Grower preferences for high tunnel information sources: Evidence from a Kentucky high tunnel vegetable grower survey

Zoe Turner; Margarita Velandia; Rachel E. Rudolph; Annette Wszelaki; Susan Schexnayder

doi:10.37433/aad.v6i3.611

Authors

Zoe Turner University of Tennessee, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3369-8566
Margarita Velandia University of Tennessee, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5993-7461
Rachel E. Rudolph University of Kentucky, USA
Annette Wszelaki University of Tennessee, USA
Susan Schexnayder University of Tennessee, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8803-7072

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v6i3.611

Keywords:

controlled environment agriculture, Kentucky vegetable growers, sources of information, University Extension, other growers, SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Abstract

Despite the increase in the number of high tunnels (HTs) and education programs for HT growers in recent years, few studies have evaluated HT growers’ use of information sources. Using data from a 2024 Kentucky vegetable growers’ survey, we evaluated which information sources HT growers utilize. Survey results suggest that University Extension and other growers were the most used information sources. Also, respondents employing organic production practices were less likely to use Extension sources. Furthermore, survey respondents who were more dependent on farm income were more likely to rely on other growers as a source of information. It is important for University Extension to continue collaborating closely with HT growers in the creation and delivery of information to stay up-to-date and relevant. Specifically, University Extension collaboration with growers using organic production practices for HT information delivery through workshops, webinars, farm tours, and field days could increase the use of University Extension as a trustworthy information source among this segment of HT growers.

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