EcoSun to host grass farm tour

• Participants to hear from marketing experts



COLMAN – EcoSun Prairie Farms, an agricultural enterprise near Colman that balances profitability and sustainability, will host its annual farm tour this week.

The behind-the-scenes look at its operations will be held Friday, Aug. 3, starting at 1 p.m.

A key aspect of this year’s tour is to not only describe the farm’s successes restoring and growing tall grass prairie, but to also explain how the farm markets its three primary products: hay, seed and beef.

In addition to EcoSun board members and staff presenters, three special guests will address EcoSun’s marketing targets. They are Paul McGill of Rock Valley Hay Auction, Rock Valley, Iowa, a hay marketing expert; Travis Petersen, grass-fed beef manager at The Co-op Natural Foods, Sioux Falls; and Matt Fenske of Millborn Seeds, Brookings, an expert in native plant seed marketing.

EcoSun board members presenting Friday include Dr. Carter Johnson, Dr. Tom Schumacher, Dr. Arvid Boe and Dr. Scott Kronberg.

Also speaking will be EcoSun farm manager and restorationist Craig Novotny, EcoSun farm researcher Dr. Cody Zilverberg, and EcoSun Marketing and Outreach Manager Pete Carrels.

EcoSun’s successful land and wetland restoration efforts will be shown and explained. The farm’s herd of grass-fed cattle, fields of thriving perennial grasses and forbs, and restored prairie wetlands will also be part of the tour.

The outdoor event will take place rain or shine, so those attending are advised to dress accordingly. Carpooling is recommended, as parking may be limited.

EcoSun farm is located near Colman, about midway between Brookings and Sioux Falls.

To find the farm from Interstate 29, take Exit 114, the Flandreau exit. Travel west on 230th Street for about 3.5 miles (2 miles past the junction with Highway 77) to 469th Avenue. Signs will direct you the remainder of the way.

Parking areas will be marked.

Tour visitors are asked to contact Carrels to confirm their attendance, at 605-216-1233 or petecarrels@midco.net.