Herbster, WI
The Project
Elsewhere Farm will replace the plastic on their high tunnel, which has outlived its stated lifespan by many years, with SolaWrap, a bubble-wrap type greenhouse plastic that is very sturdy, has higher insulation value, and can withstand high snow and wind loads. SolaWrap also comes in sections, allowing a farmer to replace a section over time, rather than needing to re-cover an entire hoop house when a portion rips. This will increase the earliness of some crops, providing longer frost protection for crops in the fall, adding a small amount of insulation value to the winter chicken pasture, and buy more than a decade of function out of this material.
Environmental Impact
Hoophouses improve spaces to rotate crops, save seed adapted to the farm, and increase the diversity of produce offered. Elsewhere Farm saves about 60% of its seed needs from its own stock. As a result of complex rotations, a biodiverse landscape, and the foraging of the farm’s birds and animals, the farm does not use any pesticides or herbicides, even those approved for organic production. 60% of inputs are purchased locally; plus 30% regionally.
“An additional benefit of upgrading the hoop house is the longevity of the farmer: the longer I can stay healthy, the longer I can produce food for this community.”
– Clare Hintz
