Though it is a diverse field, agriculture is often seen as a job for coveralled farmers whose families have been in the farming/livestock raising business for generations. That stereotype is slowly being dissolved as advancements are made in the science community’s knowledge of and resources for agriculture.

As the agriculture field grows, so does the need to teach students about the different aspects of agriculture – not just biology but chemistry and engineering as well. At Red Bay High School, students are now getting the chance to do just that.

April 9 RBHS launched its new aquaponics system in the school’s greenhouse. Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (the soil-less growing of plants) that grows fish and plants together in one integrated system.

Regional 4H Extension Agent Leslie Goins applied for grants and helped the school set up the system.

“It took a couple of weeks to get the system set up once we got the equipment, and the students did most of the work themselves,” Goins said.

She received a grant from the 4H Foundation and from the Franklin County Community Development Committee for the system.

“It’s great for the kids because it shows them a holistic approach to agriculture,” she said.

Goins said the aquaponics system requires more than just a basic knowledge of biology. It requires the students to utilize chemistry and engineering skills.

Those engineering skills are one reason student Cindy Wallace said she likes the aquaponics center.

“I’ve always been involved in farming and stuff outside of school, but the plumbing and process of this system fascinated me,” Wallace said.

Even though the system is set up now, the hard work isn’t over. The students will have to constantly make sure the system maintains proper pH and nitrogen balances so that both the plants and the fish remain sustainable.

“A lot of the students don’t know what all goes into growing plants. With this they’re learning that it’s not just about plants and fish. It takes work to keep it all balanced,” agriscience teacher Jarod Massey said.

It also gives the students a chance to give back to the community, according to Massey. The agriculture program partners with the Red Bay Garden Club, and the plants are sold at the Club’s plant and bake sale.

“The students enjoy stuff like this that is hands-on, where they can see the results of their work,” Mayor Charlene Fancher said. “This is something that can impact the lives of citizens throughout the world.”