I’ve always loved before and after photos.  From fashion make-overs and new hair-dos, to closet re-organizations and house remodels, there is something so fun and gratifying about changes that improve or add value to something.  Our most recent hoop house build out at Portage River Farm, on Fox and Janet Adelmann’s property in Pinckney, was ripe for just this kind of photo op.  The site was graded for the largest hoop house we’ve built so far, at more than half again as large as our 90′ hoops, it measures 144′ in length.  Above, Sean Adelmann and Jeff set the ground posts in the hoop house footprint.  Follow the rest of the before and after below.

Well, there you have it.  A complete hoop house, start to nearly finish.  Hanging the doors, and, of course, planting are all that is left to make this hoop complete.

Of course, like many farms, in addition to the hoop going up, there were lots of other bits of beauty to notice.

There were some amazing volunteers who showed up for this big ol’ build.  Combining forces, the Selma Cafe crew and the Portage River Farm family and CSA crew worked as a great team, bringing it all together.  Huge thank yous to Tomm Becker, Dan Carroll, Claire Maitre, Ed Weymouth, David Kangas, Noah Miller, Hillary Bisnett, Monica Patel, Kevin and Heather Green, Troy and Jana Sibson, Marge Everhart, Scooter Merrins, Jessica and Maybelle Feeman,  Cosman and Mici Orlandea, Diane Gregor, Marie Stanyer, Mary Skiver, Rob Henderson, Laura Dikeman, Steve and Gwynn Stinnett, Christine and Lucy Modey, Asia and Melody Korkmaz, Sue and Preston Barker, Bonnie Janney, Julie and Madeline Simons, Christine Ballman, Margot Bell, and Finn the dog.  Along with Janet and Fox, their children worked impressively hard. Props to Sean and Aiden Adelmann, and Freya Kniaz for really stepping up for their family farm.

We’re feeling pretty happy, standing in front of RP&F’s 6th hoop house.  And, we’re already thinking ahead to hoops 7 and 8.  Come join us Saturday August 28th for hoop number 7 at Capella Farm on Scio Church Road.  It’s going to be a fun build on some beautiful land, with an awesome party later that evening.  Sign up here if you would like to be part of the adventure.