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The South Dakota Local Foods Conference provides education and networking for both producers and supporters of local foods. This ever-growing conference is a broad-spectrum event aimed at creating a better local food system in South Dakota. It celebrates South Dakota farmers, eaters, and food systems professionals who are committed to developing resilient communities and equitable food systems through sustainable agriculture, robust partnerships, and community education.

As we near the end of 2025, we will celebrate successes and encourage the creativity and flexibility needed to recharge us and our work as we navigate disruptions in our food system, shifts in federal grants and programs, economic strain and food insecurity in South Dakota.

The South Dakota Local Foods Conference operates with the following objectives in mind:

  • Bringing diverse voices together to highlight & support the South Dakota local food system
  • Educating on how local and regional food systems operate
  • Supporting potential, beginning, and current producers to be successful on their farms & ranches
  • Expanding access to and consumption of local and regional food across South Dakota
  • Increasing recognition for the value of local food to South Dakota communities, economies, and rural vitality
  • Highlighting the role of Indigenous food systems and Tribal food sovereignty in our state
  • Amplifying historically marginalized voices and highlighting innovators in sustainable food production
  • Creating opportunities to network & get to know your local foods community

This annual event highlights the latest work being done to improve and promote local foods in our state and connects producers, consumers, retailers, restaurants, chefs, and resource providers from across South Dakota.

For questions concerning this year’s conference, please reach out to Gemma at Gemma.Bastian@sdstate.edu

2024 Conference Photos

SDSU Registration Crew!
The Pioneer Room
The Journey Museum Art
Attendees
SARE Panel
Delicious Breakfast
Attendees
Farm To School Art!
Attendees
Pupmkin Workshop
Pupmkin Workshop
Pupmkin Workshop
Pupmkin Workshop
Pumpkin Voting!

Check out the 2024 Conference Speakers

Keynote Speakers and More

Workshops

Recap The 2023 Conference Through Video

Captured and Produced by 4Front Studios during the 2023 South Dakota Local Foods Conference.

Linda Black Elk – Growing Above & Beyond: What The Heck is A Kohlrabi?!
Nick Olson – Empowering the Next Generation of Local Farmers
Shannon Mutschelknaus & Matte Wilson – How to Apply for Grants (and Where to Look)
Kristine Lang – So You’re Thinking About Building a High Tunnel
Doug Pavel – Evaluating Organic & Conventional Integrated Weed Management