The demand for local food in central Iowa outstrips supply in many types of markets, even during peak harvest season. Unmet demand is particularly evident outside the regular growing season. The same time period that direct-market produce farms experience declines in sales and cash flow. Season extension of vegetable crops to meet unmet demand and moderate farm cash flow often requires capitalization, purchased energy and new skill sets such as construction and maintenance of hoop houses.
Do you want to cut input costs and reduce your nitrogen application? Apply for our N Rate Risk Protection Program!