By Blake Jackson
New research funded by the farmer-led Northern New York Agricultural Development Program (NNYADP) is offering valuable insight into the profitability of growing cantaloupe in high tunnel systems.
The study provides growers with both production data and economic analysis to support decision-making for local food production in northern New York.
With consumer demand for local produce on the rise and the increasing use of both heated and unheated high tunnels in the region, farmers are finding new ways to extend their growing seasons and increase revenue earlier and later in the year.
During the 2023-2024 seasons, Cornell University’s Regional Vegetable Specialist Dr. Elisabeth Hodgdon and Regional Agriculture Business Specialist Lindsey Pashow tested three types of high tunnel growing systems using two cantaloupe varieties. They developed detailed enterprise budgets for each system and variety.
“In both years, each melon production system in the trials: untrellised, vertical mesh, and double leader resulted in a net profit; however, growers need to carefully consider factors such as the labor and expenses of each type of growing system,” said Hodgdon.
Economic projections were calculated for a 30x96-foot high tunnel at full capacity. In 2024, net income ranged from $1,451.78 for mesh-grown Tasty Bites (200 plants) to $3,473.78 for mesh-grown Sugar Cube (200 plants).
Over the two-year study, average profits ranged from $1,690.11 for Tasty Bites to $2,624.67 for untrellised Sugar Cube (160 plants).
“We often compare the net income opportunities of the crops we trial for high tunnel production with that for consumer-popular and profitable high tunnel-grown tomatoes." Pashow said.
"A skilled high tunnel tomato grower with strong markets and pricing may prefer to continue with that crop; however, if a grower has multiple tunnels, an interest in diversifying crop offerings, and local marketing potential for melons, melons may be a profitable option.”
In 2024, the untrellised Sugar Cube variety produced the highest yield at 13.3 lbs. per plant, while the best performer in 2023 was Tasty Bites with 9.63 lbs. per plant. Plants yielded between 4 to 6 marketable fruits, with Sugar Cube consistently producing six.
NNYADP’s ongoing high tunnel crop research continues to support local growers dealing with short seasons and variable weather, exploring crops ranging from tomatoes to fresh ginger.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: New York, Education