Value Added Agriculture Development Center

01/01/2026

09/20/2024

VAADC is recruiting an Accounting Specialist to join our team. The individual will contribute to the growth of our nonprofit organization in South Dakota's value added agriculture. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume through www.southdakotaworks.org, using job number 2176837.

SDWORKS - Complete set of tools for labor market analysts in South Dakota. Job seekers and employers access jobs, résumés, education, training, labor market information.

05/27/2024

01/27/2024

Attend South Dakota Specialty Producers Association annual meeting to provide input on what's important to growers!

SDSPA’s Annual Membership meeting & board elections will be held in conjunction with the UMURAI Conference. Join us for the meeting on Thurs., Feb. 8, 2024 from 1-2 p.m. CT.

Consider board service! Any member in good standing may nominate themselves or another SDSPA member in good standing. Contact us if interested!

01/23/2024

Are you interested in started a sheep enterprise? SDSGA and SDSU Extension commonly get questions on how to start in sheep? Sheep are typically a very profitable livestock species.

Good questions to ask yourself...
Do I like sheep?
Will sheep fit into my current operation?
What size of sheep operation do I want?
Do I have adequate facilities to handle the number I want?
Will I have an adequate feed supply?
Do I want to lamb in the spring or fall?
What breeds should I select to achieve my goals?
When and where can I market my lambs?
Could I have a predator problem?

There are many places to find good, trustworthy, science-based information. Extension is the best place to start. Contact your county agent, area specialist or state specialist. Find a mentor. A fellow producer that has an operation you want to emulate can also provide a blueprint for what you to do. They can save you from making lots of mistakes that cost time and money. Ask questions before you dive in the deep end!

Excellent references or tools to help you explore sheep are below...

https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/starting-a-sheep-enterprise.html

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/livestock/cattle-poultry-and-other-livestock/sheep-and-goats/getting-started-in-sheep

http://www.sheep101.info/201/

08/31/2023

Than you to Kitzan Family Farm, LLC from the Nisland area for their demonstration on turning lamb into chislic.

08/31/2023

Laura with South Dakota Specialty Producers Association taking about the organization can do for specialty producers.

08/31/2023

USDA folks sharing information about the resources they have available to help ad value to South Dakota made products.

08/31/2023

And we're off.... Value Added Ag Center Day has begun! Stood and see us at the Day Sponsor tent.

08/31/2023

Today’s the day! Hope to see you at the 2023 South Dakota State Fair for Value Added Ag Center Day! 🌱🌾

Join us for fun and learning opportunities relating to value added agribusiness in our state!

08/29/2023

SD Value Added Agriculture Development Center & Your SD Dairy Farmers are hosting our annual ice cream social on August 31st! 🍦🐄

Stop by the Specialty Tent to close out Value Added Ag Center Day at the South Dakota State Fair with some flavorful ice cream from Berrybrook Organic!

08/28/2023

If you’re a specialty crop grower, you’ll want to stop by the Specialty Tent on the fairgrounds during Value Added Ag Center Day on August 31st! 🌱

USDA - NRCS will be providing resources and assistance for South Dakota’s Specialty growers!