McCauley Foundation and Nixa Public Schools Celebrates Grand Opening of the World’s Largest Public Education Aeroponic Farm
Nixa, MO — 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 from Missouri State University’s DARR College of Agriculture; Adam Coulter, Acting District Conservationist with the USDA; horticulture consultant Aundria Kirchhoff; and Kristy Carter, Executive Director of the Least of These food pantry.
Dr. Kopp highlighted the farm's educational potential, stating, “This farm is more than a place to grow plants. It is a living laboratory where our Junior High students will have a first-hand opportunity to learn about the science of plant growth, the importance of sustainable agriculture, and the vital role that healthy foods play in our lives.”
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.
Media Coverage: KY3 - Written & Video | Springfield Daily Citizen | Nixa Public Schools | McCauley Foundation | Christian County Headliner
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