As agriculture adapts to climate change, resource constraints, and growing food demand, universities are rethinking how they prepare students for careers in the industry. While traditional fieldwork remains valuable, it no longer reflects the technologies transforming commercial food production.

The Howard County Food Council has installed Gardyn Hydroponic Systems at seven county schools to grow fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers through hands-on instruction with students.

As agricultural technology expands, one challenge remains: a shortage of workers to operate modern farming systems. On Thursday, May 28, participants in the University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s latest Hydroponic Crop Production Certificate Course will graduate as part of a growing effort to build Nevada’s future agriculture workforce through hydroponics education.