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Black Hills Corporation

Production Challenge
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  • Using Perlite
  • Limited Pesticide Usage
  • Cooling Challenge

    Cooling Challenge
    "One of the major challenges of operating this type of facility is keeping the tomato crop cooled properly," according to Gerhart. "We use a high pressure fog system to do the cooling. The system adds humidity in the form of a mist, and as the water evaporates, it cools the air. That enables us to maintain 80° in here when it is 110 degrees outside. Ideally, our goal is 65-70°. We also can maintain a 65% humidity level, which is close to ideal for tomato plants."

    computer image"During the winter months, we use a tremendous amount of heat," Gerhart says. "Even when it is 60° outside, the plants are transpiring, giving off moisture. This raises the humidity level, which in turn lowers the air temperature and requires supplementary heat.