We dig in deep on the tunnel production and construction with farm tours at Emadi Acres Farm in Lockhart, TX and Yahweh's All Natural Farm and Garden in Harlingen, TX. This session will cover the ins and outs of growing under cover, choosing plastics, shade clothes, construction, variety selection, working with the NRCS to obtain funding and much more. The session will include a Q&A portion with the speakers.  

Derek Emadi is the owner and operator of Emadi Acres Farm, a family farm located in Lockhart, Texas. Derek and his wife have two small children who voracious vegetable taste testers. Emadi Acres Farm growing methods have evolved into growing entirely in high tunnels. The whole operation is under a half acre of production, which is highly efficient, effective and profitable.

Diana Padilla-Garcia is one of the small minority farmers trying to solve problems and create opportunities on their 35 acres farm in Harlingen, Texas. She is co-founder of Yahweh's All Natural Farm & Garden, a certified organic farm. Diana and her husband, Saul, have been operating their farm for approximately 10 years. Saul and Diana Padilla have a diversified urban farming business and have grown their farm from the bottom up using organic practices since 2004. In 2014, they became a certified organic farm. Their main crops are vegetables and subtropical fruits.

Beverly Thomas has B.S. in horticulture and an M.S. in weed science/plant pathology. She worked as a plant breeder for 20 years and is currently working with USDA. She is the owner of Cold Springs Farm in Weatherford, TX and has been market farming for 20 years.