Ag in Inches: The Microgreens System Educating an Illinois FFA Chapter
Have you ever eaten a green just seven days after planting it? At the Sterling FFA Chapter in Illinois, this is a new development of learning, growth and greens right at members’ fingertips.
When imagining agriculture for your average small town in Illinois, your mind immediately goes to a 300-acre farm or livestock strolling through a pasture, but Sterling FFA does it a little differently. In fact, sometimes it’s the smallest (but mightiest) things in agriculture that get overlooked.
What are Microgreens?
One of the Sterling FFA Chapter’s unique connections to agriculture is its new student-operated hydroponic microgreen system, implemented earlier this year. A microgreen is a young seedling that, just after as few as seven days, can be harvested and enjoyed.
FFA member, horticulture student and Greenhouse Manager, Sarah Doughty, explains that the system works by “placing specialized microgreen seeds onto a tray with either rockwool or grow mats. After that, the seeds germinate, and their roots take up water from the grow mats.”
All use a water system that is timed to allocate the optimal amount of water for the plants. Then, after harvesting, the process can be repeated. Doughty dedicates her time to the smooth running of the system and promoting the microgreens.
The Impact
Although the greens may be small, the community impact is strong. Through the chapter’s microgreen system, students are able to display their understanding of agricultural processes to the community. Doughty and her horticulture classmates sell their greens not only to showcase their work but also to raise money for their horticulture program. Some enjoy them on salads, just to snack on or even as a new treat for scaly pets!
Sterling FFA members benefit because they get to work with a system that not many people can easily access. A lot of students never get the opportunity to explore systems like this because of the cost. Through this unique opportunity, Sterling FFA members are encouraged to try new things and experiment with different agriculture processes.
Doughty claims she is “able to produce greens that are high in nutrients, so it is entertaining to constantly explore new greens and experiment with what works and what doesn’t.” The program fosters engagement, curiosity and responsibility for the members to take with them in the future.
What’s Next?
Students don’t plan to end the microgreen hydroponic systems success now, they only plan to expand! Whether it’s experimenting with a new green, expanding education on microgreens, or continuing to promote their product they only plan to keep moving forward. So the next time you think of agriculture, look beyond the tractors and livestock, look at the smallest things that are making an impact.
