SDSU extension offers hands-on high tunnel training

By Scout Nelson

In response to a growing interest in high tunnels among South Dakota farmers, SDSU Extension held a high tunnel building workshop in May. Funded by a USDA grant, the workshop provided participants with hands-on experience constructing a high tunnel at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research field.

High tunnels are cost-effective alternatives to greenhouses, allowing growers to extend their growing season and improve product quality. Unlike greenhouses, plants in high tunnels are grown directly in the soil.

"The number of vegetable farms in South Dakota is increasing, but farm sizes are decreasing," says Kristine Lang, an SDSU Extension specialist. "High tunnels can help these smaller farms diversify and grow more intensively."

The workshop offered participants the opportunity to help build a high tunnel, gaining practical experience in the process. Local farmer Dirk Campbell, who uses high tunnels on his own farm, served as a resource for participants.

Campbell highlighted the benefits of high tunnels, including improved moisture control, increased sunlight exposure, and earlier heat units for faster crop growth. He also emphasized the protection high tunnels provide from wind damage.

While Campbell typically repurposes used greenhouse structures for his high tunnels, the workshop offered the opportunity to work with new materials. Once construction is complete, the high tunnel will be used for research on plant growth in these controlled environments.

Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university