Dallas County is a rich, rural community that is ideal for farming.

But some farmers need help.

This is where the Alabama Natural Resources Conservation Service or NRCS comes in. It is partnering with the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP) to offer financial assistance to beginner farmers, farmers with limited resources and socially disadvantaged farmers, to install Seasonal High Tunnels, or hoop houses, to harvest their crops.

Dallas County has approved the construction of more than eight houses to help grow crops longer, improve soil, water and plant quality. The structure stands six feet tall, covers several rows of crops and is wide enough to allow crops to be cultivated, sprayed and grown to full maturity.

Local farmers and landowners, Tim Strong, a Selma High School teacher, and Michael Pitts, a traveling insurance adjuster, have seen success with their hoop houses.

Strong said he sees the difference in how his plants have grown.

“Someone told me about the hoop house so I applied and qualified,” Strong said. “I plant turnips, two types of mustard greens, kale and cabbage on my time off. My operation is trial and error at this time but from what I can tell, all of the advantages are ringing true.”

Pitts grew his variety of crops in the spring and they are still growing in sufficient quantities.

“I’ve grown beans and peas, sweet and hot peppers, lettuce, squash, tomatoes, zucchini and sweet potatoes,” Pitts said. “I have nothing but praise for the hoop houses.”

Wendy Smith, Dallas County NRCS soil conservation technician, said the High Tunnels are a hit in the community. Strong and Pitts, Smith said, are trailblazers for Dallas County.

“We have a lot of interest in the community from small farmers for these structures,” Smith said. “Strong and Pitts hit the ground running with their hoop houses and they are just the right people for the New and Beginning Farmer Program. Young farmers can make a difference and we’re glad to help.”

To see if you qualify for this program or other NCRS programs contact Smith at 872-2611 or visit http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov.