Automated Season Extension and Diverse Production

Automated Season Extension and Diverse Production at Phelps Farm

Andrew and Amy PhelpsWednesday, June 11
4-6 p.m.

Location

33127 Kiln Road
Guttenberg, IA 52052

Hosts

Andrew & Amy Phelps, Phelps Farm

RSVP

At Phelps Farm, Andrew and Amy Phelps grow a lot of food. They’re also on their way to becoming a small-scale, year-round local food processor. On their 79-acre farm, Andrew and Amy raise hops, goats, ducks, honeybees and maple syrup, but their main focus is vegetables. Phelps Farm includes an acre of outdoor production and 15,000 square feet in five caterpillar tunnels and two Harnois high tunnels. The high tunnels are built for extreme weather and equipped with Orisha automation systems for dynamic environmental controls.

Using such technology is where their innovation – and Andrew’s IT background – shines brightly. An extensive wash-pack, kitted out with secondhand equipment, rounds out Andrew and Amy’s operation. With innovation and resourcefulness, they’re growing toward their goal of year-round local food availability.

Meal

A meal will follow the field day.

See & Discuss

  • Dynamic high tunnel automation for environmental controls by Orisha
  • Designing and equipping an FSMA-compliant wash-pack space with four walk-in coolers, knee-operated sinks, an AZH rinse-conveyer and a freeze drier for value-added product development

Location Notes

Attendees should travel through the town of Osterdock, Iowa. From Osterdock Road, turn west at the Stockyard Restaurant and Bar and drive through the parking lot to reach Kiln Road.

Farm Info

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Sponsors

  • Choose Iowa | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
  • Johnny’s Selected Seeds