Crater High School Revolutionizes Agriculture with Innovative Freight Farm Project

Crater High School is redefining the future of farming with a groundbreaking agricultural initiative that challenges conventional practices and inspires students to rethink sustainability. Through its Freight Farm project, the school is cultivating crops like lettuce, basil, and cilantro using a vertical hydroponic system—completely soil-free.

The Freight Farm relies on a nutrient-rich water solution to grow plants, consuming no more than five gallons of water per week. This innovative approach not only conserves resources but also serves as a hands-on learning platform for students, who are involved in every stage of the process—from planting seeds to monitoring growth and harvesting crops.

The idea for the Freight Farm took root when agricultural science teachers Kristin Kostman and Jim Miller attended a national conference and discovered the potential of vertical hydroponics. “Our students are fully engaged in the process,” Kostman said. “It’s an immersive experience that shows them the possibilities of sustainable, urban farming.”

Housed inside a repurposed shipping container, the Freight Farm creates a controlled environment where crops grow vertically under energy-efficient LED lights. This compact system is not only an educational tool but also a practical model for producing food in space-constrained urban areas. The school produces an impressive 2,000 heads of lettuce each month, all while using minimal water.

“The students are amazed to see plants growing vertically without soil, relying solely on liquid nutrients,” Kostman explained. “It’s a real ‘wow’ moment for them.”

Technology plays a key role in the project. Students monitor the crops via cameras and manage the system through their smartphones, using apps to track growth and ensure plant health. The harvested produce is then sent to the school’s food service program, where it is used to prepare meals for students and staff.

“Since September, we’ve been supplying the district’s food service with lettuce, harvesting 500 to 600 plants each week,” Kostman said.

The success of Crater High School’s Freight Farm has sparked plans to expand the program. Kostman and Miller hope to share their model with other schools, encouraging them to adopt similar sustainable practices. “This isn’t just a science experiment,” Kostman emphasized. “It’s a real-world, working farm that’s making a tangible impact.”

By blending innovation, education, and sustainability, Crater High School is planting the seeds for a greener future—one harvest at a time.