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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] high Tunnels

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  • From: "frank ventura" <frank.dragonflyfarms AT gmail.com>
  • To: "'Market Farming'" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] high Tunnels
  • Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:16:32 -0400

Bill,

 

We do purchase the additional cross ties every other bow.  Mostly to have a support for our tomato trellis, but it also adds to the structural integrity of the house.

 

For years we watched other farms in the area just let the snow pile up on their houses and wondered if we were overdoing it by removing the snow after each storm.  This year we learned that we were not, as many of the other houses collapsed.  But then again what’s the cost of a couple hours after each storm versus the cost of replacing a house once every ten years?   I think the financial analysis would prove to be in our favor and we will continue to remove snow, especially if the timing of the collapse/rebuild resulted in a loss of production.

 

 

Frank Ventura

Dragonfly Farms

www.dragonfly-farms.com

 

 

 

From: market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of William H Shoemaker
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 8:03 AM
To: 'Market Farming'
Subject: Re: [Market-farming] high Tunnels

 

This discussion reminds me to ask if anyone has special strategies they employ in their tunnels to improve the structural strength of the frames?

 

Bill

William H. Shoemaker

Sr. Research Specialist, Food Crops

University of Illinois - Crop Sciences

St Charles Horticulture Research Center

535 Randall Road, St Charles, IL, 60174

630-584-7254, FAX-584-4610

wshoemak AT illinois.edu


From: market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of frank ventura
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 6:55 AM
To: 'Market Farming'
Subject: Re: [Market-farming] high Tunnels

 

Kathy,

 

We have a  Xsmith New Englander 27x48, a Ledgewood 30x96, and a Ledgewood 21x120.  Neither were affected by the storms we had this winter in Massachusetts, while many in our immediate area collapsed.  We are on the NH border and got a lot of heavy wet snow also.   We too are very diligent about cleaning off the top and sides after each snow storm.

 

I recommend Ledgewood frames to everyone I know.  Ed Person who runs the operation and builds the frames is a farmer also and specifically designs his houses to withstand the snow loads in NH.  They also come standard with high sidewalls.  He is very helpful, delivers, and has a crew that can do the installation for a reasonable price.

 

Check them out:

http://www.ledgewoodfarm.com/

 

 

Frank Ventura

Dragonfly Farms

www.dragonfly-farms.com

 

 

 

 

 

From: market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of somersfarm AT dishmail.net
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 7:43 AM
To: 'Market Farming'
Subject: [Market-farming] high Tunnels

 

Hi there,

During the last snow storm a few weeks ago we lost two 30 x 80 High Tunnels.  Such a devastating blow to our business!  We absolutely have to replace one of them this year in order to somewhat function.  I am wondering for those of you who live in high snow and high wind areas, where you purchased your high tunnels.  We were so diligent to clean the snow off the tops and sides throughout each snow storm, but the last storm was heavy wet snow that came overnight.  Thanks ahead for any help you can be.

 

Kathy Somers

Somers Family Farm

Barnet, VT  05821

visit us on www.facebook.com/somersfamilyfarmstand

 

 




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