Case study
Thorlakson Family Feedyard: Planning a Commercial Greenhouse to Diversify an Alberta Farm
Commercial greenhouse planning for farm diversification
3
greenhouse configurations compared side by side
2.5 – 5.0 acres
of greenhouse size assessed for the site near Airdrie, Alberta
At a glance
- Location
- Airdrie, Alberta
- Client type
- Established feedyard and farming business
- Project
- Commercial greenhouse for farm diversification
- Options assessed
- 3 greenhouse configurations
- Crop strategy
- Shifted from leafy greens to tomatoes
- Funding
- Growing Greenhouse grant application
- Greenhouse size considered
- 2.5 – 5.0 acres
- LGTC phase
- Plan
The challenge
Where the project started
The Thorlakson family, who run an established feedyard and farming business near Airdrie, Alberta, wanted to know whether a commercial greenhouse could be a viable new line of business alongside their feedyard, and what it would take to build one.
What we did
How LGTC helped
The Thorlakson family explored adding a commercial greenhouse to diversify their operation. Little Greenhouse That Could (LGTC) prepared a preliminary design report comparing three greenhouse configurations and a business plan to assess the opportunity, and supported a Growing Greenhouse grant application. Along the way, the crop strategy shifted from leafy greens to tomatoes to fit a potential market partnership.
We helped the family identify the right structure, power capacity at the site, permitting requirements, system requirements and key potential partners.
Preliminary design report: we compared three greenhouse configurations.
Business plan: we built financial projections to help the family assess the opportunity.
Equipment recommendations: we recommended growing and climate equipment for the preferred options.
Grant support: we helped prepare a Growing Greenhouse grant application.
Site requirements: we coordinated on power availability and permitting.
Engineering quotes: we requested quotes from engineering firms to estimate cost for design.
Partnerships: we introduced the family to potential growing and marketing partners.
The results
What it achieved
3 configurations assessed side by side
Business plan & grant application to support the investment decision
Power & permitting requirements identified before detailed design
Crop strategy refined from leafy greens to tomatoes to match a potential market partner
A clear set of options, requirements and next steps for moving into detailed design
Services used
The services behind this project
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Thorlakson Family Feedyard project?
Near Airdrie, Alberta, on an established feedyard and farming business.
What did LGTC deliver for the Thorlakson family?
A preliminary design report comparing three greenhouse configurations, a business plan with financial projections, and support for a Growing Greenhouse grant application.
What crop is the Thorlakson greenhouse planned for?
The crop strategy shifted from leafy greens to tomatoes to fit a potential market partnership.
Contact
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