LAWRENCE — These days, it’s not just coal miners and prairie dogs who are tunneling – it’s also small farmers. The Lawrence Journal-World reported some Lawrence farmers have started tunneling – in this case polytunnels, long metal-frame structures covered with plastic that let in sunlight and keep out freezing temperatures. The Kansas Rural Center, which has been promoting the use of tunnels, said the structures help small farmers grow greens and vegetables through the winter. Lawrence specialty farmer Dan Phelps told the paper that tunnels offer enormous statewide economic potential for small niche farmers to continue selling specialty crops to local stores and consumers outside of the traditional growing season. Using a state grant, the Kansas Rural Center plans a series of workshops in the spring to provide information about tunneling and offer a chance for Kansas farmers to network.
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 3 p.m.
