Case Studies of Various Funding Support for Sustainable Local Food Systems in Midwest Communities

Th is case study is part of a profile series on funding strategies of local food systems in the Midwest

Pre-Feasibility Business Models for High Tunnel Production and Light Processing/Accumulation

This report, prepared for the March 2009 Final Report of Tunnels to Tables, explains business models for high tunnel production

The benefits and challenges of machinery sharing among small-scale fruit and vegetable growers

We worked with five groups of Iowa farmers who shared different pieces of machinery. Under our mentoring, each group developed sharing agreements; some groups continue to share equipment and other inputs. In this paper, we provide an overview of the project and case studies of machinery sharing as well as summarize the benefits and challenges faced by growers during the first year in machinery-sharing arrangements. Our results suggest that in addition to allowing growers to cost-effectively access specialized equipment and improve their labor efficiency, sharing can provide other benefits, including improved access to skilled labor, reduced risk, and idea sharing among peer groups of like-minded individuals. Commonly cited concerns with machinery-sharing arrangements, including having access to the equipment when most needed, can be alleviated with careful advanced planning and open communication

Scaling Up Fruit and Vegetable Production: Is Machinery Sharing a Possibility?

Abstract Interest in local food is growing among consumers and small-scale farmers, as evidenced by the significant increase in the number of farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture arrangements, and food hubs, in the last ten years. To meet the demand for locally grown fruits and vegetables, many small-scale farmers are considering scaling up their production. However, to remain profitable they need to balance production with increased labor costs and the need for specialized machinery. A study conducted in Iowa worked with five groups of farmers who shared different pieces of machinery. With help from the researchers, they developed sharing agreements and continue to share equipment and other inputs. This article provides an overview of the benefits and challenges of machinery sharing as well as provides practical considerations for growers who may want to form a machinery-sharing arrangement

Vegetable Production Budgets for a High Tunnel

Figure high tunnel profitability for vegetable production with the systems and budgets described in this publication. The information is based on the detailed production records of five farmers growing crops such as bell peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, herbs, lettuce, and tomatoes.https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/extension_pubs/1015/thumbnail.jp

Rainwater Catchment from a High Tunnel for Irrigation Use

Make high tunnels more profitable for crop production by installing a system to catch, store, and reuse the rainwater from periodic rain events. The authors describe system components, give approximate costs, and detail year-round maintenance procedures. Also described is a drip irrigation system.https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/extension_pubs/1016/thumbnail.jp

Tunnels to tables: High tunnel production and distribution model for produce

High tunnel facilities offer a production alternative for specialty crop farmers, but also require a new set of management skills and tactics