2017 ASHS Annual Conference

The semi-arid Texas High Plains is a region where agronomic and horticultural crops are grown under many adverse weather events including large hail, heavy rain, high winds, and dust storms, and with soil pH ranging from 7.3 – 8.2. The Ogallala Aquifer provides a source for irrigation, though there has been a steady decline in the level over the past several decades. Large-scale commercial vegetable production continues to decline due to these adverse conditions and long distance transportation costs; however, small farm and local production is on the rise. Many small farm producers are interested in high tunnels to mitigate potential weather risks and increase production and quality of their produce. High tunnel purchases have increased significantly over the past 7 years; however, not without significant issues including crop selection and rotation, heat stress, labor issues and high tunnel costs, maintenance, and repairs. High tunnel production is relatively new to the High Plains, and preliminary results suggest that growers without high tunnels understand their benefits, but there is hesitancy to purchase tunnels due to increased risk of costs, labor, and risk of damage to the structure and plastic cover from high winds and hail. Additionally, a high percentage of non-high tunnel producers require more information prior to making the decision to purchase a high tunnel. Other survey results will be presented on grower’s perceptions of the benefits and pitfalls of high tunnel production on the Texas High Plains.