Leopold Center
Tunnels to Tables

Ames, Iowa

The Leopold Center is a research and education center with statewide programs to develop sustainable agricultural practices that are both profitable and conserve natural resources. They fund research projects in local food systems and marketing, including season extension research.

Tunnels to Tables

The Iowa State University Horticulture Department and ISU Value Added Agriculture Program (VAAP) grew and monitored the production of raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, colored peppers, pole beans and Greek oregano to establish production budgets and methodology used to maximize production efficiency. High-tunnel facilities at the ISU Armstrong Research Demonstration Farm near Lewis and the ISU Horticulture Research Farm near Ames were used during both years of the project.

The project also developed a preliminary feasibility review of three market distribution models, highlighting the advantages and constraints associated with each. Four producer workshops were held to distribute production and feasibility findings and to discuss producer marketing strategies.

Leopold Center website www.leopold.iastate.edu

Tunnels to Tables Reports

Upcoming Projects

High-Tunnel Resource Manual and Producer Resource Kit Providing the Tools for Profitability, $38,150 over 2 years, Ray Hansen, Iowa State University Value Added Agriculture Extension [M2009-16] STATEWIDE

In this project, investigators will create educational materials and host workshops for fruit, vegetable and cut flower growers designed to help them produce crops successfully and profitability in high tunnels. The goal of this work is to increase the number of full- and part-time specialty growers in Iowa, and increase the supply of local fruits and vegetables.

Ray Hansen is interim director for the ISU Extension Value Added Agriculture Program. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees from ISU in agricultural education and extensive employment background working with agricultural businesses and commodity associations. Currently he works with producer groups developing new market opportunities; he also has experience in developing and implementing ISO quality management systems.

Feasibility of Unheated Large Gutter-Connect Greenhouses for Iowa Winter Organic Vegetables, $13,750 over 2 years (pending), Steve McLaskey, Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield [E2009-24] JEFFERSON COUNTY

This project’s objectives are to determine whether it is practical to grow produce in Iowa winter inside a large unheated greenhouse. Investigators will compare air and soil temperatures as well as crop growth and yield in large and small unheated greenhouses. They also will construct frames that hold sheets of plastic over the beds and other strategies to facilitate growth. All work will be done by the staff at Maharishi University of Management Organic Farms in Fairfield.

Steve McLaskey is an assistant professor of biology and agriculture at Maharishi University where he leads the undergraduate program in sustainable agriculture. McLaskey also manages an organic vegetable garden and permaculture fruit orchard as outdoor laboratories for students and has been key to bringing organic food to campus dining halls.


Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service		Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and the Sow the Seeds Fund		Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture

Leopold Center Tunnels to Tables

Leopold Center
Tunnels to Tables