Rhonda McCurry
Dry, hot conditions this summer have affected more than just corn and bean farmers. Clint Brauer owns MGHonor Farms near Cheney, a two-acre garden that features herbicide-free locally-grown produce. All summer long he's been worried about the impact of drought, watching his 1,150 tomato plants stop flowering and his pepper plants shrivel in the sun.
He says a general rule of thumb for determinate, heirloom tomatoes is that growers will see 80-percent of their production in eight-week's time. The rest of the season offers about 20-percent of total production levels.
HARD SUMMER: It's been a rough summer for the chili, jalapeno, habanero and bell peppers at MGHonor Farms. Due to extreme heat, the peppers grew small with no volume on the plants. Brauer says one restaurant customer wanted 200 pounds a week but the popular produce couldn't handle the heat, which meant Brauer couldn't deliver.
If temperatures would drop to the mid-90s or lower in the daytime to 60s at night, Brauer says his plants would turn around and produce a solid fall harvest. This wish is the same for most traditional farmers across the state, which demonstrates the need for rain no matter where farmers grow crops in Kansas.
If drought conditions persist next summer, Brauer says he will catch rain in rain barrels and work up the ground early in the spring. He would also plant tomatoes earlier than ever before, estimating more produce had they been in the ground one month earlier this year.
NEW SIGN:
MGHonor Farms stands out to passersby thanks to a new sign. Brauer has been managing a produce home delivery subscription service, selling to restaurants, the local farmers market and at a roadside stand. He says top chefs crave the best food possible and Brauer is proud to grow their choice of produce.
HARD SUMMER:
It's been a rough summer for the chili, jalapeno, habanero and bell peppers at MGHonor Farms. Due to extreme heat, the peppers grew small with no volume on the plants. Brauer says one restaurant customer wanted 200 pounds a week but the popular produce couldn't handle the heat, which meant Brauer couldn't deliver.
TOMATO SUCCESS:
Brauer's heirloom tomatoes have managed surprisingly well through the summer. These (left to right) Pink Brandywine, Green Zebra and Valencia (yellow) varieties not only yielded well but tasted great thanks to the drip irrigation system installed this spring. Next year, Brauer plans to take advantage and expand to full-system capacity.
POPULAR BROCCOLI:
Even though Brauer has had only 0.4 inches of rain since June, he is trying out new plants and produce to expand his two-acre garden. Here is a brand new broccoli plant growing next to cilantro, dill and bush beans in drip-irrigated soil. The broccoli is already spoken for by a Wichita chef.
DELIVERY FLOURISHES:
The delivery business was a high point for MGHonor Farms. Brauer incorporated other locally-produced items including goat soap and detergent, olive oil, balsamics and candles. One customer purchased Green Zebra heirloom tomatoes and made a salsa he shared with Brauer. It was the best Brauer has ever tasted and he is working toward commercializing the product.
USING RESOURCES:
The best part of the summer season for Brauer has been hearing the results of his garden labor. Restaurant chefs and delivery customers have raved about the heirloom tomatoes, particularly the Black Krim, Valencia, Kellogg Breakfast and Green Zebra. Brauer says seed companies are a great resource regarding how and where to plant in order to prosper.