stores due to the commitment and dedication of our state’s niche growers. While providing access to fresh and diverse products, these producers also offer social interactions and entertainment like farm to table dinners, workshops, and events. Our specialty crop producers are changing the way South Dakotans access their food, while supporting their local communities and economies.
Nominees for the S.D. Specialty Crop Producer of the Year provide visionary leadership to South Dakota’s agricultural industry. They actively promote growth, innovation, and prosperity for our local food system and specialty crops. They mentor new and beginner farmers, investing in the next generation of producers.
Mutschelknaus provides visionary leadership through his pioneering use of year-round production and season-extension technologies. Mutschelknaus’s dedication to sharing his knowledge actively promotes innovation in the state’s local food systems.
In a climate defined by harsh winters, his work at Wayward Springs is a powerful demonstration that local food production is not limited to summer months. The farm’s core mission is year-round production, achieved through the innovative use of technologies like the year-round high tunnel and a year-round deep winter greenhouse. These efforts tackle one of the greatest challenges facing specialty crop growth in South Dakota, successfully bridging the gap in local food availability during the cold season. By implementing these advanced systems, Mutschelknaus is actively advocating for the viability and necessity of specialty crops year-round, expanding the market and demonstrating profitability for future growers.
Through his commitment to innovation and prosperity, Mutschelknaus stands out as a leading figure in the local food movement. His on-farm research, business approach and outreach model is a prime example of promoting growth through sustainable, low-input methods; ensuring fresh, local produce is available to the community when it is traditionally inaccessible.
Mutschelknaus is also a dedicated mentor and investor in the next generation of producers. By hosting “Year-Round Greenhouse Discussion Groups” and maintaining an active online presence, he shares his challenges and successes of season extension with new and beginning farmers. This transparency and his willingness to educate directly promote the growth of specialty crop adoption across the state, equipping others with the tools to innovate and succeed.
Nominations were submitted in December and public votes were cast in January. Other nominees included Jeff and Jolene Stewart of Wagner and Denise and Mark Venner of Pierre.
Courtesy photo.
Courtesy photo.
Jan. 7, 2026:
Denise and Mark Venner, owners of Venner Farm near Pierre and Fort Pierre, are one of three finalists for the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association’s 2025 Specialty Crop Producer of the Year Award.
Ann Venner.
Courtesy image.
Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops, including floriculture.
Along with Denise and Mark Venner, the other candidates are:
- Shannon Mutschelknaus with Wayward Springs LLC, at Aurora
Shannon Mutschelknaus.
Courtesy photo. - Jeff and Jolene Stewart with Stewart’s Aronia Acres at Wagner
Jeff and Jolene Stewart.
Courtesy photo.
The public has until Sunday (Jan. 11, 2026) to fill out an online form and submit their vote through the SDSPA website, https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/p/18068.
The winner will be announced at the S.D. Specialty Producers Summit (https://www.conference.sdspecialtyproducers.org/) in February (Feb. 13 in Rapid City or Feb. 20 in Huron).
The S.D. 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.
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.
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