Final report for ENE20-163
Project Information
Problem & Justification:
The Guyan and Monongahela Conservation Districts had over 150 new high tunnel producers. Most of these growers had not found the most efficient or profitable crop selections for local markets. Moreover, the growers were not organized into cohesive producer or marketing groups. There is a viable market for winter leafy greens in West Virginia based on the results from a previous SARE Partnership Project. We predicted training a team of USDA-NRCS, Extension and Agricultural Science personnel who interacted with high tunnel producers in both districts would result in expanded winter leafy green production and stronger grower organization. The training program in these two conservation districts would serve as a template for further training across West Virginia.
Solution & Approach:
We trained a team of educators, service providers, and grower learning partners to guide new specialty crop high tunnel growers on production and marketing of winter leafy greens in two conservation districts. Asset mapping determined market opportunities within each district. Creation of agricultural leaders through cooperative training programs were incorporated into the production and marketing topics. This professional development project connected new growers with USDA-NRCS personnel and Agricultural Extension Agents and created a coalition of learners and trainers that expanded winter production and marketing of leafy greens. Training was a combination of hands-on learning at farms, in-classroom lectures and demonstrations, as well as one-on-one interactions. To aid in the project, 8 educational tools were developed including newsletters, high tunnel crop scheduling guide, sequential planting case study, salinity management article, and site prep for a moveable high tunnel presentation.
Milestones:
Building on the output from complementary SARE grant projects in West Virginia during the past 10 years, we created an education and training program within each conservation district. Growers were trained by the participants of this project on Best Management Practices for winter leafy green production and marketing. By the end of the professional development project, additional growers within each targeted conservation district were growing and marketing winter leafy greens. Agriculture Service Providers within each district who received training on winter leafy green high tunnel production and marketing used the skills and resources acquired through the training to assist in the establishment of new winter leafy green producers. As a result of working with the agricultural service providers on this project, we saw a significant increase in the number of soil samples submitted. Agricultural service providers reported a 2-point increase on a 5-point scale in KSAs related to high tunnel soil health, IPM in high tunnels, transition from summer to fall crops, and high tunnel fertility. These participants also indicated intent to use what was gained in their educational and service activities.
USDA-NRCS personnel, West Virginia University Extension, West Virginia State University Extension, and Agricultural Science Instructors will join with grower learning partners in 2 Conservation Districts in West Virginia for collaborative learning. The project will identify regional assets, train 30 service providers to provide advice or demonstration on winter high tunnel leafy green production and marketing to 100 farmers, increasing their knowledge, while establishing 8 new producers, and increasing soil sample submissions by 50 producers.
The Guyan and Monongahela Conservation Districts within West Virginia have a significant number of new and inexperienced high tunnel specialty crop producers. The Guyan region is in southwest West Virginia and has the potential to produce a significant quantity of fresh produce during the winter season. The Monongahela District is a northern, higher elevation district with numerous high tunnels. Both regions have relatively similar demographics being mostly rural with access to urban markets including a higher education institution employer. Previous high tunnel workshops and consultations with growers in each district have revealed some of the significant limitations to expanded local food production. Growers identified specific production problems such as fertilization, crop selection and sequential scheduling in addition to market identification and access as major limitations to productivity (L. Jett, 2019). The USDA-NRCS and West Virginia University Extension partnered within each region to provide 1-2 training events per year, with a more focused, hands-on and interactive training program. Both districts, although separated by over 200 miles of hills and valleys, have similar problems and opportunities.
Surveys and conversations with the District Conservationists revealed that high tunnel crop growers in both regions were not using the high tunnel structures for winter production. There is a strong demand for winter leafy greens in both regions of the state for winter farmers markets, CSA’s, local restaurants, correctional facilities, school districts and hospitals. Winter leafy greens can be a challenge since they cannot stored for long periods of time. Therefore, calibration with demand is very important.
A previous SARE Partnership grant in West Virginia successfully identified Best Management Practices for year-round leafy green production for institutional sales to hospitals and schools. West Virginia University Extension Educators and USDA-NRCS staff have close interactions with most high tunnel specialty crop producers in both districts. We conducted detailed, interactive training with Extension, NRCS and select, hand-picked grower learning partners.
In West Virginia, there is research-based data for profitable high tunnel crop selections (Jett, 2017), which is most successful through the adoption of Best Management Practices such as crop selection and scheduling for year-round production that is driven by markets. Based on asset mapping in each district, we established demand for winter leafy greens. Winter production is challenging, but previous SARE-funded research has identified optimal cultivars, plant density, planting dates, fertilization, pest management and harvesting practices for many leafy green crops.
This research was provided to USDA personnel, WVU Extension Educators, WVSU Ag. Agents and specific growers in each region who will serve as leaders and educators for other growers in each district. Surveys revealed an interest in maintaining soil health within the high tunnel. The WVU Soil Testing Lab received less than 30 samples per year from high tunnel producers in the Guyan District (Basden, 2019) prior to this project. A previous SARE cover crop project in West Virginia, “Evaluation and Demonstration of Cover Crops for Specialty Crop Production Systems in West Virginia: High Tunnels and Open-Field Systems” identified the benefits of cover crops within high tunnels. Expanded use of WVU soil testing services including organic matter and soluble salt testing was encouraged among the trainees.
Cooperators
- (Educator and Researcher)
- (Educator and Researcher)
- (Educator and Researcher)
- (Educator and Researcher)
Educational Approach
The first 6-9 months of the project involved asset mapping and surveying within each district to identify high tunnels, commercial greenhouses, farm supply stores, commercial kitchens/copackers, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, restaurants, schools, correctional facilities and hospitals, that were willing to purchase local food. WVU Extension Agents and Educators who are members of the Extension Local Foods and Horticulture Team assisted with collecting data. An accurate quantification of retail and wholesale demand for winter greens was determined before initiating training in Fall 2020.
For training in each region, the training group included the USDA-NRCS District Conservationist (DC) and 5-10 field staff; WVU Agriculture Extension Agents and Educators from counties in the district; members of the WVU Extension Local Foods and Horticulture Team; West Virginia State University Agriculture Agents affiliated with the districts; and 4-6 established and innovative grower learning partners. Each DC chose the field staff and had input on growers who will be co-learners in the program. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture hired a Horticulture Specialist that worked with high tunnel growers in southern West Virginia. This individual was a trainer and trainee within the program. At least one grower educator from the 2008 SARE PDP Grant served as an instructor for this training. Four successful high tunnel leafy green producers: grower-educators Joyce Shafer, Terry Hudson, Tommye Rafes and Mary Oldham assisted with training. A listserv among trainees was created and used to communicate with other members.
New names were added to the listserv as the trainers conducted their own educational programs and farm visits.
Training was a combination of hands-on learning at farms, in-classroom lectures and demonstrations, webinars as well as one-on-one interactions. The focus of the training was winter season leafy green production. Our hypothesis was that if growers can conquer production and marketing in the off-season, year-round marketing will ensue, filling the overall void in local food throughout the year. Topics covered included: soil health, nutrient management, irrigation management, cultivar selection, sequential planting, whole farm planning, cooperative development, leafy green IPM, temperature/humidity management, supplemental lighting and heating, harvest and postharvest handling, food safety packaging and marketing.
Training participants were surveyed after each training event. The West Virginia High Tunnel Manual was provided to each trainee as a hard copy and digital resource. In the Monongahela District, WVU high tunnels were used for demonstration of winter leafy green production. In the Guyan District, one or more of the grower-educators hosted demonstration trials each year.
Farm operations were identified for demonstrations and crops were established for Spring and Summer on-farm demonstrations.
Milestones
30 farmers and service providers participate in asset mapping: surveying will happen within each district to identify high tunnels, commercial greenhouses, farm supply stores, commercial kitchens/copackers, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, restaurants, schools, correctional facilities and hospitals, which are willing to purchase local food. A spreadsheet is developed in the process, and participants begin to use it.
6
30
5
36
December 01, 2020
Completed
December 04, 2020
An initial survey of all high tunnel growers across West Virginia has been completed as of December 2020. There are also multiple working asset maps that have been developed to track the information for this milestone.
"First Adopters" were identified and given cover crop seed as well as a starter supply of winter crop planting material.
Using the resources identified in the asset mapping completed by the Fall of 2020, one training (hands-on learning at farms, in-classroom lectures and demonstrations, webinars as well as one-on-one interactions) event per month will commence from August 2020 through Spring 2023 in the Conservation Districts with 30 Agriculture Service Providers, growers, and Agricultural Science faculty. Participants complete surveys to measure knowledge change from the trainings in the following topics related to winter leafy greens: soil health, nutrient management, irrigation management, cultivar selection, sequential planting, whole farm planning, cooperative development, leafy green IPM, temperature/humidity management, supplemental lighting and heating, harvest and post-harvest handling, food safety packaging and Market Ready Producer Training.
6
30
5
36
March 01, 2023
Completed
November 01, 2023
1/2023 report - We have been conducting hands-on training at host farm locations that allow our cooperators to engage in demonstrations. Our workshops allow for technical service providers in addition to some lead growers, which has created great synergy of experiences and input from all parties.
We were able to conduct hands-on trainings in northern and southern portions of the state with fairly equal representation of participants in each location. The topics varied each time and we rotated high tunnels locations to show how high tunnels are used at different farm. We were able to see a significant increase in KSAs by participants according to survey feedback. Participants completed surveys to measure knowledge change from the trainings in the following topics related to winter leafy greens: soil health, nutrient management, irrigation management, cultivar selection, sequential planting, whole farm planning, cooperative development, leafy green IPM, temperature/humidity management, supplemental lighting and heating, including the integration of renewable energy, post-harvest handling, and marketing opportunities.
20 Agriculture Service Providers, including USDA-NRCS, WVU Agriculture Extension Agents and WVSU Agents, and Grower learner Partners complete surveys which indicate an increase in skill, knowledge and contact with high tunnel growers and production and marketing practices.
6
20
5
36
March 01, 2023
Completed
November 01, 2023
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hands-on workshops have not been conducted yet for the program, so no participant survey data has been collected yet.
1/2023 report - We have been conducting hands-on training at host farm locations that allow our cooperators to engage in demonstrations. Our workshops allow for technical service providers in addition to some lead growers, which has created great synergy of experiences and input from all parties.
Based on feedback from our pre- and post-test surveys, as a result of the workshops hosted thus far, knowledge has increased on average by a factor of 2 on a 5-point Likert scale.
We were able to conduct hands-on trainings in northern and southern portions of the state with fairly equal participation in each location. The topics varied each time, and related to production and marketing practices. According to survey feedback, we were able to see a significant increase in KSAs by participants, including USDA-NRCS, WVU Agriculture Extension Agents and West Virginia State University Agents, and grower learner partners. Marketing topics varied based on the experiences of the host farmer. Our presenters included topics on how producers can work as cooperatives to enhance marketing efficiency.
6 established and innovative grower learning partners gain 6 student interns via Agricultural Science instructors who facilitate high tunnel production in each district by hosting educational trainings, and connecting growers to schools.
6
30
1
1
March 01, 2023
Completed
November 01, 2023
We hope to have Agricultural Science instructor and student involvement starting in Fall 2021 when schools are having face-to-face classes.
We did not see the level of interest from Ag Science teachers that was initially hoped for, but we did see interest from other people within the school system in purchasing leafy greens from farmers in the future.
10 growers join the high tunnel educational listserv each year.
30
30
272
36
March 01, 2023
Completed
November 01, 2023
This high tunnel listserv was created in 2020. It started with an initial 112 participants and as of January 2021 has 184 grower emails.
As of the end of the project, there are more than 270 emails that have been added to the high tunnel listserv.
Service Provider trainees will receive a High Tunnel Leafy Green Production Manual which will include planting schedules for specific leafy green crops. Agricultural service provider trainees will receive a complete set of resource materials including fact sheets, guides, videos, PowerPoint presentations and case studies to share with farmers to further train, advise, and consult within their district or region.
6
30
180
36
October 01, 2021
Completed
November 01, 2023
Materials will be given out later in 2021 when we begin workshops.
Materials have been given out during multiple workshops over 2022.
180 High Tunnel Leafy Green Production Manuals have been distributed as a result of this project, in addition to other resource materials.
25 soil samples will be submitted by high tunnel producers in each district and results will be interpreted. Follow up surveys completed 3-6 months after trainings will indicate that 50% of growers used soil test results to make soil management decisions in their high tunnels.
50
30
120
36
March 01, 2023
Completed
November 01, 2023
So far 16 soil samples have been taken to test for electrical conductivity and an organic matter analysis for trainee participants.
Our Conservation District partners have been happy with soil test participation. They have given feedback that there has been an increase of 110% in samples submitted for electrical conductivity and an organic matter analysis over the last five years from 2017 - 2022, with a 40% increase in the past two years.
The Preston Growers Cooperative will increase membership by 4 growers by the completion of this project. In the Guyan District, 4 new producers will grow and learn how to market cooperatively from the Preston Growers Cooperative.
8
15
5
36
March 01, 2023
Completed
November 01, 2023
The Preston Growers Cooperative dissolved before the project officially started, partly due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Growers in the Guyan District have been identified as potential members for a grower group. We are working with the Cooperative Development Center within The Ohio State University on education to support the group.
Our partners at the Cooperative Development Center within The Ohio State University participated in a couple of our hands-on educational workshops to educate on the benefits of cooperatives as a learning objective.
12 agricultural Service Providers will have worked to establish 8 new producers of winter leafy greens by the completion of the project. The Agricultural Service Providers will help the new growers to track the number of buyers and sales records over time to evaluate whether they are meeting market demand.
8
12
32
15
March 01, 2023
Completed
November 01, 2023
1/2023 report - agricultural service provider trainings happened in 2022 and connections have been made to producers.
Final report - Agricultural Service Providers have seen the numbers of new producers grow, especially in the southern portion of the state, now there are 32 local farmers that engage in leafy green and specialty crop sales. These farmers are selling through farmers markets, restaurants, farm to school, hospitals, and CSAs. While we have seen the growth of producers, they are not able to meet the large market demand.
Milestone Activities and Participation Summary
Educational activities and events conducted by the project team:
Participants in the project’s educational activities:
Learning Outcomes
Our team conducted pre- and post- surveys as well as quizzes before and after workshops to test a KSA change.
As a direct result of this workshop, knowledge increased by 2 points on a 5 point Likert scale on the following topics:
- Soil Heath in High Tunnels
- IPM in High Tunnels
- Transition from summer to fall crops
- High Tunnel Fertility
Performance Target Outcomes
Performance Target Outcomes - Service Providers
Target #1
30
30 agricultural service providers will provide advice or demonstration on winter high tunnel leafy green production and marketing to 100 farmers, increasing their knowledge.
100
36
180
Target #2
12
12 Agricultural Service Providers will work to establish 8 new winter leafy green producers matching market demand.
8
36
32
Target #3
30
50 High tunnel producers will submit soil samples as a result of working with agricultural service providers.
50
36
120
- 8 Curricula, factsheets and other educational tools
- 2 On-farm demonstrations
- 10 Workshops/field days
Some Pre and post surveys
Exit surveys for knowledge, attitudes, skills
Performance Target Outcomes - Farmers
Additional Project Outcomes
Due to the increased interest in the use of high tunnels by producers around the state and the need for USDA NRCS staff to understand how to better support these growers, a $60,000 grant from NRCS has been awarded for additional service provider education in tandem with the SARE PD grant. This grant will support additional workshops surrounding water quality topics for high tunnel producers.
With the interest in using local foods by the state school system, a $700,000 Farm to School grant was awarded to the WV Department of Education, which is building upon our marketing to schools workshop that combines high tunnel production by producers, high tunnel production by schools, and selling leafy greens to schools. As a result of this workshop, new collaborations were established, which will continue on under the new Farm to School funding.
To determine where our main grower participants are in their knowledge level, we conducted a "First Adopter" High Tunnel Producer Survey. There are significant knowledge gaps in winter production scheduling and crop management, marketing, pest management and irrigation. Growers didn't explicitly mention fertility, but this is an implied need as well that the project can address. Survey of High Tunnel Producers-Jan 2022
Information Products
- Site Prep for a Moveable High Tunnel In a Changing Climate (Conference/Presentation Material)
- Salinity Management in High Tunnel Systems (Article/Newsletter/Blog)
- WV News and Views: Partners in Conservation Newsletter (Article/Newsletter/Blog)
- 2023-24 High Tunnel Crop Scheduling in West Virginia (Decision-making Tool, Manual/Guide)
- Case Study: Sequential Planting Options at New Roots Community Farm, Fayette County, WV (Conference/Presentation Material)