A hands-on training event series for small-scale and urban farmers with Howard Allen of Faithfull Farms in Chapel Hill, NC, and RAFI’s Conservation Resources for Resilient Farms.
This is the first of several “on-farm intensives” offered by a partnership between Faithfull Farms and RAFI called Conservation Resources for Resilient Farms. We’re excited to provide this opportunity to producers trying to enhance their vegetable crop production!
This on-farm intensive is about High Tunnel Preparation and Construction, particularly the “caterpillar tunnel” model that helps farmers extend their production season, reduce pest damage, resist disease, and control rainfall’s effect on crops grown at an affordable rate. A high tunnel can increase income and farm viability, but there are a lot of potential pitfalls. Seasoned farmer Howard Allen will teach about high tunnel considerations and preparation and will lead a team through constructing a caterpillar-style high tunnel. This event will also kick off a series geared toward teaching new and beginning farmers all they need to know about high tunnel production.
Capacity is limited, so please register here in advance!
Date: October 28, 2024
Time: 9AM – 4PM
Location: Chapel Hill, NC. The exact location to be shared after registration.
At this event, participants will learn:
- Variations in high tunnel/caterpillar tunnel models and cost-share opportunities to reduce the cost of purchasing this infrastructure
- Site preparation for a high-tunnel structure, including decisions about soil tillage
- How to construct a “caterpillar tunnel” in a single day.
(Upcoming on-farm intensive events will teach crop planning and rotation, the profitability of single versus multiple crops, pest and disease considerations, how to improve soil health and transition between seasons, etc.)
Who is this event for?
- Small-scale/urban farmers and market gardeners who are in their first or early years of production
- Established farmers who are new to high tunnel production
- Aspiring farmers who have the ability to plant and market a crop between 2024 and 2025
- Farmers who have already applied to NRCS or been approved by NRCS for High tunnel “cost-share” assistance or plan to apply in 2024-2025.
Are children allowed?
Do you have young children who would need to attend with you? Children are welcome to attend, but please note that this will be a construction site with some light power tools in operation, such as drills, and other heavy tools will be used. All attendees will need to sign a liability waiver on their and their children’s behalf.
Schedule Overview:
Morning: registration, beginning Instruction, beginning construction
Afternoon: Lunch provided by Faithfull Farms, construction, wrap-up and evaluation
(precise times to be announced soon)
Any questions or issues with registration?
Contact Jaimie McGirt, Agriculture Conservation Manager, [email protected]
984.282.6047