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. It is a new growing system for them and therefore it is imperative to offer educational training to help them succeed.

With so many producers and hobby farmers inquiring about this program and utilization of unheated high tunnels, three Mammoth Cave Area Extension Counties partnered: Metcalfe, Barren, and Monroe Counties - to offer this high tunnel production and farm tour program on May 3rd, 2018 at the Metcalfe County Cooperative Extension Service office. 

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 Monroe ANR Agent attended a high tunnel construction workshop on Aug. 27-29, 2019 at the UK South Farm, and a follow-up training at the site on March 12, 2020. 

The reporting agent constructed a 30’ x 96” high tunnel on his farm in December of 2019 through the EQIP program utilizing $9,600 in cost share funds. Strawberries will be planted utilizing plastic and drip tape in the high tunnel in September 2020. Educational events and hands-on activities will be held there so clientele can gain first-hand knowledge of production practices and high-tunnel management.