In a region better known for corn, soybeans, or livestock, Prairie Coteau Farm is charting a different course: garlic. Under the stewardship of Kristianna Gehant Siddens, the farm has shifted attention away from labor-intensive vegetable production toward scaling up organic garlic cultivation. This year, the operation yielded approximately 14,000 garlic bulbs, destined both for culinary tables and as seed stock.

The transition follows Snyder's decision to reduce traditional vegetable output in order to balance family life and operational sustainability. Garlic, particularly of the hardneck variety, offers opportunity: planted in autumn, surviving winter dormancy, and harvested in July. It demands careful timing and exacting conditions-attributes that suit their commitment to quality over volume.

Prairie Coteau maintains its organic certification and integrates regenerative agriculture principles throughout its operation. Native perennials serve as cover; harvested grass and pasture material become mulch; chemical inputs are eschewed. The farm also rotates garlic over long intervals-ideally every four to seven years-to protect soil and avoid buildup of pests and disease.

Weather has been a double-edged sword. An unusually wet season provided moisture vital for bulb formation but heightened weed pressure. Controlling weeds under organic rules proved demanding: pasture hay was used as mulch, and a youth labor force helped with hand hoeing. Meanwhile, cooler and damp conditions made harvesting decisions-when half of the foliage turns brown and half remains green-more complicated than usual.

Once harvested, the bulbs undergo curing for two to three weeks, drying until outer skins become "paper-like." After trimming tops and roots, then brushing off dirt and peeling away dirty outer layers, the bulbs are packaged. Roughly two-thirds of this year's crop was earmarked for culinary use, with the remainder reserved for seed; proportions may shift with market demand and growing conditions.

In terms of markets, Prairie Coteau Farm sells directly to consumers via its website, supplies food hubs in Sioux Falls, and places garlic in restaurants and supermarkets. This dual market strategy helps buffer against fluctuations in input costs and yields, while reinforcing local food systems.

Kristianna underscores that their approach isn't just about producing garlic-it's rooted in values. "Healthy for customers, for family, for the land," she says. Their livestock-sheep and horses-are integrated into the system, helping in pasture maintenance and soil health. Native perennials harvested in autumn become mulch, avoiding plastic sheeting waste, enriching soil carbon, and supporting biodiversity.

For U.S. agriculture professionals, Prairie Coteau's experience suggests that, even in non-traditional garlic country, high-value, organic crops can be viable when combined with strong farm planning, long crop rotations, and regenerative practices. As policymakers debate elements of the next farm bill, particularly around funding for organic transition, soil health, and local food systems, this case could serve as evidence of what works on the ground.