A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).  Since the establishment of this program, many high tunnels have been built throughout the state. As these high tunnels are being constructed many producers have questions. It is a new growing system for them and therefore it is imperative to offer educational training to help them succeed.

A team of extension personnel worked together to create an area High Tunnel Education Series. University of Kentucky Extension Specialist from three different departments that were hosted in four different counties. Allen, Barren, Metcalfe, and Monroe County Extension agents worked together to host the four sessions in the fall of 2018. The sessions were: Disease Management and Fungicide Use in Kentucky High Tunnels, Soil Testing and Fertilizer Inputs in High Tunnels, High Tunnel Crops and Cultivars, and Arthropod Management in High Tunnels.

Surveys showed that seven different counties were represented during the series. Participants indicated they heard about the series from extension newsletters, social media outlets, or word of mouth via friends. Over the course of the series 22 different people attended at least one or all of the sessions. There were 17 participants that already had high tunnels, 15 of which were funded though the EQIP. The high tunnels had been in production ranging from one month to six years. Most participants were still learning and showed great appreciation for the series. Many have since requested more classes on topics such as crop diversification, soil fertility, integrated pest management, marketing, record keeping and management, and best practices being used by other producers.