CEDAR RAPIDS — Buying local produce is becoming a growing trend in the Midwest, but what happens when winter sets in?
The answer varies with each operation, but fresh produce is typically limited in Iowa during this time. However, the cold months allow time for many farms to plan for the upcoming year — ordering seed, buying equipment and doing construction.
Following a winter storm in December, Ben Saunders spent the morning clearing snow at his certified organic farm in Granger in Central Iowa.
“My high tunnel made it,” he says with a grin.
This past fall, Saunders started construction on the first of two new high tunnels being added to the 20-acre Wabi Sabi Farm.
He says he only had a single layer of plastic on the building and was worried the snow and high winds from the storm might damage the $10,000 building.
He says high tunnels are used to extend the growing season primarily because they offer better climate and insect control compared to crops grown outside. The polycarbonate sides roll up to allow more ventilation when needed.
“I think high tunnels provide a really great environment for plants to grow,” Saunders says, but adds they can also provide a great environment for insects to live if not monitored properly.
He plans to rotate crops in the high tunnels once they are operational to try to avoid issues of disease and soil nutrient depletion.
Saunders works year round, as he is currently growing garlic, but he says winter is slower for business because most crops are planted and harvested in warmer months.
He usually begins planting in February and wraps up harvest in November, but the unseasonably warm winter so far allowed him to expand a bit into December.
FROM HIS 20-acre farm outside Cedar Rapids, Bob Vanous of Morgan Creek Markets says rotating crops through his four high tunnels and seven greenhouses has been beneficial to his business, allowing him to produce crops of high quality and quantity.
“Our weather has changed so much,” he says, “but I control all of that in the high tunnels.”
Vanous grows varieties of asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet corn, lettuce, onions and kohlrabi.
“When stuff is in season, they (customers) buy it all,” he says. “We usually close right after Halloween. But we’ve gotten more done outside (this year) because of the ‘extended fall,’ you might say.”
By the end of January, he says they will begin the process of replanting the greenhouses.
One thing Saunders enjoys most in winter is having time to attend conferences and meetings for growers in the industry.
“I go to a lot of conferences just to learn,” he says.
The meetings give him new ideas for varieties of crops and production methods to try and opportunities to network with others in the industry.
Vanous says he also attends several conferences this time of year while planning for the upcoming season.
“I try to get to some trade shows in January and February,” he says. “About 75 percent of the time is classes, and 25 percent is talking to growers and learning their techniques. … I’ve learned everything from other people, short courses and hard knocks.”
“You need to meet with other growers,” he adds. “Just experience what some of the other people are doing.”
For now, both farmers are taking the time to focus on the near future.
“Winter slows up for me,” says Vanous. “In January I try to reorganize for the next coming year.”
Saunders adds, “This is the time to look over (records) and get your plan ready for next year.”
