On October 18, several of the ECMGs visited the 4Bs Farm in the Angelus Community NW of Grinnell, KS.
We learned much about the growing of hydroponic plants in the area. When asked by one of us, the owner replied if she’d known 4 years ago what she knows now, they might never have started this endeavor.
A wonderful tribute to the hardworking farm families of KS, this couple personifies commitment. They, on occasion, have assistance from family members and others, but for the most part, this dedicated couple are the growers, harvesters, packagers and delivery system for their produce. Dan and Carol Buck, as do many farmers and ranchers, seem to never sleep!
Hydroponics allows them to use 85% less water and 70% less space than traditional soil farming. This is extremely important in these times of drought and when land has become so expensive. They have plans to use their rainwater (what there is of it!) to run the cooling wall in the summer.
Their lettuce is sold as living plants. They are all natural, and NON-GMO (there is no such thing as GMO lettuce by the way!). These living plants will stay fresh up to 30 days if kept dry and cool! This makes them a great value compared to normal iceberg lettuce that goes bad within days. They grow a wide range of lettuce including buttercrunch, romaine and leaf.
Arugula, an herb that has a slightly peppery taste and is a great addition to salads, sandwiches, is available as are other herbs including cilantro, parsley, and basil. Two different kinds of kale as well are also harvested.
From pest control to crop rotation it was a learning (still is) process for the Buck family.
We MGs were able to purchase their produce and can testify to the claim that the plants can last 30 days or more when “harvested” off the head as directed. The product is not only available for purchase through the website, but merchants throughout the NW KS area have it as well. In addition to the retail side, many restaurants and hospitals, schools, etc use and swear by the produce.
Cottonwood District – Ellis County Master Gardeners
We ECMGs were honored to meet these fine folk and learn about their operation. For further information, check out the farm website: https://www.4b-farms.com/greenhouse.html or contact them at 785-824-3217.