From farm to table, Cedar Creek Gardens grows local produce
At Cedar Creek Gardens LLC the daily routine begins long before any produce reaches a customer’s doorstep. Owners Peggy Martin and Bud Manke grow high-quality, nutritious produce for people in communities across western and south-central South Dakota, whether they’re buying just enough for a meal or purchasing bulk quantities to preserve for the winter.
Growing close to home
Peggy and Bud have known each other since childhood. While Bud has a background in agriculture and generational gardening knowledge passed down, Peggy came from a family of business owners. This unique blend of talents makes Cedar Creek Gardens a success.
“Originally, we started gardening to provide fresh produce for our families,” says Peggy. “I wanted to know where our food came from and how it was grown.”
Then in 2013, the two officially incorporated their “locally grown, community focused” fresh produce farm located nine miles south of interstate 90 from 1880 Town near Midland.
Bud grew up two miles north of Cedar Creek Gardens. He and Peggy, originally from Belvidere, have weathered the challenges of working with South Dakota soils, as well as the whims of South Dakota winds, drought, hail and blizzards. Their determination has led to steady growth and 14 outdoor acres in irrigated field production and 14 season-extension greenhouse tunnels.
“Once we saw there was an interest from the local communities we decided to expand, and since [Bud] had ample space to grow a variety of crops and a great clean water supply, we just kept getting bigger and bigger,” says Peggy.
Cedar Creek Gardens ships year-round with the aid of a cold storage unit for storing harvested produce. Eggs from 1,400 free-range chickens are sold all year at locations. Cedar Creek Gardens also has a certified commercial kitchen for making salads, grab-and-go meals, and canning items, such as jellies, pickles and salsa.
Market demand
Produce straight from the garden or pulled from cold storage is delivered 52 weeks a year to restaurants, institutions, buyer’s groups, and consumers along five different routes covering communities in western and southern-central South Dakota.
Each summer, Cedar Creek Gardens participates in farmers markets in Murdo and Rapid City, and sells at farm stands in Philip, Wall, Winner, and Kadoka. Their growing plan is based on the requests of customers and clientele.
Online convenience
There’s no doubt that hard work, imaginative planning, plentiful water, and cooperative weather are some of the foremost factors in successfully operating a fresh produce farm. In addition, Cedar Creek Gardens relies on a strong broadband connection to support customer interaction through its website and social media.
“We live in a 24/7 society now and if you can be found online it makes it way easier for your customer to communicate with you when it is convenient for them,” says Peggy.
The availability of multiple, advanced technology platforms and apps helps them stay organized and on task. Using mobile devices, they keep lists for orders and supplies, communicate with customers and wholesalers, and track water samples, cooler temperatures, and the washing and sterilizing of harvest equipment.
Best rewards
Bud and Peggy work hard, put in long days, and depend on the cooperation of Mother Nature for success. They agree the greatest reward comes from meeting and serving customers, who they consider part of their circle of friends.
”It’s great to be feeding so many families,” says Bud.
Where to find their produce:
- Summer farm stands in Philip, Wall, and Winner.
- Farmers markets in Murdo and the Black Hills Farmers Market in Rapid City.
- Area grocery stores including Murdo Family Food in Murdo, Breadroot and The Market in Rapid City, Nisland Farm Fresh Market in Nisland.
- Area restaurants and institutions in Rapid City, including Tally’s Silver Spoon, Delmonico’s Grill, Bokujo Ramen, Monument Health, Rapid City School District, and Meals on Wheels.
For more information, visit their website at cedarcreekgarden.com or follow them on Facebook.
