High Tunnels Are Focus of Upcoming Short Course

Ajay Nair
Extension Commercial Horticulture Specialist
515-294-7080
nairajay@iastate.edu

Produce growers will learn from researchers and experienced high tunnel farmers

A high tunnel short course will be held at Reiman Gardens on the Iowa State University campus Nov. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is the third year for the course, which is designed to highlight production and management of several high tunnel crops, while providing information on economics and marketing aspects of high tunnel crop production.

The course will also provide an update on the status of high tunnel research across the Midwest.

The keynote speaker will be Matt Kleinhenz, associate professor in horticulture and crop science at The Ohio State University, with many years of experience working on vegetable production in high tunnel systems. His work focuses on cultivar selection, crop and soil management and fertility, season extension and improving profitability in high tunnels.

Mike and Melanie Seals, from Country Roads Produce, of Moravia, Iowa, will share experiences from their seven high tunnels, where they grow produce for farmers’ markets.

T.D. Holub, from Garden Oasis Farm, of Independence, Iowa, farms with his wife and they raise vegetables, free-range eggs and pasture-raised chickens on about eight acres. Products are marketed through a CSA, at farmers’ markets in Independence and Iowa City, and to local schools, grocery stores and businesses.

Justin Glisan, Iowa’s state climatologist, will share information about how climate and its impact on specialty crop industry in Iowa.

This event is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture’s North Central SARE Professional Development Program.

The short course aims to:

• Highlight the importance of crop, environment and soil management for vegetable production in high tunnels.
• Provide a platform to share resources, knowledge and expertise in the area of high tunnel vegetable production.
• Connect growers, agricultural educators, extension staff and industry personnel working in high tunnels and in the area of local foods.

The event will be held inside the Garden Room at Reiman Gardens, 1407 S University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011.

Online registration is required and is requested by Oct. 31.

– Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

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