Upcoming Events
Farm Events are open to the public and support all ability levels. Whether we’re hosting community events like live music, field days, or farm to table meals, all are welcome!
Looking for corporate volunteer opportunities, field trips or a farm visit? Contact Us today.
Sing up for our newsletter for updates to our calendar of events.
Live Music :: Robert Deitch
Robert Deitch is a veteran Nashville staff writer turned Americana artist whose work reflects a lifetime of lived experience, craft, and quiet persistence. With more than 400 songs written—over 30 recorded by other artists—Deitch spent years working inside the Nashville song writing system before stepping fully into his own voice as a recording artist.
His most recent album,Legacy, has received widespread critical acclaim in the U.S. and U.K.,including a 5-star review from Texas NPR calling it “worthy of a Grammy.” Reviewers havepraised Deitch for his ability to blend vivid, working-class storytelling with emotional restraintand authenticity, drawing comparisons to artists such as Chris Stapleton, Guy Clark, BruceSpringsteen, and Jason Isbell. His vocal style has been described as blue-collar smooth yetgritty—warm, weathered, and unmistakably real.
Hall of Fame songwriter Hugh Prestwood (“A Song Remembers When”) calls Deitch “a giftedsongwriter who mixes vivid storytelling with a powerful, soulful delivery,” while fellow Hall ofFamer Roger Murrah (“Don’t Rock the Jukebox”) has described him as “one of Nashville’s best-kept secrets.
We are honored to have Robert join us at the farm for what will surely be an unforgettable evening.
Live Music :: Dana Cooper
Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Dana Cooper has amassed a catalog of 30+ albums and continues to tour actively. His 32nd studio album, “The Ghost of Tucumcari” features an All-Star lineup of guest artists. Artists lending their voices to this project are Lyle Lovett, Hayes Carll, Susan Gibson, Mando Saenz, Darden Smith, Shake Russell, Libby Koch and more. "The Ghost of Tucumcari” takes listeners on a stirring musical journey across genres from Folk and Rock to Country and Americana.
Link to Album on ALL Digital Platforms - Voted #1 Album of 2024 on Americana Highways Readers Poll.
https://digital-delivery-services.lnk.to/WD4ChZK4EM
Cooper's first Album - released in the 70's on Elektra Records features the famous studio band - "The Section" - Now known as "The Immediate Family" - Russ Kunkel & Leland Sklar. Since then Dana has collaborated with Shake Russell, Kim Carnes (Betty Davis Eyes), Maura O'Connell, Susan Werner, Kim Richey, Don Henry, Tom Kimmel, Hal Ketchum and more.
Central to Cooper's unique artistry is his ability to connect with audiences through his authentic stories and warm stage presence. Dana's mixture of flat-picking, finger picking, and percussive strumming is "Legend Among Other Guitarists." His harmonica playing equally impressive. As one critic noted, "he sings like an angel and plays like the devil."
His decades of experience shine through in the ease and humor he brings to both his playing and storytelling. Though he's performed with Folk and Americana greats, Cooper has always followed his own musical vision.
"Few artists can claim to make music for 50 years & still do so with the same eagerness & enthusiasm that marked their initial efforts." - American Songwriter - Lee Zimmerman
"Dana has a poet's eye for beauty & detail, a blue's man's soul & a songbird's gift. He is remarkable." - Hayes Carll - Acclaimed Musician.
We are thrilled to host Dana at the farm. You won’t want to miss it!
Live Music :: Patrick Sampson
Like a silk-lined cedar chest, Patrick Sampson’s unique voice and skillful guitar-work hold and communicate the precious treasures of life’s most moving moments. Unassuming yet commanding, Patrick draws audiences to the edge of their seats and to the truths deep within themselves. An emotive pop sensibility warmed by Americana influences shines in Patrick’s honest, unguarded performances all across the country. Patrick is a native of upstate New York and is endorsed by Gretsch Guitars®.
Put this date on your calendar for an evening of prairie beauty, sunset and beautiful music.
Second Saturday-October
Join us for Second Saturdays at The Specialty Crop, a monthly event June-October welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities to experience the beauty and tranquility of our five-acre farm in southeastern South Dakota. Explore at your own pace with self-guided tours, wander through our vibrant gardens, and meet our friendly farm animals, including chickens, cats, and our dog. Engage in a variety of fun farm activities and family-friendly projects designed to educate and entertain. Stay tuned for additional activities and pop-up events by visiting our website at www.thespecialtycrop.com/events. There is a suggested $20 tax deductible donation per family/group to help us continue and improve farm programming at The Specialty Crop Collaborative. We look forward to sharing the farm with you!
Max Minardi- Summer Concert Series
Max Minardi has always been drawn to songs that tell a story. Whether capturing a moment of joy, heartbreak, adventure, or nostalgia, he believes music has a unique way of turning everyday experiences into something meaningful. Inspired by the likes of James Taylor, The Avett Brothers, and John Mayer, he aims to create music that feels genuine—songs that bring people together, spark memories, and leave a lasting impression.
Second Saturday-September
Join us for Second Saturdays at The Specialty Crop, a monthly event June-October welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities to experience the beauty and tranquility of our five-acre farm in southeastern South Dakota. Explore at your own pace with self-guided tours, wander through our vibrant gardens, and meet our friendly farm animals, including chickens, cats, and our dog. Engage in a variety of fun farm activities and family-friendly projects designed to educate and entertain. Stay tuned for additional activities and pop-up events by visiting our website at www.thespecialtycrop.com/events. There is a suggested $20 tax deductible donation per family/group to help us continue and improve farm programming at The Specialty Crop Collaborative. We look forward to sharing the farm with you!
Ben Gage- Summer Concert Series
Ben Gage is a songwriter from Akron, OH blending folk and roots blues. Ben Gage grew up in the rust belt of Northeast Ohio, spread out in the countryside along the great Lake Erie. His roots run deep alongside the hard working blue collars that Ohio has to boast. That tenacity, love of family, and respect for a long day can be seen in his music. In Fall of 2021 Ben quit his job in the tech-sector to pursue music full time. Now he travels the US sharing stories and songs and always collecting more.
Second Saturday-August
Join us for Second Saturdays at The Specialty Crop, a monthly event June-October welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities to experience the beauty and tranquility of our five-acre farm in southeastern South Dakota. Explore at your own pace with self-guided tours, wander through our vibrant gardens, and meet our friendly farm animals, including chickens, cats, and our dog. Engage in a variety of fun farm activities and family-friendly projects designed to educate and entertain. Stay tuned for additional activities and pop-up events by visiting our website at www.thespecialtycrop.com/events. There is a suggested $20 tax deductible donation per family/group to help us continue and improve farm programming at The Specialty Crop Collaborative. We look forward to sharing the farm with you!
Abbie Thomas- Summer Concert Series
Coming off of the success of ‘Not Gonna Lie’, her most popular album release to date (featuring a #3 iTunes Soul/R&B charting single in September of 2024), Abbie is taking 2 Crazy Hearts on tour throughout eastern, and mid-west USA in 2025 for a listening room tour. She'll also be adding jazz drummer, Arthur Schroeder, for larger festivals.
This three-piece instrumention features raw storytelling & lyricism, impecable and tasteful musicianship, while continuing to genre-bend Jazz, Soul, R&B, and Pop for attentive audiences.
Featuring full-time musicians; Simon Kauffman Hurst (keys/organ/kick pedal) and bassist Isaac Fisher.
Second Saturday-July
Join us for Second Saturdays at The Specialty Crop, a monthly event June-October welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities to experience the beauty and tranquility of our five-acre farm in southeastern South Dakota. Explore at your own pace with self-guided tours, wander through our vibrant gardens, and meet our friendly farm animals, including chickens, cats, and our dog. Engage in a variety of fun farm activities and family-friendly projects designed to educate and entertain. Stay tuned for additional activities and pop-up events by visiting our website at www.thespecialtycrop.com/events. There is a suggested $20 tax deductible donation per family/group to help us continue and improve farm programming at The Specialty Crop Collaborative. We look forward to sharing the farm with you!
July Sow Program
Attend our JUNE and JULY Sow Program for children ages 3-18 years. The module includes six sessions at the farm Wednesdays in June on the 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, and 25th from 3-5pm AND July 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd, 28th, and 30th. Working from a daily visual schedule, we will complete farm chores including caring for the chickens, harvesting goodies from the garden, taking a nature walk, and a short lesson about farm life. This hands-on, education-forward module will give farm apprentices a chance to experience farm life in a safe and controlled environment. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend.
More about the Sow Program:
In planting, sowing seeds is the first step toward growth and reaping the rewards for your hard work. The Sow Program through The Specialty Crop Collaborative is the first step in growing life and job skills for meaning.
Designed for children 18 and under, Sow is a great place for farm curious children with developmental and intellectual disabilities to safely explore the farm. Sow Program apprentices will encounter a wide range of experiences on the farm including tending the garden, harvesting produce, animal Husbandry, outdoor education, and outdoor recreation.
For more information about the farm and programming, read our FAQ
For more information including fees and registration, click HERE.
David G. Smith- Summer Concert Series
Internationally acclaimed Artist-Songwriter David G Smith is an acoustic roots solo performer with a lyric-intensive style featuring guitars, resonator, music and a voice that range from dirt-funk to intimate. His music is a blend of Folk, Americana, Country & Blues. David was recently accepted as a Juried Artist by Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul & Mary) Music-To-Life org. He is a 2008 International Song Competition 1st Place Winner, a Robert Oermann DISCovery award recipient, and two-time ISC Semifinalist. He performs at the prestigious Bluebird Cafe/Nashville where his shows are regularly sold out. David has released 11 albums and Mary Gauthier and Keb Mo make appearances on 4 of them to include a duet with Mary called “Shine”. He has three nationwide #1 singles and four nationwide #1 albums to include his latest release, Witness Trees, on the Roots Music Report (RMR) Folk & Alt-Folk Charts. His single “River Gonna Talk”,was a nationwide 2023 #1 add on the NACC chart and reached #1 in the nation on Radio Guitar One's Top 30 Americana Chart. David has been featured in American Songwriter and his songs have appeared on TNT, Lifetime Network, Travel Channel , several PBS affiliates shows and he has a string of indie & major-indie song-cuts. His last 4 albums have been accepted for Grammy consideration. His Give-Back Series donates time and raises money and awareness for a variety of charitable causes. David, his voice and his songs are authentic.
Second Satruday-June
Join us for Second Saturdays at The Specialty Crop, a monthly event June-October welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities to experience the beauty and tranquility of our five-acre farm in southeastern South Dakota. Explore at your own pace with self-guided tours, wander through our vibrant gardens, and meet our friendly farm animals, including chickens, cats, and our dog. Engage in a variety of fun farm activities and family-friendly projects designed to educate and entertain. Stay tuned for additional activities and pop-up events by visiting our website at www.thespecialtycrop.com/events. There is a suggested $20 tax deductible donation per family/group to help us continue and improve farm programming at The Specialty Crop Collaborative. We look forward to sharing the farm with you!
June Sow Program
Attend our JUNE and JULY Sow Program for children ages 3-18 years. The module includes six sessions at the farm Wednesdays in June on the 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, and 25th from 3-5pm AND July 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd, 28th, and 30th. Working from a daily visual schedule, we will complete farm chores including caring for the chickens, harvesting goodies from the garden, taking a nature walk, and a short lesson about farm life. This hands-on, education-forward module will give farm apprentices a chance to experience farm life in a safe and controlled environment. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend.
More about the Sow Program:
In planting, sowing seeds is the first step toward growth and reaping the rewards for your hard work. The Sow Program through The Specialty Crop Collaborative is the first step in growing life and job skills for meaning.
Designed for children 18 and under, Sow is a great place for farm curious children with developmental and intellectual disabilities to safely explore the farm. Sow Program apprentices will encounter a wide range of experiences on the farm including tending the garden, harvesting produce, animal Husbandry, outdoor education, and outdoor recreation.
For more information about the farm and programming, read our FAQ
For more information including fees and registration, click HERE.
Grow Programming Begins
Attend our SUMMER 2025 Grow Program for adults 18+ with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The session includes twice weekly sessions from June to November with half and full day options. (Google Calendar Invite with A full program schedule including holidays and breaks will be sent after registration)
Working from a daily visual schedule, we will make a strategic plan for the day, stretching and self care, complete farm chores including caring for the chickens, planting, weeding, and harvesting goodies from the garden, partaking in outdoor recreation, educational lessons about farm life including wild growing plants, animal husbandry, and regenerative gardening practices, lunch with fellowship and an afternoon coffee break with discussion. This hands-on, education-forward module will give farm apprentices a chance to experience farm life in a safe and controlled environment. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend with those who need 1:1 support or who are not independent in bathrooming.
More about the Grow Program:
The Grow Program for adults 18+ is the second stage of programming offered through The Specialty Crop Collaborative, building on foundational agricultural knowledge. This immersive program provides participants with hands-on experience in advanced agricultural practices while nurturing essential job and life skills.
Participants engage in every aspect of farming, including planting, harvesting, managing customer relationships, preserving food, and caring for livestock. Beyond practical skills, the program emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, empowering participants to explore and consider future careers in agriculture or related fields while promoting personal growth and community involvement.
For more information about the farm and programming, read our FAQ
For more information including fees and registration, click HERE.
Campground Opening
Join us as we kick off our third camp season at The Specialty Crop. Help us warm the campground for guests and campers by firing up the pits and making sure everything is in working order. We’ll have the fires going, you bring your own hotdogs, s’mores or whatever you like to roast over an open fire. BYO beverages, camp chairs, and picnic dinner to enjoy at the farm.
Lawn games, fun and fellowship await from 5-9pm or until we go to bed. Join us!
Live Music: Short Notice
Join us for an afternoon of LIVE MUSIC at the farm! We will be hosting Short Notice for an acoustic set list with laughter, fun and epic views. Bring a friend. Bring your own beverages. Bring your own chair.
Volunteer Wednesdays
This event is a by Invitation event for adults with disabilities connected to Hope Haven. We have partnered together to provide off site programming for Hope Haven that builds programming and benefits The Specialty Crop.