Steve Bogash
Penn State Cooperative Extension, The Pennsylvania State University,
University Park, PA  16802, USA

Abstract: The successful marketing of vegetables, vine crops, fruits, and cut flowers has always depended on how well the grower / marketer understands and utilizes their market opportunities. As the adoption of the various plasticulture technologies has greatly extended the production season to all but the lowest light portion of winter, producers must reexamine their marketing plans in order to continue to remain profitable. While every producer should regularly dissect their operation for missed opportunities and to best control costs, with season extension technologies this is proportionally more important as the typical costs incurred to utilize these technologies are substantially higher per sales unit than traditional outdoor production. This article will examine many of the advantages, disadvantages, and considerations necessary to better evaluate how and when to adopt season extension techniques based on market conditions.

Season extension techniques such as sweet corn under plastic, floating row covers, and high tunnels to name but a few offer growers much needed opportunities to greatly improve the overall profitability of their operations.

Properly utilized these techniques can enable growers to:

• Improve cash flow.
• Maintain a more stable labor force.
• Better utilize resources such as equipment and land.
• Hold onto market outlets more securely.
• Potentially expand into alternative markets not currently accessible.
• Improve the overall profitability of an operation.

PDF Order Form
Secure Server Order Form