The old timers from this area tell about working in the tomato fields and the canneries in the summer.
Those taking part in this year’s Twilight Horticulture Tour sponsored by the Lawrence County Extension Council found that tomatoes are still a viable product in this area.
The tour took place at Ozark Country Creations owned by Dennis and Becky Hatfield of rural Pierce City. While their farm is just over the line and in Newton County, council members chose the location for the annual tour.
Dennis Hatfield said their marketing plan has been: If you grow it, they will come.
While they had previously raised gourds and cantaloupe, they added high-tunnel tomato production to the operation in 2005, allowing production from mid-May through mid-January.
Currently, they have 5,700 plants that have been producing since June, 5,300 later plants and another 2,500 to come on still later.
For those who like to do things themselves, the Hatfields offer a “you pick” service for vendors, in addition to a selection of items already picked and in the small store on the property.
“We ask the Lord for guidance and wisdom in what we do,” he said.
He recounted a few problems they have had, including “frying” 3,000 plants which were surrounded by black plastic when temperatures hit 100 degrees in 2006. After that happened, he put in some strawberries in raised beds.
“When life gives you lemons, make some lemonade and try to sell it,” Dennis Hatfield told the audience.
He said the goal for the family effort is to market a tasty tomato. He explained the gelatinous substance around the seed is what gives the flavor to a tomato.
Dennis Hatfield advised the audience not to store tomatoes in a refrigerator. The ideal storage temperature is 55o to 70o. Cold temperatures break down the internal structure and cause the tomato to lose flavor.
Becky Hatfield spoke about the marketing operation in the store. Displays allow customers to choose the tomatoes they want and the grade they want. In addition, the product is offered in various stages of ripeness.
Patrick Byers, a regional horticulture specialist with University Extension, noted, Dennis Hatfield is one of the “most knowledgeable” of the commercial gardeners in the area.
Byers gave a brief history of the tomato, saying it wa a native of South America. It was the Italians who finally recognized the value of the fruit. In the 19th Century, Americans began cultivating the tomato on a large scale.
Ketchup production uses the most tomatoes by volume, while salsa offers the most value in production.
“Heirloom tomatoes are nice,” said Patrick, “but hybrids are a sure way to success.”
Sarah Becker, a horticulture specialist from Lincoln University and the newest member of the Extension staff in Lawrence County, made her local debut at the event.
Becker talked about seed germination. Too high temperatures will cause seeds to go dormant, while moisture (high humidity) and oxygen are crucial to germination.
|
|
|
The old timers from this area tell about working in the tomato fields and the canneries in the summer.
Those taking part in this year’s Twilight Horticulture Tour sponsored by the Lawrence County Extension Council found that tomatoes are still a viable product in this area.
The tour took place at Ozark Country Creations owned by Dennis and Becky Hatfield of rural Pierce City. While their farm is just over the line and in Newton County, council members chose the location for the annual tour.
Dennis Hatfield said their marketing plan has been: If you grow it, they will come.
While they had previously raised gourds and cantaloupe, they added high-tunnel tomato production to the operation in 2005, allowing production from mid-May through mid-January.
Currently, they have 5,700 plants that have been producing since June, 5,300 later plants and another 2,500 to come on still later.
For those who like to do things themselves, the Hatfields offer a “you pick” service for vendors, in addition to a selection of items already picked and in the small store on the property.
“We ask the Lord for guidance and wisdom in what we do,” he said.
He recounted a few problems they have had, including “frying” 3,000 plants which were surrounded by black plastic when temperatures hit 100 degrees in 2006. After that happened, he put in some strawberries in raised beds.
“When life gives you lemons, make some lemonade and try to sell it,” Dennis Hatfield told the audience.
He said the goal for the family effort is to market a tasty tomato. He explained the gelatinous substance around the seed is what gives the flavor to a tomato.
Dennis Hatfield advised the audience not to store tomatoes in a refrigerator. The ideal storage temperature is 55o to 70o. Cold temperatures break down the internal structure and cause the tomato to lose flavor.
Becky Hatfield spoke about the marketing operation in the store. Displays allow customers to choose the tomatoes they want and the grade they want. In addition, the product is offered in various stages of ripeness.
Patrick Byers, a regional horticulture specialist with University Extension, noted, Dennis Hatfield is one of the “most knowledgeable” of the commercial gardeners in the area.
Byers gave a brief history of the tomato, saying it wa a native of South America. It was the Italians who finally recognized the value of the fruit. In the 19th Century, Americans began cultivating the tomato on a large scale.
Ketchup production uses the most tomatoes by volume, while salsa offers the most value in production.
“Heirloom tomatoes are nice,” said Patrick, “but hybrids are a sure way to success.”
Sarah Becker, a horticulture specialist from Lincoln University and the newest member of the Extension staff in Lawrence County, made her local debut at the event.
Becker talked about seed germination. Too high temperatures will cause seeds to go dormant, while moisture (high humidity) and oxygen are crucial to germination.
