Yield data is collected every year from crops grown within the high tunnels at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in southern Illinois. Plots are assigned within each of the tunnels based on the type of research that is being conducted, and replicated data collection allows for statistical analysis to be run to determine treatment effects. A portion of yield data is also captured for the non-plot areas and includes total marketable fruit and weight. For the purposes of this yield review, a comparison is being made not between treatment plots but between two high tunnels. These yield and gross sales comparisons are observational, not replicated, and are intended to provide a general picture of potential gross sales.
Variety selection has a direct effect on yield. During the 2025 growing season, the same tomato and pepper varieties were grown in both high tunnels. Tomato varieties were hybrid slicers and included ‘Red Deuce’, ‘BHN 589’, ‘BHN 964’, ‘BHN 871’(yellow), ‘FL 7514’, and ‘Rubee Dawn’. Pepper varieties were bell and a mix of various other pepper types and included ‘Aristotle’, ‘Abay’, ‘Tequila’, ‘Frodo’, ‘Lunchbox’ (snacking), banana, ‘Cornito’, ’Carranza’ (poblano), and ‘Jedi’ (jalapeno).
Total gross sales of tomatoes and peppers combined from Tunnel F and Tunnel S in 2025 were $26,027, but this was not an even split between the two tunnels, even though both tunnels received the same amount of fertilizer over the course of the growing season. Tunnel F row length was 80 feet and comprised of 5 rows of tomatoes, 2 rows of peppers, and 1 row of cut flowers. Tunnel S row length was 90 feet and comprised of 6 rows of tomatoes and 2 rows of peppers. Total gross sales from Tunnel F were $9,630.50, and total gross sales from Tunnel S were $16,396.50. Other differences between the two tunnels that should be noted include:
- Tunnel S is a quonset style with a top height of 14 feet, end walls are solid poly carbonate, side curtains drop down, compost soil amendment in 2024
- Tunnel F is a gothic style with a top height of 12.5 feet, end walls are open during the growing season, side curtains roll up, cover crops planted in the beds for the past 3 winters
A comparison of tomato and pepper yields and gross sales estimates from the two tunnels in Tables 1 and 2 provide examples of how tunnel structures, style, and production management can effect yields.
Table 1. Tomato yields and gross sales from the 2025 growing season within high tunnels at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center.
| Tomato yield and gross sales information | Tunnel F - 5 rows 80 feet long | Tunnel S - 6 rows 90 feet long |
|---|---|---|
| Total marketable weight | 3,051 Lbs | 5,586 Lbs |
| Marketable weight per square foot | 4.36 Lbs per sq ft | 5.91 Lbs per sq ft |
| Total marketable gross sales | $6,864.75 | $12,568.50 |
| Average gross sales per plant | $36.13 | $47.61 |
Table 2. Pepper yields and gross sales from the 2025 growing season within high tunnels at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center.
| Pepper yield and gross sales information | Tunnel F - 2 rows 80 feet long | Tunnel S - 2 rows 90 feet long |
|---|---|---|
| Total marketable weight | 922 Lbs | 1,279 Lbs |
| Total marketable gross sales | $2,766.00 | $3,828.00 |
| Average gross sales per plant | $8.64 | $10.94 |
Amounts used to calculate gross sales were derived from information within the 3-year average weekly prices at Kentucky Farmers Markets: 2022-2024 document located on the Center for Crop Diversification website. For tomatoes, gross sales estimates were based on a conservative amount of $2.25 per pound from rural farmers' markets, and gross sales estimates for peppers were again based on a rural farmers' market average of $0.75 each.