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! 🌱

Sunday, December 15, 2024

The Golden Standards for High Tunnels

Are you worried about how your high tunnel will hold up during heavy snowfalls?

Or maybe you're concerned about strong winds damaging your structure over time?

Choosing the right high tunnel for your farm isn’t just about covering crops—it’s about building something reliable that will last. 


The Gothic Frame: Ideal for Snowy Climates

High Tunnel Kit
If your farm is located in an area that gets heavy snow, you’re going to love our Gothic frame design. 


This shape isn’t just about aesthetics—the pointed arch of the frame is a practical solution for snow-heavy regions. Snow tends to slide off the Gothic frame, reducing the risk of damage due to snow buildup.

Why 4' On-Center Bow Spacing is the Gold Standard

We’ve worked on enough high tunnels to know that bow spacing can make or break the structure. Wider bow spacing might be tempting because it cuts down on the number of bows needed, but we’ve seen firsthand how it can lead to disasters during severe weather events. Even in milder climates, too much space between bows weakens the structure over time.

Trusses and Cross Braces: Critical for Stability and Versatility

For farms in areas with high wind or snow loads, we recommend adding trusses and cross braces to your high tunnel. These components serve as the internal support system, helping to distribute the weight of snow and wind evenly across the structure. Not only do they provide critical stability, but they also make your high tunnel more versatile by offering support for trellised crops like tomatoes or cucumbers.


Learn how YOU can choose the perfect high tunnel for your farm in our latest article! 


The Smart Choice for Stability: Explore Our High Tunnel Kits

Whether you're facing heavy snow or high winds, these standards provide the strength and versatility your crops need to thrive year-round. 

Ready to invest in a high tunnel kit that offers long-lasting stability and peace of mind? Explore our range of high tunnel kits and discover the perfect fit for your farm today!

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Why We Choose Bolt-Together Assemblies

Have you ever worried about your high tunnel coming loose in harsh weather? 

Notice other structures weakening over time and want to avoid that for your own?

When it comes to ensuring the long-term stability of your high tunnel, the way it's assembled plays a crucial role. 


Why We Choose Bolt-Together Assemblies

When it comes to how your high tunnel is assembled, bolt-together systems have a clear edge over 
strap-together alternatives. We’ve chosen to go with bolt-together assemblies for several reasons:

They don’t slip: Once bolted together, our assemblies stay secure. You don’t have to worry about things loosening over time, which can happen with straps and clamps.

They’re stronger: A bolted connection is simply more durable, especially in rough weather conditions. This added strength gives you peace of mind that your tunnel will hold up when it matters most.


Learn how YOU can choose the perfect high tunnel for your farm in our latest article!

High Tunnel Kit

Secure Your Farm's Future with a Bolt-Together High Tunnel

Ready to build a stronger, more reliable high tunnel for your farm? 

By choosing a bolt-together high tunnel kit, you’re investing in a structure designed for long-lasting durability and strength. Whether you’re dealing with harsh weather or just want peace of mind knowing your high tunnel will stay secure, a bolted assembly ensures your tunnel will stand the test of time. 

Explore our high tunnel kits and learn how you can make the best choice for your growing needs! Reach out today to learn more.

Friday, November 15, 2024

How High Tunnels Support Local Food Economies

Have you ever wondered how farmers in colder climates can produce fresh vegetables?

Or how local farms can supply produce year-round without relying on imports from warmer regions? 

The answer often lies in high tunnels. If you’re looking to boost your farm’s productivity and contribute to a more resilient local food system, understanding the benefits of high tunnels is key.


What Are High Tunnels?

High Tunnels
High tunnels are unheated structures designed to extend the growing season for cold-tolerant and warm-
season crops. Typically made with steel bows and covered with polyethylene film, high tunnels are built without concrete footings. Their design allows for the protection of crops from wind and rain, reducing stress, and minimizing the risk of fungal pathogens and pests.

Supporting Local Food Economies

High tunnels do more than just benefit your farm; they play a key part in localizing food economies. Currently, a significant portion of the produce consumed in the United States during winter comes from distant regions like the Imperial Valley of California. This reliance on far-flung food sources introduces risks and costs to the national food system. By using high tunnels to produce food locally, you can keep your food dollars within your community, supporting local livelihoods and reducing the environmental impact of transporting food over long distances.


Learn more about the benefits of high tunnels in our latest article! 


High Tunnels Support Local Food Economies

Whether you're aiming to grow fresh produce year-round or help reduce your community’s carbon footprint, high tunnels provide a path toward a more resilient and localized food system. With their wide-ranging benefits, high tunnels can be a vital tool for both novice and experienced farmers looking to make a positive impact.


Contact our team to learn more or fill out a quote form! 

What to Look for in a High Tunnel Inflation Kit (Before You Buy a High Tunnel Kit)

Thinking about investing in a high tunnel kit with a double-layer system?  Not all setups are created equal, and the difference often comes...