Chuck Tryon, Bushel Boy Farms: “Our agricultural workforce crisis has reached a critical point”

Photo right: Chuck Tryon, Bushel Boy Farms

Author: Tinneke Hattingh © HortiDaily.com

Bushel Boy Farms has established itself as a provider of greenhouse-grown produce for over three decades. Based in Owatonna, Minnesota, and Mason City, Iowa, the company operates two high-tech greenhouse facilities, spanning a combined 48 acres of growing surface.

“Bushel Boy is a vertically integrated growing company that grows, packages, and markets a wide variety of greenhouse-grown produce sold under the Bushel Boy brand,” shares Chuck Tryon, President of Bushel Boy Farms.

While premium-quality tomatoes remain the main focus of its operations, the company is also expanding into other high-demand crops, such as strawberries. “We are widely recognized for our commitment to providing fresh, locally grown produce with superior taste,” Chuck notes, adding that their primary market is the Upper Midwest’s premier grocery retailers.

Labor challenges versus technological investments

Labor availability remains one of the biggest challenges for Bushel Boy Farms. The company supplements its local workforce with employees through the H-2A program, a U.S. government-sponsored initiative allowing temporary employment of foreign agricultural workers.

“In the U.S., our agricultural workforce crisis has reached a critical point,” Chuck shares. “Despite warning signs for years, Congress has failed to pass any legislation to modernize the H-2A program, which is quickly becoming the most reliable source of labor for growers.”

Bushel Boy supports efforts to reform the program, advocating for more accessibility for year-round industries like greenhouse farming.

Simultaneously, Bushel Boy is addressing their labor challenges by investing heavily in automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics. “We’ve partnered with IUNU to advance visioning systems for vine crops,” Chuck says. These systems provide real-time data from the plants, enabling more accurate and timely decision-making.

Tailored greenhouse operations

Bushel Boy Farms operates two distinct greenhouses, each designed to meet its own regional demands. The primary facility in Owatonna spans 32 acres of fully lit greenhouse space. Meanwhile, the Iowa facility, established just four years ago, covers 16 acres, with room for two additional 16-acre expansions.

“The climate is similar between these two locations, roughly 70 miles apart,” Chuck explains. “However, our Minnesota facility is fully built out, while our Iowa site offers room for future growth.”

This expansion was in response to changing market demands. “We aim to remain a leading greenhouse vegetable producer in the central U.S. and will continue to look for opportunities to grow our presence in the market,” Chuck states.

Staggered crop cycles

In the often harsh winter months of the Upper Midwest, Bushel Boy makes sure to offer a steady supply of fresh produce. The company staggers its crop cycles to maintain consistent production and meet retailer expectations.

“This approach is important for us to maintain supply and service levels for our retail partners,” Chuck says. “To be flexible is very important in responding to the different market trends.”

The company is currently exploring new product lines, including a trial of mini sweet peppers. “We did a trial of mini sweet peppers last year and are evaluating the opportunity for that product line and others,” Chuck explains. “For now, however, we are concentrating our efforts on the wide variety of tomatoes that we offer, along with strawberries.”

Sustainability and goals for the future

As the company believes they have a commitment to environmental stewardship, Bushel Boy is seeking innovative ways to reduce waste generated during greenhouse operations. “We continue to look for opportunities to upcycle product and plant waste material,” Chuck mentions.

Fortunately, water scarcity—a significant issue for agriculture in parts of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada—has not affected Bushel Boy’s Upper Midwest operations.

The ever-changing market

The North American greenhouse industry is constantly developing, driven by changing consumer preferences and increasing market competition. Chuck notes that the U.S. tomato market is stabilizing, aided by the introduction of virus-resistant crop varieties.

Bushel Boy aims to continually adapt to these shifts, with planned growth and product diversification as their main strategies. “Our focus will remain on being a leading greenhouse vegetable producer in the central U.S.,” Chuck affirms.

For more information:

Bushel Boy Farms
Chuck Tryon, President
ctryon@bushelboy.com
www.bushelboy.com
Publication date: Tue 3 Dec 2024
Author: Tinneke Hattingh
© HortiDaily.com