Nixa Schools Horticulture Program – McCauley Foundation

World’s Largest Public Education Aeroponic Farm

Nixa PuBLIC SCHOOLS CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF THE WORLD'S Largest PUBLIC EDUCAITON AREOPONIC FARM

Nixa Public Schools celebrated the launch of its groundbreaking aeroponic farm with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 21, 2024, at Nixa Junior High. This innovative facility, the first of its kind in public education, serves as both a sustainable farming model and an interactive educational tool for students, made possible through the support of local donors, the USDA, and key community partners.

The ceremony featured remarks from community leaders and project supporters, including Dr. Kevin Kopp, Assistant Superintendent of Nixa Schools; Josh Roberts, Nixa School Board President; Dr. Nicole McCauley, Founder and CEO of the McCauley Foundation; Dr. Melissa Bledsoe, Dean of the Missouri State University’s DARR College of Agriculture; Adam Coulter, Acting District Conservationist with the USDA; horticulture consultant Aundria Kirchhoff, Owner Grow Hope Farms; and Kristy Carter, Executive Director of the Least of These food pantry.

Dr. McCauley expressed gratitude for the strong community backing that made the project possible. “Thank you to each of our donors, partners, and contributors who made this project possible. You believed in our project, you believed in our community; without this, we would not be here today,” she said, underscoring the collaboration fueling this initiative.

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees were invited to tour the aeroponic farm, exploring its vertical growing system, which uses 2% of the water and 10% of the land required by traditional farming while yielding 30% more produce. The farm will also serve the broader community, with up to 1,000 heads of lettuce donated monthly to Least of These, supporting local families in need. In addition, the Parent Supported Agriculture (PSA) program invites parents and community members to purchase student-grown produce, further integrating the community with the farm’s mission.

This aeroponic farm stands as a national model for sustainable, educational agriculture and community engagement, paving the way for future generations to learn, grow, and thrive.

WHY AEROPONIC FARMING:

Soil-Free Cultivation: Plants are grown without soil, using nutrient-rich mist directed at roots.
Efficient Use of Resources: Aeroponics consumes less water than traditional farming, as misting uses minimal amounts.
Enhanced Oxygenation: Exposed roots receive ample oxygen, promoting faster plant growth.
Nutrient Control: Nutrient delivery can be precisely controlled, optimizing plant health and yield.
Reduced Space Requirement: Vertical stacking systems allow higher-density planting in smaller areas, ideal for urban farming.
Fewer Pests and Diseases: Growing in controlled environments reduces the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases.
Faster Growth Cycle: Plants often mature faster, as they experience continuous access to nutrients and oxygen.
Ideal for Research and Experimentation: Fine control over nutrients and growth conditions makes it useful for scientific studies.
Minimal Environmental Impact: Lower water usage and no runoff reduce environmental impact.
Cost-Effective for High-Value Crops: Initial setup can be costly, but it’s efficient for crops with high market demand, like leafy greens and herbs.