AG OPPORTUNITIES Newsletter of the Missouri Alternatives Center Vol. 4, No. 3 May-June 1994 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Hydroponic Tomatoes Clyde and Valeta Ware live out in the middle of nowhere; yet they successfully market all of their hydroponically grown tomatoes. At times, they can't keep up with the high demand. But it took them a while to get to where they are. In 1984, Clyde, recently retired, had heard there was a greenhouse for sale. He didn't know anything about greenhouses, much less hydroponics. But he did know that he loved the taste of tomatoes. And since he didn't like the flavor of winter tomatoes advertised as 'vine ripened," he found himself purchasing the 24' x 100' hydroponic tomato greenhouse. Clyde moved the greenhouse to his home in New Boston and changed the name to Tomato World. Setting up the greenhouse was no problem with Clyde's skills as a retired high school mechanics teacher. But the technical aspect of greenhouse growing was a different story. He enrolled himself in a three-day intensive hydroponics tomato greenhouse course in Wisconsin. Clyde says, "Once I got the book learning, it was just a matter of learning by doing. It's an intense business year round, especially eight to nine months of the year." Clyde manages his hydroponic tomatoes on a two year rotation. Between Christmas and NewYear's, Clyde sows 900 seeds, transplanting 640 of the most vigorously growing seedlings into the greenhouse when they reach five to six inches tall. He begins harvesting tomatoes two months later. Harvesting continues until June the following year. Then the tomatoes are allowed to wither and die. From July through December, Clyde sterilizes the greenhouse and equipment and makes any repairs and changes necessary for the next crop. The tomatoes are fed a special recycled nutrient solution. The solution is held in a tank under the floor of the greenhouse. A pump turns on running the nutrient solution for ten minutes and turning off for five minutes. The time off allows oxygen to get to the roots of the plants. The solution runs through tubes that are placed at the end of each 23 foot growing table. Clyde's daily chores include pollinating each plant by hand; checking the nutrient tubes for blockage; suckering the plants; monitoring the nutrient solution morning and evening for temperature, pH, nutrient content and eyeing each plant for indications of problems that may be arising such as insects or diseases. The growing tables, slightly sloped, are on the floor. A string with clips runs from each tomato plant up to a cable. The cable runs the length of the bed. As the tomato grows, the plant is clipped to the string for support. After the tomato plants become three-to-four feet tall, the lower leaves are removed and the plant is laid atop the next plant. in this manner, each plant can continue growing and producing up to 25 feet. Because Clyde doesn't believe in spraying insecticides on his tomatoes, he releases a pound and a half of ladybugs every two weeks. The ladybugs help to control white flies and spider mites. There is no need to use herbicides since there isn't any soil in the entire greenhouse. Tomato World doesn't advertise. Clyde is clever in his marketing strategy with the area supermarkets. To promote his hydroponic tomatoes, he slices the tomato and has the produce manager taste the great flavor. Then instead of just letting the tomatoes sit on the shelf with a price, he insists on setting up and manning a tasting booth himself. Customers come by, comment on the high price but taste a sample anyway. They would look the other tomatoes over and eventually make their way back. He says, "Once a customer tastes the flavor of a hydroponic tomato, they seem to overlook the higher price." Clyde claims, "Tomatoes are 80 percent water and therefore should not be refrigerated. They'll last up to two weeks if left at room temperature." And so another marketing promotion appears. Clyde guarantees his tomatoes. If any of his tomatoes that weren't refrigerated spoil before two weeks, he replaces them pound for pound on the next order. Clyde and Valeta harvest tomatoes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. They deliver their tomatoes on Tuesdays and Thursdays to surrounding supermarkets. During the best part of the growing season, Clyde can harvest 1,200 to 1,500 pounds of tomatoes a week. During the low light of winter, his plants can produce 200 to 300 pounds a week. Clyde explains, "Winter production is greatly weather related. Cold, cloudy winters will produce fewer pounds a week of tomatoes than warmer, sunny ones." Clyde's annual hydroponics production equals traditional tomato field production from 19-20 acres. Clyde's advice to others who are interested in starting in the business, "The market is wide open, especially during the winter months. Get out there and sell. It's a 365 day job. You've got to be there. I left for a day and came back to wilted plants. It put me a week behind in production." Tomato World, Clyde and Valeta Ware, Rt 1, New Boston, MO 63557, 816-689-7826 Sources of Hydroponics Info David Trinklein, University of Missouri, 1-40 Agriculture Building, Columbia, MO 65211, (573) 882-9631 Hydroponic Society of America, 2891 Crow Canyon Road, Suite 218, San Ramon, CA 94583, (510) 743-9605 American Greenhouse Vegetable, Growers Assn, PO Box 25058, Colorado Springs, CO 80936, (719) 531-0505 International Herb Growers Assn, 1202 Allanson Road, Mundelein, IL 60060, (708) 949-4372 Trade Publications The Soilless Grower, 2819 Crow Canyon Road, Ste. 218, San Ramon, CA 94583, (510) 743-9605 - $30.00 Greenhouse Grower, Meister Publishing Company, 37733 Euclid Ave, Willoughby, OH 44094,(216)942-2000 - $25.00/year Greenhouse Manager, Branch-Smith Publishing, 120 St. Louis Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104,(817) 332-8236 - $24.00/year Grower Talks, George J. Ball, Inc, PO Box 532, Geneva, IL 60013-0532, (708) 208-9080 -$22.00/year Greenhouse Product News, Scranton Gillette Comm, Inc, 380 E. Northwest Highway, Des Plaines, IL 60016-2282, (515) 290-6622 - $24.00/year The Growing Edge, PO Box 1027, Corvallis, OR 97339 (503) 757-0027 - $17.95/quarter The 21st Century Gardener, Grower Press, Inc, PO Box 189, Princeton, BC, Canada VOX 1WO, (604) 295-7755 In The News Contracts for several thousand acres of sunflowers will be offered to Missouri farmers this spring. Rob Myers and Harry Minor have written a University Extension guide, "Sunflowers: An American Native," which describes how to grow the crop. The publication and detailed information on how to apply for sunflower contracts are available from Myers and Minor in the MU Department of Agronomy, Waters Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, (573) 882-2001. Floriculture and environmental horticulture crops ranked sixth among commodity groups in terms of grower cash receipts in 1991. Ornamental crops averaged a 9% annual growth between 1982 and 1991. (Source: Texas Nurserymen, November, 1993) New apple varieties worthy of consideration on a trial basis are: Enterprise, Gold Rush, Ruby Jon, Honeycrisp and Carousel. The Horticulture Research Center at New Franklin will harvest for the first time this summer 8 new blueberry varieties: Duke, Sunrise, Sierra, Toro, Nelson, Bluegold, Northblue and Northcountry. The deadline for agricultural employers to comply fully with the Environment Protection Agency's (EPA) 1992 worker protection standard may be delayed until January 1, 1995. In March, the Senate passed and sent to the House a measure postponing implementation, which had been set for April 15, 1994. The 1992 standard covers every agricultural employer of workers who perform hand labor in fields, forests, nurseries, or greenhouses treated with pesticides. This also includes livestock producers. (Agricultural Outlook, March, 1994) Americans have doubled their strawberry consumption over the last two decades. Among US grown fresh fruits, strawberries are now second only to apples in value. But the US industry may face a challenge. The use of methyl bromide, a soil fumigant, will be phased out by Jan 1, 2001 as instructed by the EPA. Unless an alternative is found, US strawberry output could actually decline. (Source: Agricultural Outlook, April, 1994) The National Organic Standards Board met in February and discussed issues from the mechanism for accrediting organic certification agencies on whether to prohibit even emergency use of livestock antibiotics in certified organically raised dairy cows. The Board will hold one more general session in June in Santa Fe, NM. As stated in the 1990 Farm Act, the NOSB is in charge of resolving various issues for setting national standards for production and handling of organic foods. (Source: Ag Outlook/March 1994) The Database of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and Biodynamic Farms/Gardens, just updated for 1994, has grown to nearly 400 entries in the US and Canada. Consumers interested in contacting growers in their state/ region can request a free copy from the Bio-Dynamic Association, PO Box 550, Kimberton, PA 19442, (215) 935-7797. Growers may be listed in the CSA/BDA database free of charge by writing to the association. Software - Costing less than $100, a computer program for small and large ranchers considering intensive grazing management teaches paddock layout and grass production, with database for record-keeping. For more information contact Robert Cessac, 2362 State Road 0. Higbee, MO 65257,(816) 248-5201. While retailers and shoppers continue to see broccoli sales increasing. people are telling a different story about cauliflower. Many shoppers and retailers will tell you that cauliflower's popularity is either declining or at best is not growing nearly as fast as broccoli. @ Produce News, Dec. 13. 1993, p. IA) The average US citizen consumed 90 pounds of vegetables in 1990, compared to 70 pounds in 1970. The biggest gainers are lettuce, onions, tomatoes. cauliflower and broccoli. As people are becoming ever more health conscious, vegetable growers can also benefit from increased sales. Total sales of fresh produce amounted to 556.7 billion in 1992. (From Vegetable Press. Vol. 94, No. 3, March 30,1994) MAC is Easier to Reach Anyone who has access to internet on the computer can make their request for information to the Missouri Alternatives Center. Our internet address is: moac@ext.missouri.edu. Those with access to the University's e-mail can reach us through any of the following addresses: Missouri Alternatives Center or Debra Ann Kelly. MAC can still be reached via our toll-free number (800) 433-3704. Local callers and University Extension callers should call us at 882-1905. We're available by FAX too, at (573) 884-4336. In Print Many books and videos are available for the hobby or commercial greenhouse grower of flowers, vegetables and herbs in soil or hydroponics. For a list, phone or write to the following: Hummert International, 2746 Chouteau Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103, (314) 771-0646 Crop King, Inc., PO Box 310, Medina, OH 44258, (216) 725-5656, * books and videos Hydro-Gardens, Inc., PO Box 25845, Colorado Springs, CO 80936, (800) 634-6362, * books and videos Stuppy Greenhouse Manufacturing, PO Box 12456, North Kansas City, MO 64116, (800) 877-5025, * books and videos The Hydroponic Society of America, 2819 Crow Canyon Road, Suite 218, San Ramon, CA 94583, (510) 743-9605 Additional Publications *Hydroponic Food Production* by Howard Resh. Available through agAccess, PO Box 2008, Davis, CA 95617, (916) 756-7177. *Hydroponics: The Bengal System* by James Sholto Douglas. agAccess, PO Box 2008, Davis. CA 95617, (916) 756-7177. *The Hydroponic Hot House: Low Cost. High Yield Greenhouse Gardening* by James B. DeKorne. Available through Loompanics Unlimited, Port Townsend, WA. *Hydroponics: Gardening Without soil by Hydro-Gardens* For information contact (800) 634-6362. *Hydroponic Tomatoes* by Howard M. Resh. Available from Acres, U@ PO Box 9547, Kansas City, MO 64133. (816) 737-3346. *The Practical Book of Greenhouse Gardening* by Ronald H. Menage. Available from Acres, USA. PO Box 9547, Kansas City, MO 64133, (816) 737-3346. *The ABC of NFT* by Dr. Allen Cooper. For information contact (800) 634-6362. Secrets to a Successful Greenhouse Business, by TM Taylor. Available from Storey's. PO Box 38, Dept. 63, Pownal. VI'05261-9989, (800) 441-5700. *Lazy Bed Gardening* by John Jeavons, 1993, Ten Speed Press. Available from your local bookstore or send $10.95 to Ecology Action, 5798 Ridgewood Road, Wfllits, CA 95490, (707) 459-6410. *Natural Enemies of Vegetable Insect Peat* by Michael P. Hoffman and Anne C. Frodsham, 1993, 64 pages. To order, send $22.50 payable to Cornell University. Media Services Resource Center. 7 BTP. Ithaca, NY 14850. *Sell What You Sow* by Eric Gibson, 1994, 304 pages. Send $25.00 payable to New World Publishing, 3701 Clair Drive, Carmichael, CA 95608, (916) 944-7932. *Herbs for Weddings and Other Celebrations. a Treasury of Recipes, Gifts and Decorations* by Bertha Reppert, published by Storey Communications, Dept. 9100, Pownal, VT, 05261, (800) 827-8673. $16.95. *Herbal Renaissance* by Steven Foster, published by Gibbs-Smith, Salt Lake City, UT $16.95. *Traditional Uses of Wild Plants of Missouri* by Rosemary Hyde Thomas. Available for $8.00 from Missouri Folklore Society, Box 1757, Columbia, MO 65205. Contains information about food plants, medicinal plants, plants used in natural dyeing and others. Additional Videos *The Fourth Annual Greenhouse Hydroponic Tomato Short Course Video* 5 video tapes on entire course are available by sending a check for $75.00 made out to GH Short Course. Send to Richard Snyder, PO Box 231, Crystal Springs, MS 39059. *Hydroponics: An introduction to Soilless Agriculture* (plus several others), American Association for Vocational Instructional Materials, 220 Smithonia Road, Winterville, GA 30683, (800) 228-4689. *The Greenhouse Management Series, The Greenhouse Production Series* (plus many others), Visual Education Productions, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, (805) 756-2295. *Alternative Field Crops Manual* by Cooperative Extension of the Universities of Wisconsin and Minnesota and the Center for Alternative Plant and Animal Products, 1989-1992, 288 pages. To order, send $45.00 payable to University of Minnesota, Center for Alternative Plant and Animal Products. 340 Alderman Hall. 1970 Folwell Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108. On the Calendar June 9-12-Alpaca Owners & Breeders Assn Conference, Estes Park, CO. Contact Hobert Office Services, Ltd., PO Box 1992, Estes Park, CO 80517, (303) 586-9519. June 11-Earnie Bohner Field Day, Lampe, MO. Focus on brambles, blueberries, shiitake mushrooms and apples. Contact Earnie Bohner, RR 1, Box 2220, Lampe. MO 65681. (417) 779-5443. June II -Kerr Center Field Day, Topics: shiitake mushrooms, vegetable production, greenhousing. Contact Laura Ervin, PO Box 588, Poteau, OK 74953, (918) 647-9123. June 11-M@uri Chapter/Walnut Council Annual Meeting and Field Day. Sikeston, MO. Contact MO Dept. of Agriculture, (573) 7515807. June 18-Premium Ratite Auction & Trade Show, at Heart of Okla Expo Center in Shawnee, OF, Contact (405) 787-2648. June 20-24-Basic Greenhouse Short Course, Columbia, MO. Contact Dave Trinklein, 1-40 Agriculture Bldg. Columbia, MO 6521 1. (573) 882-9631. June 23-Summer Orchard Tour, Marthasville, MO. Contact Michele Warmund, 1-40 Ag Bldg, Columbia, MO 65211, (573) 882-751 1. June 27-30-Missouri and Illinois Assn of Nurserymen Meeting, St. Louis, MO. Contact the MO Assn of Nurserymen, (816) 369-2005. July 7-10-Herbs 94, Raleigh, NC. Contact International Herb Growers & Marketers Assn, 1202 Allanson Road, Mundelein, IL 60060, (708) 949-HERB. July 9- 1st Annual Angora Performance Evaluation. Contact Steve Hart, Langston University, Langston, OK 73050, (405) 466-3836. Aug., 3-7-American Emu Assn Convention, Nashville, TN. Contact Rick Fulgham, (314) 932-4602 or Joyce Arnold (417) 334-8828. Aug 10-12-Management Intensive Grazing Workshop. Linneus, MO. Contact Forage Systems Research Center. Rt. 1, Box 80, Linneus, MO 64653, (816)895-512 1. Aug. 18-28-1994 Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, MO. Sept. 1 0-MO Sheep Producers and Merchandising Council Board Meeting, Jefferson City, MO. Contact Missouri Sheep Producers, Inc., (573) 435-6508. Sept. 23-24-Midwest Forest Industry Show, Cape Girardeau, MO. Contact: S. Wayne Yokley, Department of Agriculture, (573) 751-2613. Oct 12-14-Management Intensive Grazing Workshop. Linneus, MO. Contact: Forage Systems Research Center, Rt. 1, Box 80, Linneus, MO 64653, (816)895-5121. MISSOURI ALTERNATIVES CENTER =============================== The Missouri Alternatives Center is supported by University Extension; Lincoln University; MU Extension Division; MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; and the MO Dept of Conservation. MAC provides information to Missourians on alternative crops, livestock, small farm options and alternative rural enterprises. MAC is open weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm. For more information contact: Missouri Alternatives Center University of Missouri 628 Clark Hall Columbia, MO 65211 (800) 433-3704 (573) 882-1905 Debi Kelly, Editor Ag Opportunities is published six times yearly. Questions or address corrections should be sent to the Missouri Alternatives Center. Ag Opportunities can be found on the WWW at http://agebb.missouri.edu/mac/agopp/ University Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs.