Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Key Features of a Nifty Hoops Hoop House

When it comes to choosing a hoop house, durability and reliability are everything. Will it hold up against strong winds? Can it handle heavy snow loads? Will it protect your crops season after season? 

A well-built hoop house is more than just a shelter—it’s an investment in your farm’s future.


Built to Last: Key Features of Our Hoop Houses

  • Hoop House Structure
    High-Quality American-Made Steel for Superior Strength
  • Stronger, More Reliable Structural Connections11 mil woven plastic covering for Endwall and 
    Side Curtain Material
  • Enhanced Stability with Cross Bracing and Diagonal Supports


Learn why all of this should matter to you when looking for a hoop house in our latest article


Why Choosing the Right Hoop House Matters

Not all hoop houses are created equal. A poorly designed structure can lead to costly repairs, crop loss, and frustration. At Nifty Hoops, we believe in building structures that last, using only the best materials and engineering solutions.

If you're serious about investing in a hoop house that will serve you for years to come, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Start growing with Nifty Hoops today

Saturday, March 15, 2025

How to Apply for NRCS Hoop House Assistance

Have you ever wished you could extend your growing season without breaking the bank? 

What if there was a way to protect your crops from unpredictable weather while keeping costs low? 

The NRCS Hoop House Assistance Program could be the solution you're looking for!


How to Apply for NRCS Hoop House Assistance

Farmers interested in building a hoop house with NRCS assistance should begin by contacting their local NRCS office. The process typically involves:

  1. NRCS Approved Hoop House
    Eligibility Check: You’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being a working farmer 
    or rancher with a defined agricultural operation.
  2. Planning and Design: NRCS staff will assist with planning the hoop house and determining the best design and location for your needs.
  3. Funding Approval: Once your plan is in place, NRCS will assess your application and determine the funding amount you are eligible to receive.
  4. Construction: After receiving approval, you can begin the construction of your hoop house, often with the help of technical assistance from NRCS.


Learn more about the benefits of an NRCS approved hoop house in our latest article


Start Growing with an NRCS-Approved Hoop House Today!

Building an NRCS-approved hoop house is one of the best ways to increase farm efficiency and maximize your growing potential. Don’t miss out on the funding and support available through the NRCS Hoop House Assistance Program!

🌱 Ready to take the next step? Contact your local NRCS office to start the application process, and when you're approved, Nifty Hoops is here to help!

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Hoop Houses vs. Green Houses: What's the Difference?

Do you want to maximize crop production while keeping costs low? 

Understanding the differences between these two structures can help you make the right choice for your farm or garden.

Hoop Houses vs. Greenhouses: What's the Difference?

NRCS Approved Hoop House
While both hoop houses and greenhouses serve similar purposes, there are some key differences 
between the two. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Construction: Hoop houses are typically made with steel bows and covered with a flexible polyethylene film. They are usually temporary structures and don't require concrete footings. On the other hand, greenhouses are more permanent, with solid walls made from materials like glass or polycarbonate, and often include a concrete foundation.

Growing Methods: Hoop houses are primarily used for growing plants directly in the ground. Greenhouses, on the other hand, are often designed for growing plants on tables or other elevated surfaces.

Cost and Maintenance: Hoop houses are generally more cost-effective than greenhouses. They require less maintenance and space, making them a practical option for small-scale farmers.


Learn more about the advantages of hoop houses in our latest article


Grow Smarter with an NRCS-Approved Hoop House

If you're looking for an affordable way to boost production, protect your crops, and qualify for NRCS funding, an NRCS-approved hoop house might be your best bet! These structures offer flexibility, efficiency, and cost savings—helping you grow more with less hassle.

🌱 Ready to get started? Nifty Hoops specializes in NRCS-approved hoop houses and can guide you through the process from start to finish. 


Saturday, February 15, 2025

Assignment of Payment with Nifty Hoops

Struggling to finance your high tunnel project upfront? 

What if there was a way to ease the financial burden?

We understand that cash flow can be a challenge for many growers. That’s why we offer an Assignment of Payment option for those receiving NRCS funding and opting for a complete install (Community Build or Full Installation).

How Assignment of Payment Works:

Deposit: Growers pay a 30% deposit at the time of signing. 

Cost Assistance: We float a portion of the remaining project cost covered by your NRCS funding. 

Reimbursement: After your structure passes inspection, NRCS funding goes towards your remaining balance.

We can help to cash flow the project cost , making it easier to bring your high tunnel project to life.


NRCS High Tunnel

Learn more about how our team guides you through the NRCS approval process here!  


Ask Us How We Work with NRCS! 

Ready to make your NRCS high tunnel project a reality?

For those receiving NRCs funding, and hiring Nifty Hoops for a complete install, we can set up an Assignment of Payment with NRCS. Our Assignment of Payment option ensures you don’t have to navigate the financial strain alone. 

Contact us  today to learn more about our financing options and how we can guide you through every step of the NRCS process. Let’s build your high tunnel together!

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Key Steps to Qualify for NRCS Funding

Are you ready to make the next step on your farm with a high tunnel, but not sure how to fund your project? NRCS funding might be available for you! 

To take advantage of the EQIP program for NRCS approved high tunnels, there are specific requirements you’ll need to meet:

  • Land Farming History: You must show that you’ve farmed the land for at least one year.
  • Farmer ID: A valid farmer ID is required.
  • Application Process: Work with your local NRCS representative to complete the application and review the full list of requirements.
  • Approval Timeline: Keep in mind that applications can take up to a year for approval, and not all are selected.

Maximizing Your NRCS Funding

Our team is here to help you maximize your funding and minimize out-of-pocket costs. We’ll guide you in selecting the best size and shape of high tunnel for your site, ensuring compliance with NRCS requirements. 


Learn more about the NRCS EQIP program in our latest article


Make Your NRCS High Tunnel Project a Reality 

Securing funding through the NRCS EQIP program can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the key qualifications and working with a knowledgeable partner, you can streamline the process and get the support you need to bring your high tunnel project to life.

Contact us today for expert guidance on NRCS requirements, high tunnel design, and maximizing your funding. Let’s build your farm’s future together!

NRCS High Tunnel


Wednesday, January 15, 2025

The Problem: Our Fragile National Food System and the Solution

Have you ever wondered where the food in your grocery store comes from? 

What happens if the region responsible for most of our winter produce faces a crisis?

Did you know that over two-thirds of the produce Americans consume in winter comes from the Imperial Valley of California? This single small valley, located at the end of the Colorado River, supplies much of the nation’s winter produce.

This reliance on one region introduces:

  • High transportation costs that drive up food prices.
  • Resource strain from long-distance shipping.
  • Increased risk to our food supply due to drought, labor shortages, and other challenges.

It’s clear: our food system needs a transformation.

The Solution: Hoop Houses

Hoop houses, also called high tunnels, are semi-permanent structures made of a steel frame and a clear 

Hoop House Kits
covering. They create a controlled environment for growing crops, extending the growing season and protecting plants from harsh weather.

Hoop Houses:

  • Reduce the need for long-haul transportation, lowering costs.
  • Decrease impact from transportation.
  • Utilize resources more effectively compared to traditional open-field farming.
  • And so much more! 


Learn more about the benefits of hoop houses in our latest article


Building Resilience with a Hoop House Kit

A hoop house kit isn’t just an investment in farming—it’s a solution to our fragile food system. By growing fresh, local produce year-round, you can reduce reliance on distant food sources, lower costs, and strengthen local food security.

Ready to take the first step? Contact our team to learn how to get started! 

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Game-Changing Benefits of Hoop Houses

Imagine a future where your community relies less on distant food sources and builds a resilient, local food system. This future is possible with hoop houses.

Hoop houses, also known as high tunnels, are semi-permanent structures made from a sturdy steel frame and a clear covering. They create a controlled growing environment, shielding crops from harsh weather and extending the growing season. With a hoop house, farmers can plant earlier in the spring, harvest well into late fall and winter, and significantly increase their yields.

But the benefits of hoop houses go beyond just farming—they bring transformative changes to communities and local economies.

Strengthening Resilient Supply Chains while Enhancing Resource Efficiency

Hoop House Kits
By enabling year-round local food production, hoop houses reduce the need for long-haul 
transportation. This not only lowers costs but also ensures food supply chains remain reliable, even during disruptions.

Hoop Houses facilitate a more efficient approach to growing:

  • Decrease impact by reducing transportation distances.
  • Utilize resources more effectively compared to traditional open-field farming.

Boosting Local Economies

When food dollars stay local, they support small farmers and create jobs, strengthening the backbone of local communities. Hoop houses empower farmers to meet demand while sustaining their livelihoods.


Learn more about the game-changing benefits of hoop houses in our latest article


The Future of Farming with Hoop Houses

Hoop houses are more than a tool—they’re a catalyst for growth, resilient communities, and economic strength. By embracing this innovative solution, we can create a more secure, local, and resource-efficient future for food production.

Want to learn more about how hoop house kits can transform your farming operations? Contact our team to find the perfect structure for your needs! 🌱

Key Features of a Nifty Hoops Hoop House

When it comes to choosing a hoop house , durability and reliability are everything. Will it hold up against strong winds? Can it handle heav...