Enterprise Budget Explores Mini-Melon Profitability in High Tunnels

The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program (NNYADP) has published production data and enterprise budgets analyzing melons as an alternative crop for farms with high tunnels. The project compared organic mini-muskmelon production in an unheated high tunnel in northern New York using two vertical trellising systems —a double leader system and a mesh netting system — to untrellised production. The project produced six enterprise budgets: one for each of two different varieties of melons grown under each of the three systems. Total market weight, yield, and unmarketable melon numbers were all considered in calculating income opportunity. The net incomes ranged from $1,184.43 to $2,835.66. “While our data suggests that melons likely will not replace tomatoes and cucumbers in a high tunnel system, they may be a valuable addition to a farm’s high tunnel cropping plan. Growers must compare the various aspects of the data from this trial and decide whether the addition of melon production is a good fit for their farm,” noted Regional Vegetable Specialist Elisabeth Hodgdon, Ph.D.
Related ATTRA publication: Specialty Melon Production for Small and Direct-Market Growers