Innovative farmers are doing experimental agriculture and thinking outside the box.
Tennessee’s cash crops have traditionally included soybeans, corn, hay, cotton, wheat and tobacco. But technological advancements, industry trends, cultural shifts and experimental agriculture now offer new and established farmers the chance to redesign the landscape, so to speak. From elderberries to microgreens, the opportunities for experimental agriculture and niche markets are wide open.
See more: Meet a Tennessee Family Commitment to Tree Farming
From Hawaii to Home Through Experimental Agriculture
At Oak Grove Farms in Gallatin, first-generation farmers Zach and Kyndle Erhard grow a bounty of produce. Strawberries are at the top of the list, but their latest addition, sugarloaf pineapple, is poised to be a big hit. They sampled the variety, which bears sweet, white-fleshed fruit, while in Kauai, Hawaii, and were hooked immediately.
“When we discovered the sugarloaf, we asked, ‘How can we bring this to Tennessee?’” Kyndle says. “Zach is a researcher through and through, so where there’s a will there’s a way.”
See more: What Are Pink Pineapples? (And Other Pineapple Varieties You’ve Probably Never Heard Of)
Back home on the farm, they implemented Hawaiian techniques and planted their first crop in a greenhouse in June of 2023. It’ll take a few years to reap the rewards, but the Erhards are in no hurry.
“We love trying new things and experimenting,” Zach says. “We have plans to expand, but pineapples are the focal point right now.”
Flowers for All
Daylily Nursery in Rock Island has an inventory sure to make any anthophile swoon. They grow over 2,000 different kinds of annuals and perennials, but their most unique item, the waxed bulb amaryllis, reigns supreme. These ornamental centerpieces come in an array of colors – and even glitter – and make for perfect holiday gifts, according to Chris Burt, director of operations.
See more: 10 Best Houseplants for Beginner Plant Parents
“It’s really cool because it’s a plant you don’t have to take care of,” Burt says. “Just set it out and watch it grow. The way we do it creates a perfect environment for it to get through the entire spring season without light or water requirements.”
The nursery imports dormant bulbs, which “winter over” at their facility. Once they’re ready, live bulbs are then hand-dipped with a waxy treatment and processed with decoration. The technique isn’t new to the flower industry, but the Daylily touch is all its own.
“There’s not really anyone in the world doing it the same way we are. We do high-quality, high-end work with it,” Burt says. “We really focus on the artisan side of it.”
Ingredients for Better Beer
Rachel Painter, an Extension specialist at the University of Tennessee, is familiar with operations like Oak Grove Farms and Daylily Nursery. She works with farmers across the state to assist them in evaluating and analyzing their business, including those who choose to grow fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops.
See more: Farm to Tap Program Links Farmers to Brewers to Make Truly Tennessee Products
Painter notes that interest in hops and barley has had a boost from the rise in craft breweries, as well as support from the Tennessee Craft Brewers Guild’s Farm to Tap program.
“There’s a large movement, especially in the craft beverage world, to include local ingredients because consumers are interested in supporting local farms,” Painter says. “Farm-to-table is moving beyond the plate to the glass.”
See more: Take a Trip Down the Tennessee Ale Trail
The number of producers is still small, but Nashville Hops Farm, Tipsy Mule Hops, Belles of the South Hops, Willis Farms and Tennessee Valley Malt are some who have found success. While barley is a relatively straightforward row crop, hops are somewhat of a risky endeavor and more labor-intensive. These perennial plants are grown outdoors on a trellis system and are typically picked by hand. The climate in Tennessee isn’t exactly ideal for growing conditions, but Painter says exciting prospects are unfolding as researchers at the university study trial varieties better suited for the South.
The post Innovative Tennessee Farmers Are Experimenting and Expanding appeared first on Farm Flavor.