233 S Dade Ave
Ferguson, MO 63135
Topic: High Tunnel 101: Extending the Season to Maximize Production
There’s an untapped demand for local farm products from late fall through early spring. With the right infrastructure and management, you can have year-round production to fill that gap and secure high-value sales during what’s traditionally considered the “off season”. Join us at EarthDance Organic Farm School as Jena Hood walks us through how to get the most out of season extension using high tunnel production with organic practices. We’ll go over the basics, from getting your high tunnel set up to year-round management, with specialized production for each season.
Light snacks and refreshments will be available following the Field Day.
Field Day Highlights
- Choosing a size and location for your structure
- Important site preparation
- Installation
- Irrigation considerations and management
- Incorporating cover crops for soil health
- Insect, pest, and disease control
- Managing summer heat
- Early spring and extended winter practices and production
About Jena Hood:
Jena is an organic farmer and educator rooted in Ferguson, Missouri. They first came to EarthDance Organic Farm School as an apprentice in 2018 and now serve as Director of Agriculture & Education after several years of working in farm and education leadership roles. At EarthDance, Jena helps steward the farm as both a place of nourishment and a space for learning. They have helped implement 6 conservation practices with the help of NRCS programs.
NRCS Programs:
NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers integrate conservation practices into their operations. The High Tunnel Initiative, part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, provides producers financial assistance to construct high tunnels for the purposes of extending the growing season, improving plant quality and soil quality, improving air quality through reduced transportation inputs, and reduce energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce.
Microgrants:
Farmers who attend this Field Day are eligible to apply for a microgrant.
Known & Grown will provide reimbursement up to $1000 to cover or offset expenses related to implementing season extension or improvements to current systems. Examples of allowable expenses include low hoops with row cover, cold frames, caterpillar tunnels, or high tunnels. Please note, if you are already receiving funds through the NRCS for your season extension project, you may be ineligible for this microgrant. Microgrant recipients may request a 30-minute phone conversation with farmer Jena Hood to discuss their project. Limited in-person/on-site consultation for project implementation may be available. Additional details will be provided during the event, and a link will be shared via email for all attendees following the event.
All Known & Grown Field Days occur rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and the terrain. Many Field Days include walking through tall grasses or fields, on uneven or muddy surfaces, around equipment and in a range of weather conditions.
We recommend that you bring:
- Close-toed shoes (comfortable for walking)
- Sun protection (cap or hat, sunscreen)
- Water bottle
- Rain jacket or poncho (depending on the forecast)
- Personal snacks (While we will try to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions, we cannot guarantee this at every event.)
- Your family (Children are welcome with adults! Please be mindful of the potential dangers on a working farm, including electric fence, difficult terrain, animals and equipment.)
Please DO NOT bring:
- Dogs or other pets (service dogs, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are permitted)
- Professional camera or recording equipment, photos for personal use are acceptable
- Promotional materials or solicitations, unless you are invited to do so
Parking:
A gravel parking lot is available at the main entrance to EarthDance Organic Farm School
Restrooms:
A porta-potty will be available on site
Mobility, Accessibility, & Other Considerations:
- You will experience uneven surfaces for walking.
- Rain prior to the event may cause the ground to be muddy.
- Collapsible stools are available for mobile seating.
- Cooling neck fans are available for temperature regulation.
- For larger crowds, a mic and portable speaker will be used.
Children:
Children are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian. Note in your registration if you intend to bring any kids along.
Questions?
Please contact Serena: Serena@GatewayFarmers.org or 314.561.7010 Ext 2
The Field Day series is supported by:
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines
Field Day Registration
Please fill out a separate registration for each adult attending.