Casy Jordaan, Mountainwise Farm
Caterpillar Tunnels for Vegetable Production and Season Extension
Grant Award: $6,000
Mountainwise Farm has added multiple additional caterpillar tunnels to their primary garden plot for the use of season extension, pest/disease control and environmental control.
In the 2019 growing season, pests including aphids and deer caused severe damage to exposed crops. Crops grown undercover experienced none of these losses, indicating that more tunnels would be optimal way to increase production and maintain the health of the farm.
As sales tripled in 2019 without adding more growing 
space, Casey has shown that proper crop planning and management can result maximum profits, even in small spaces. Adding additional tunnels will not only minimize losses, it will allow for growing a longer season, doubling of production and adding an additional crop – tomatoes.
Mountainwise Farm provides produce to 7-9 restaurants, sells at 4 farmers markets in Boone and Johnson City, TN and holds monthly on-farm dinners.
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