Is there a hoophouse in your future?

Dan Rossman, Michigan State University Extension -

Hoophouses are becoming a popular way for gardeners and vegetable farmers to extend our Michigan growing season.

There is a hoophouse frenzy going on in Michigan. The consumer demand to have local, fresh vegetables year-round has motivated hundreds of producers to invest in hoophouses on their farms. An added bonus is a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cost share program that has assisted an estimated 300 producers in the last three years in funding their hoophouse construction in Michigan. Producers interested in the possibility of the cost share should contact their local NRCS office.

With so many new hoophouse operators there is both a need and a great opportunity to learn and share experiences. Michigan is fortunate that the MSU Student Organic Farm staff and others have been building and operating hoophouses for several years. Their experience, research and knowledge are extremely helpful. This valuable information can be accessed through the Michigan State University Hoophouse website. This website contains information about hoophouse workshops, research projects, bulletins, fact sheets and other resources.

Here is a brief list of some of the resources:

An exciting development is the formation of a marketing cooperative, Four Seasons Produce Co-op, which is made up of hoophouse farmers who produce and provide fresh greens to local customers near Jackson, Ann Arbor and Lansing, Mich. Producers interested in joining can visit their website or contact Jane Bush by calling 517-231-2240.

Watch for information about farm tours this summer and throughout the year that will provide opportunities for hoophouse operators to share experiences and network together.

MSU Extension and the MSU Product Center can assist producers in adding value with hoophouses to their existing farm operations or help new producers get started. Educators and innovation counselors can provide technical knowledge and help with business development in launching these types of value-added enterprises.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • agriculture,
  • business,
  • business development,
  • community,
  • community food systems,
  • farm & farmers markets,
  • home gardening,
  • lawn & garden,
  • msu extension,
  • organic agriculture,
  • vegetables
  • follow us on youtube
  • follow us on linkedin
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).