Growing in NH
Agriculture contributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the New Hampshire Economy. One of the fastest growing sectors of Agriculture is ornamental horticulture. New Hampshire Outlook is producing an ongoing series of stories looking at what's growing in New Hampshire, who is doing the work and how it's getting done.
*Click on link to view the segment.
Agriculture Stories
Anemone - Producer Susan Hajdu introduces us to a family who has found a
niche in the wholesale trade. They're growing their business one flower at a
time. View the
segment.
Brookdale Fruit Farm - The next time you're shopping for fruits and vegetables in the supermarket, you are likely to be purchasing some that are grown right here in New Hampshire. Brookdale Fruit Farm has been around for more than 100 years. Today, they're wholesalers, distributing produce to stores and farmstands throughout New England. They're able to maintain their productivity through a combination of science and technology. View the segment
D.S. Cole Growers - For the largest growers in the state, producing millions of young plants every year is only possible with the help of sophisticated technology. Producer Susan Hajdu visited DS Cole Growers in Loudon to see how they're putting computers and robots to work for them in their greenhouse. View the segment.
Farmers Market - Producer Ben French takes a look at the long time tradition of Farmers Markets in NH. View the segment.
Green Generation - Ben French introduces us to some of the state's youngest farmers. They're involved in a new program at the University of New Hampshire working to grow a 'Green Generation' of children. View the segment..
Graymist Farm - We begin with a look how one farm is using tools of diversification, innovation and education to survive. Producer Susan Hajdu takes us to the White Mountain community of Groveton. View the segment .
Gold Star Sod Farm - Turfgrass, or sod, are those neatly rolled bundles of lawn that help make our communities greener. For farmers who know how to grow it -- turfgrass can be a profitable crop. Susan Hajdu takes us to Canterbury where the proprietors are making a living from watching grass grow. View the segment .
Ledgewood Farm Greenhouse Frames - Technology plays a role in just about every facet of our lives these days. Including in the most unlikely places. Take farming, for example. New Hampshire's, long, frigid winters and cool springs can curtail an already short growing season. There is a farmer in Moultonboro, however, who is working to give New Hampshire farmers a bit of an edge. View the segment.
Nesenkeag Farm - Nesenkeag Farm in Litchfield is successful at marketing distinctive crops that taste best when grown in the New England climate. Producer Susan Hajdu shows us more. View the segment .
Pleasantview Gardens - There's a wholesale grower in New Hampshire who spends years developing new hybrid plants for the marketplace. Susan Hajdu reports. View the segment .
Rockingham Botanical Garden - The Rockingham Botanical Garden will be the first botanical garden in the state of New Hampshire. Nancy Adams of the UNH cooperative extension takes us to the Brentwood Farm - future site of the botanical garden where we meet some of the volunteers working on the project. View the segment
Spring Ledge Farm - For many people, there's nothing like the taste of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. But more often than not, these farm stands are farther away than the local grocery store. Not so, for the people of New London, New Hampshire, where Spring Ledge Farm grows and sells their own produce right on Main Street. Producer Susan Hajdu takes us there. View the segment.
Tuttle's Red Barn There is a family owned farm in Dover that is an agricultural and historical landmark. Unlike many farms throughout the state, this seacoast gem is located on prime real estate. While a central location is ideal for the family's specialty food store and greenhouse, it has also led to mounting pressures to develop the land. Producer Susan Hajdu reports. View the segment
UNH Plant Breeding - Among consumers, there's a high demand for new and improved plants.
As a result, the flori-culture industry has become competitive, with growers turning to science for help.
At the University of New Hampshire there's a plant breeding program geared to satisfying this need. Producer Susan Hajdu
introduces us to Dr. Rosanna Freyre, UNH Plant Biology Research Professor. View the segment
Weir Tree Farm - Living in New England, you know, there's nothing like the aroma of a fresh cut tree. Today, most Christmas trees are raised and harvested on farms just like other agricultural crops. Producer Susan Hajdu takes us to a farm where they have been growing Christmas memories in Colebrook since 1945. View the segment.
Van Berkum Nursery - Gardeners who are seeking a more interesting, sophisticated look for their flower gardens often turn to perennials. Once in the ground, these hardy plants return year after year, providing seasonal color, texture, and a longer lifespan for gardens. In Deerfield there's a wholesaler who's meeting the demand from landscapers and garden centers for these types of plants. Susan Hajdu reports on her recent visit to Van Berkum Nursery. View the segment.
On Line Resources
UNH Sustainable Horticulture
The Tuttle Fund
NH Dept. of Agriculture
NH Department of Agriculture - Markets and Food
Office of Commissioner
25 Capitol Street
P.O. Box 2042
Concord, NH 03302-2042
(603) 271-3551