This is an unconventional farm project. In our second year, we added another 50’ caterpillar that we purchased using a USDA grant.

Instead of building another tunnel, we decided to add a 50’ extension to one of our existing tunnels (where we had planted corn and flowers in our first year). To make the extension, we needed to extend the roof. We decided to re-use the roof from our other tunnel instead of installing a new roof.

Why? Either way, we knew we would have a seam in the middle of the tunnel. However, by re-using the roof, we could then and install a lift kit. This also aligned the ages of the roof on the extended tunnel, so they are ready to be replaced at the same time.

We plan to add a lift kit to this newly extended tunnel when it’s time to replace the roof. We’ll also be able to remove the seam in the middle of the tunnel roof and install roll-up sides. Each of these projects will increase our efficiency and improve ergonomics.