Do you want to learn how to build a high tunnel? Join SD Soil Health Coalition, SDSU Extension Horticulture specialists and South Dakota farmer experts to gain hands-on experience while building a 30’ x 96’ gothic-style double-poly high tunnel. This half-day workshop will take place on June 20th from 7am-11:30am. Paid registration will be required, and daily attendance will be limited. This workshop will be a great opportunity for beginning and current farmers who are considering building a high tunnel for the first time. Technical service providers, community garden leaders, and anyone who is interested in building a high tunnel are welcome to attend. Prior construction experience and/or familiarity with high tunnels is not required to attend; this event is for all to learn together!
Flat Rock Farms has constructed the frame of the high tunnel and is ready to install the polyethylene plastic. Farm experts from eastern South Dakota will also serve as construction team leads, and each will share their unique experiences from their own high tunnel builds. This event is meant to be a hands on educational event that will provide opportunities to ask questions and learn from others that have constructed a high tunnel. Full event details are below and should be reviewed prior to registration.
What to Expect: Our team will work to show and engage participants in as many activities as possible. You will see the completed high tunnel frame and by the end of the workshop have a better understanding of how they are built. You will also learn about how to grow in a high tunnel and maintain them after construction. The workshop will run from 7am to 11:30am. Work will start promptly at 7:15am so please do not be late.
June 20th: Participants will help pull plastic over the high tunnel frame. Once plastic is pulled over the structure everyone will learn how to secure plastic with wiggle wire and how to install roll-up sides, and how to properly install the inflation fan.
Location: Chris and Lori Goldade’s farm is located at 11774 386th Ave., Westport SD. It is approximately 15 miles north of Aberdeen on Hwy 281. It is located on the east side of the highway, north of the Elm River. Parking is very limited so please be courteous and park along the driveway or in designated area.
Acknowledgement: This event is supported, in part, by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 2022-38640-37486 through the North Central Region SARE program under project number ENC22-216. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Visit www.NorthCentralSARE.org.
Participant Requirements: This event is for participants who are 18 years and older who are willing and able to engage with light construction tasks such as bending, lifting, and using power tools. You will be required to sign a participant waiver form to complete registration for this event. Children and pets will not be allowed at this event for the safety of all participants. If a service animal or accommodation for participation is needed, please contact SDSHC prior to registration.
What to Bring: Wear close-toed shoes and clothing appropriate for a construction site and the weather. Bring your favorite water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and gloves. SDSHC and SDSU will provide tools, a shaded break area, portable restrooms, drinking water, and snacks.
Rain/Storm Dates: In the event of projected rain/storms or high wind, SDSHC will email all participants as soon as possible. Contingency dates are July 3rd and July 10th.
Registration Cost/Details: Attendance will be limited to 20 participants to ensure a positive experience for all attendees. The cost for registration is $25 per non-SDSHC member participant (fee includes membership). Current SDSHC members are free.
Special Accommodations: Persons requiring special accommodations or materials in an alternate format or language please contact Chris Goldade at 605-290-0109 or chris.soilhealth@sdconservation.net two days prior to the event.
