John and James Carroll,
Big John’s Hydro Farm
Back-Up Electricity and Mini-Fogger
Grant Award: $6,000
John and his father James added a back-up generator to their existing 3,600-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse to deter crop loss during power outages. They are also purchased a mini-fogger for more efficient pest control.
John and James produce 15,000 pounds of hydroponic tomatoes annually. The operation relies heavily on electricity to run its heating, ventilation and irrigation systems. John said the backup system is critical to ensure an uninterrupted presence in the marketplace during power outages and therefore a continued stream of income.
The mini-fogger dramatically decreased labor time in spraying pesticides and fungicides—what takes hours can now be completed in minutes. The mini-fogger also lowers the amount of chemicals needed for pest control. It has a timer, so John can set it up and leave the greenhouse for the day, reducing his exposure to chemicals.
Hydroponic operations are rare in Cleveland County. John offers field days for local students and sets up a farm booth at the county fair demonstrating how the hydroponic farm works.
“I can provide quality fresh vegetables throughout the winter on my hydroponic tomato farm,” John said. “This gives my family and myself food to eat and income from the sale of my products to our community. I also donate the utility vegetables or seconds to the church I grew up going to as a kid.”
The Carroll’s farm was formerly a dairy farm, from 1960 to the 1980s. They have offered mushrooms and produce since 2009, and hydroponic tomatoes since 2014, which now result in 90 percent of the farm’s income. John markets online through Green Creek Farm, as well as to farmer’s markets; to stores such as Food Matters and Ora Supermarket; and to a few local restaurants.
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