Join New Entry and UMass Extension for a tour of Gaining Ground Farm, focusing on the benefits and techniques of growing under cover. This workshop is designed to help farmers reduce production risks and increase the efficiency of their farming operations through the use of covered growing structures.
Presentations:
- Farm Tour: Explore Gaining Ground Farm’s innovative use of various covered growing structures, including five high tunnels (one of which is a rolling tunnel), ten caterpillar tunnels, two heated greenhouses, and row cover tunnels. See firsthand how these structures support year-round farming and enhance crop quality.
- Risk Management Strategies: Kari Bender - Gaining Ground Farm Co-manager, will share her extensive experience with different plastic structures, including high tunnels, low tunnels, and caterpillar tunnels. Learn how these structures can mitigate production, financial, and marketing risks.
- Pest and Weed Management: Susan Scheufele, Production Agriculture Team Leader at UMass Extension, will provide training on identifying and managing pests and weeds on your farm. Learn about effective pest exclusion netting and receive handouts on managing common winter pests.
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.