Success StoryHigh Tunnels for the Highlands
High Tunnels for the Highlands
Author: Shad Baker
Planning Unit: Letcher County CES
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Plan of Work: Grow It Local and Reap the Harvest
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Most folks recognize that arable land is at a premium in some parts of the Commonwealth. This fact forces those interested in agriculture to focus on specialty crops that use small parcels of land. Kentucky has a long history in high tunnels, and the recent explosion of interest in these season extenders has caused many in our region to give consideration to this production option. The Letcher County Extension service partnered with NRCS and GROW Appalachia to offer educational materials, workshops and cost-share programs for clientele interested in getting their own high tunnels. Extension then hosted a television program to let viewers see crop options and the basics of producing in a high tunnel. Next we offered classes for adults and youth that allowed them to grow their own cole crops (cabbage, broccoli), leafy greens (lettuce, spinach) and herbs. The thought being that if they saw what was involved, they might pursue their own structure. Afterwards, we hosted the High Tunnel Webinar series taught by UK specialists Racheal Rudolph, Shawn Wright and others. This was to look at the economics of various non-traditional crops and differing production regimes (such as organic production). As a result of the programs, thirteen (13) new tunnels have been installed in the county and others are planned for 2020. Among the crops being produced in county high tunnels are tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, heirloom beans, cucumbers and cabbage. The seasons have been extended for growers and customers alike, capturing higher prices by beating the competition to market.
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