CALGARY, CANADA: ‘Something You Can’t Get Out of a Textbook’: Diamond Valley Students Enjoy Learning at Vertical Farm
By Tyler Barrow
November 19, 2025
Students at Oilfields High School in Diamond Valley, Alta., are getting their hands dirty learning about vertical farming.
Students at Oilfields High School in Diamond Valley, Alta., are getting their hands dirty learning about vertical farming.
“I enjoy the hands-on experience we get—a hands-on environment where we’re learning how to do stuff that we don’t get to learn everywhere else,” said Taeyo Shipman, a student working on the vertical farm.
This biochar-based, solar-powered farm grows fresh vegetables, herbs and spices and microgreens.
The “senior and junior vertical farm initiative” course allows students to earn credits as they equip themselves with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, business management and environmental stewardship.
“It’s not just a pot being planted out of a classroom window—it was something really unique and different, and it got the community quite excited,” said Cindy Watts, career technology instructor.
The vertical farm, which allows for crop production in a controlled environment, became operational in 2023.
It has integrated modern, net-zero farming techniques, which include the use of solar panels.
Jake Bradley is enrolled in the course and is tasked with keeping the vertical farm operational.
“Generally, if there is a leak in the plumbing or something, I’ve got to fix it,” said Bradley.
“I just like working with my hands, and it’s student-led leadership. I think it helps a lot with everything.”
Other students are tasked with marketing and distribution to get their goods to businesses in Diamond Valley and the surrounding communities.
Grade 11 student Jada Brown meets with clients and helps advertise the products while ensuring profitability.
“We’re learning something you can’t get out of a textbook,” said Brown.
“You get to work with people you enjoy doing it with.”
Currently, the school’s vertical farm products are being sold at seven different businesses in the area and also at the school’s concession.
Amedeo’s Italian Bistro in Okotoks, Alta., buys the farm’s greens, which includes basil to be used in its caprese salad and mint for desserts and drinks.
“We’re a local business, so we want to support local as much as possible. What better place than to support a high school where students are actually learning how to grow things and how to come up with some great products?” said the restaurant’s owner, Amedeo Vallati.
Any revenue made goes toward sustaining the vertical farm.
During the summer months, it also offers opportunities for post-secondary students looking to learn about controlled-environment agriculture.
Video Journalist, CTV News Calgary