Special People | Special Food

The Specialty Crop Collaborative, founded in the spring of 2024 works to produce collaborative education of job and life skills toward meaningful employment for special people of all abilities and to cultivate sustainable land and livestock stewardship in order to grow special food. Because of the generous support and partnership of The Specialty Crop LLC, we are building a more sustainable, equitable, and compassionate future, ensuring that every person has access to the resources and support they deserve.

Programs are the heart of the farm. They allow us to put our beliefs about people with disabilities into practice and share our passions for regenerative farming. The dynamic programs at Specialty Crop are designed to deepen meaning, assume competence, promote advocacy, and teach sustainability by fostering hands-on engagement, cultivating a deeper understanding of agricultural systems, empowering participants to champion sustainable practices, and equipping them with the job and life skills to live a more sustainable and meaningful life. Learn more about the programs we have to offer for people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The board and staff at The Specialty Crop Collaborative believe in advocating for and empowering people of all abilities. We assume competence and ability in all people. We regard as true that nature is therapeutic and healing for all. We support sustainability and treading lightly on the earth we steward well. We welcome new ideas, input and participation from those interested in learning about and sharing our beliefs.

We deeply appreciate your interest in supporting The Specialty Crop Collaborative, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution—whether large or small, individual or corporate—will have a lasting impact. Together, we can cultivate a brighter future for individuals of all abilities, fostering growth, inclusion, and empowerment through transformative agricultural experiences.

Every tax-deductible dollar you give plants the seeds of opportunity, helping us nurture meaningful lives and create thriving communities. Join us in this vital work. Your generosity can make all the difference.

Thank you for investing in a mission that truly changes lives.

At The Specialty Crop LLC, we are not only producing excellence in agritourism, practicing and encouraging sustainability, and modeling good land stewardship through regenerative farming, we are also proud to support and uplift the Specialty Crop Collaborative, a dynamic initiative dedicated to sowing a meaningful life for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. By fostering sustainability, advocacy, and community engagement, we work hand-in-hand to ensure the prosperity of farmers, the community, and stakeholders. By fostering partnerships and championing innovative programs, we strive to create inclusive opportunities that empower individuals, promote independence, and enhance quality of life. Together, we are building a more sustainable, equitable, and compassionate future, ensuring that every person has access to the resources and support they deserve.

No matter the season, our farm fresh merch will help spread the word about inclusive farming. At The Specialty Crop, every purchase makes a difference. By supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we’re proving that fashion and advocacy can go hand in hand. Shop with purpose and wear your values proudly—because you look especially well when you know you’re doing good.

In our Farm Stand, you’ll find fresh produce grown and tended by farmers during our summer programming, plus our farm fresh eggs, some baked goods, farm fresh flowers, and of course, TSC swag. These goodies will adorn the shelves in our roadside farm stand to be located at the farm. At The Specialty Crop, every purchase makes a difference. By supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we’re proving that eating well and doing good make the perfect pairing.

We regularly gather farm fresh, delicious eggs from our very happy (and spoiled) pastured hens. But eggs aren’t always as simple as they seem! Visit our egg page to learn more about how to safely enjoy Specialty eggs, recipes and more.

Spend time enjoying our idyllic five acre homestead and get an up close and personal look at every day farm operations. Bring your own accommodations or enjoy our little log cabin. From our outdoor HOT shower to feeding the chickens, there is a lot to do and see at our peaceful farm retreat. At The Specialty Crop, every purchase makes a difference. With funds supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, you can sleep well knowing you're doing good while enjoying the peace of the farm.

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! From hands-on workshops to toe-tapping live music panels, every event is designed to inspire, welcome, and entertain people of all abilities.

Sharing the farm is our joy! The Specialty Crop is a place where we work to extend a warm welcome and radical hospitality to all visitors. To best share the farm, we host regular community events, educational opportunities, field days, and welcome corporate & volunteer groups.

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!

No matter the season or current project, you can help us accomplish our mission. We’re always seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join us at the farm. Whether it’s planting, harvesting, or assisting with farm maintenance, your contribution will directly support our mission and make a tangible impact in our community.

Volunteering at our farm offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, engage with a diverse group of individuals, and develop new skills. No prior experience is necessary—we’ll guide you every step of the way.