US (SD): Hydroponics grower looking to expand
Ninety percent of greens from Happy Hydros LLC are sold by or served at The Co-op Natural Foods, Pomegranate Market, Sanford USD Medical Center and various downtown restaurants.
The operation runs all year. The Scholls started their hydroponic greenhouse operation in 2009 and typically produce more than 60,000 pounds of tomatoes, 30,000 pounds of cucumbers and 40,000 heads of lettuce annually. Produce is grown on a quarter-acre plot that houses four greenhouses that are connected as one space.
If it weren’t for a June 2015 storm that destroyed two greenhouses and damaged equipment, the Scholls would be increasing production this year. The damage set lettuce production back six months and tomatoes a whole year.
“We were starting to get into full production when the storm hit,” he said.
It will take a few years to recoup the losses, Scholl said. He plans on adding more herbs and a larger variety of greens in the next couple of years.
“I would like to add another green space,” he said. “We can’t produce enough varieties that I would like to.”
Two greenhouses were recently rebuilt, and the plants will be ready for spring production, Scholl said. In addition, Happy Hydros built a 1,500-square-foot addition for a certified kitchen that will provide co-packing services for pesticide-free and organic produce.
Read more at Argus Leader