By Scout Nelson
In South Dakota, tunnel farming is helping farmers extend their growing season by nearly four months, allowing them to produce high-quality vegetables even during cold winter months.
Using above-ground, plastic-covered structures called tunnels, farmers can trap sunlight and heat to create ideal growing conditions.
At Cedar Creek Gardens near Murdo, partners Peggy Martin and Bud Manke were among the first in the state to adopt tunnel farming in the early 2000s. What began as a small project to grow food for their families has grown into a large specialty farm west of the Missouri River.
Their tunnels, some as large as 200 feet long, enable the production of fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions, kale, and more from March through December.
Unlike greenhouses, tunnel farms grow crops directly in the soil and use ground-level watering. The method improves efficiency and reduces input costs while producing nutrient-rich, blemish-free vegetables. Farmers can harvest premium produce like crisp peppers and firm tomatoes even when temperatures outside drop below freezing.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) supports tunnel farming through its Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). The program offers up to 75 percent financial assistance to farmers interested in installing tunnels.
According to Rachel Lawton, South Dakota’s urban conservationist, the tunnels are ideal for specialty or small-scale farmers looking to diversify and protect crops from frost, wind, and pests.
However, Lawton cautions that tunnels require careful maintenance and experience. Despite challenges, interest in tunnel farming is growing steadily across the state, with farmers recognizing its value in improving productivity, profitability, and sustainability in South Dakota’s agriculture industry.
Photo Credit: pexels-pragyan-bezbaruah
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Sustainable Agriculture, Weather