As southern Nevada works to strengthen food security amid an arid climate and limited arable land, University of Nevada, Reno Extension is offering an educational certificate series on indoor vertical farming, or hydroponics, to equip commercial growers, home gardeners, Master Gardener volunteers and educators with research-based expertise in soil-free vegetable farming.

Rooted Robotics offers products that help farmers with seeding, harvesting and cleaning. Each system is designed with simplicity, reliability and sustainability in mind.

Everything the company sells is also made to be upgradable with customized add-ons, allowing the machines to grow with the farms they support. 

The Living Food initiative is being developed in partnership with One Season Farmers and Harvest Today, combining indoor agriculture technology with a health-centered mission to improve access to fresh food, strengthen local food systems, and support long-term community wellness.

Agricultural science, taught by Mrs. Michelle (“Shelley”) Shurlow, is underway at Gladstone High School for the very first year.

Currently an elective, the class gives a group of students education on various elements of agriculture through hands-on experience, guest speakers, field trips, and online learning.