We were at a Viz Whizz meetup at the farm and only then we realized that the farm is a large operation with a beautiful building and neatly maintained grounds. We looked around trying to find any crops under the sun but could not find any; instead I spotted some strange lights with tints of purple emitted inside what looked like a giant greenhouse. I was dying with curiosity wondering what this whole farming operation was about.
My wish was granted as one of the owners graciously treated us a tour of the facility, and I soon learned the farm is one of the exotic indoor hydroponic farming operations that I have read, except that those farms would usually be located near big cities in the northeast where population density/limited farm lands and unfavorable winter weathers create a good case for producing locally fresh vegetables year round.
But I also soon found out that a great indoor hydroponic farming operation, such as True Harvest, can certainly exist elsewhere because there are so much more to it, such as efficiency through science research and automation, water conservation, a pesticide-free growing environment, and be a good steward to the environment by insisting on using biodegradable farming material and methods, to name a few.
True Harvest employs semi-automated operations, including automatically adjusting spacing around each plant, in this case each head of lettuce, as they grow, enabling great spatial efficiency. They also take advantage of natural Texas sun light to reduce energy used by the purple-tint grow lights that I saw. The hydroponic farming method minimizes any water wasted compared to traditional soil-based crops, along with water recycling, enable extreme water conservation 90% or even less water if I recall correctly. Their germination chamber optimizes temperature and humidity to speed up germination progress, allowing a quick lettuce growing cycle from seeds to harvesting within 45-60 days or less. True Harvest’s automated growing, harvesting and packaging under one roof can allow their lettuces to reach retail customers within hours, not weeks (from the time of harvesting) compared to traditional outdoor crops, enabling fresh and nutritious greens that can last a far longer time.
From what I learned and read, True Harvest also gets involved with the community, providing tours and educational activities for kids, which I believe will inspire many young students into applying science and technology into future innovative farming opportunities for all humankind.
I did not know I could learn so much by happening to visit True Harvest. Our tour guide, Marshall, who is one of the managing partners, was especially kind and generous.
We wish True Harvest the best. We will look for True Harvest lettuces at stores and restaurants...
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