Boyd Bowder

“Growing Success: Community Greenhouse Business Model” is the winning program developed by Bowder for students at Sumner-Eddyville-Miller High School. The agriculture education program and Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter at the school are planning to make improvements in the areas of agriculture mechanics, agronomy, plant science, horticulture, and landscaping to increase student opportunities and education. Through the purchase and usage of a greenhouse, concrete, and a heating system, students will have a hands-on opportunity to utilize green technologies including material recycling, rainwater utilization, and a corn stove. The goals of the program are to improve student knowledge of practices used to grow vegetables in the safest and healthiest ways, give students a firsthand view of emerging agricultural technologies, and promote careers in agriculture. Participants will also develop marketing strategies and conduct a spring plant sale to help sustain the greenhouse and future plant purchases. Bowder, who lives in Eddyville, hopes the program will also engage the community by having members come in to speak or give presentations, and by giving them the opportunity to purchase starter plants as a part of the spring fundraiser.