New Greenhouse Doubles Capacity at University Farm

This spring, there will be a second greenhouse installed at the University Farm thanks to a gift from Dr. Pete Goldman, professor emeritus of biology.  

Since 2011, the greenhouse at the University Farm has provided fresh local produce to Sodexo and the Adair County Food Pantry. The new greenhouse will double the capacity for students to grow fresh fruits and vegetables all year long.  

Goldman taught biology at Truman for 44 years. In 2008, he established a scholarship through the Truman State University Foundation for students in biology. The Evolution, Ecology and Conservation Biology Scholarship fund, designed to provide scholarships in perpetuity, has contributed nearly $18,000 in support to date. His most recent gift to the Foundation will provide the funding for construction of the new greenhouse. An avid hiker and bird watcher, Goldman is a community leader in the promotion of sustainability and environmental issues.

“The greenhouse is a match of Dr. Goldman’s interests with needs of the University, and it will make a significant impact for our program,” said Bill Kuntz, University Farm manager.   

Kuntz is overseeing the new greenhouse project, and Bob Johnson, assistant professor of agriculture, is helping with the design and construction.

“Our goal is to have plants growing in the new greenhouse later this spring,” Johnson said. “This gift will make such an impact on our program and we are very grateful for Dr. Goldman’s generous support.”

Johnson is also responsible for Truman’s farm-to-table program, established in 2011 through a grant secured by Michael Seipel, department chair. Seipel leads the composting project, which utilizes food waste on campus to provide mulch for the greenhouse.  

Students who major in agricultural science at Truman have more opportunities to get hands-on training than are typically found at larger institutions. Students work directly with the production of produce and marketing and learn about plants, crops and soil, as well as livestock management.  

Internship positions in fruit and vegetable production and marketing are available during the summer. Interns gain additional experience in safe production and handling procedures as they help research and develop protocols in preparation for the farm as it undergoes Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) and Good Handling Practice (GHP) audit verification procedures.

More information about the University Farm, including a virtual tour and details on available programs, can be found here. Learn more about the Truman State University Foundation and the Foundation scholarship program here.