Sara Stadem | Editor
Jamen Benson is a fourth-generation farmer in Lyons that recently got to share his farming knowledge with area residents through a local opportunity called “Farms after Five” tour that was hosted by South Dakota Farm Families.
Heidi Zwinger, Outreach Director for South Dakota Farm Families, explained their organization has been hosting bus tours of different types for over 10 years and tries to have one or two bus tours a summer. “Our goal for these types of tours is for adults who are not familiar with farming to be able to see firsthand what modern agriculture looks like,” Zwinger said.
There were 45 guests on the bus tour; many of them had not been on a farm before, Zwinger explained.
The tour took place on Tuesday, July 27, starting at 5:30 pm leaving the Military Heritage Alliance Building in Sioux Falls. Their first stop was at 6 pm at Windy Hill Farm – Jamen Benson Farm.
Benson, who has farmed since 1996, farmed with his dad until he passed away in 2019. Now Benson farms with his sons, Trevor and Brady, along with his nephew Lane Reecy.
This was Benson’s first time participating in a tour put on by South Dakota Farm Families and he shared information such as why he built their cattle barn and how many head of cattle it holds, which is 500. Benson also explained to the consumers how much his cattle weigh at market which is approximately 1,500 pounds, what he feeds them and how long he has them which is about 120 days depending on what they weigh when Benson receives the cattle.
While at Windy Hill Farm with the Benson’s, there were others who took their turn providing information as well. Benson’s nephew, Reecy spoke along with Justin Bonnema and Deron Ruesch with NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). In addition, there were speakers from Dell Rapids Veterinary Services, Executive Director Dan Dorn and Corale Dorn, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. They provided information with regard to types of medicine needed for the cattle.
When asked what he thought of the event, Benson said, “Great! It’s important to reconnect consumers with production in agriculture.”
From there, the tour bus had a drive through Central Farmers Cooperative in Lyons followed by supper at Lyons Fire Hall with guest speaker Dr. Corale Dorn. After that, they traveled to Boadwine Dairy – Lynn Boadwine in Baltic and arrived back at Military Heritage Alliance Building around 9:15 pm.
Zwinger explained she thought the tour went great. “The group had great conversation during the evening. We discussed a wide range of topics like food labels, water usage and water quality, animal manure management and methane digesters, grain export markets and animal care and comfort,” she said. Zwinger continued, “Some folks in the group were able to see a calf born while at the dairy.”
Linda, who participated in the tour, said “Thank you so much for the informative tour last night. I enjoyed it very much.” She continued, “It was all so informative and being a city girl, it was all new. I was lucky to see the baby calf be born.”
“Just wanted to give you a BIG thank you for the great After Five Tour. My friend and I enjoyed it so much, and on the drive home just kept talking about how much we learned,” Dane, a consumer on the tour said. He concluded, “Thanks to everyone for the info, hospitality and uplifting event.”
Zwinger said, “At South Dakota Farm Families, we strive to connect people with where their food comes from. Local farmers put a lot of passion, care and pride into producing nutritious, high-quality food for you and your family.” She concluded, “Many local farmers visit the same grocery stores and eat the same foods as you do.”
To learn more about South Dakota Farm Families, visit their website www.agunited.org or find them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.