For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: August 25, 2025
Southwest Tech launches indoor farming partnerships
Governor Evers assists with distribution effort
Fennimore -
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is sowing the seeds of innovation by launching a new initiative that places hydroponic indoor farms in 22 K–12 school districts across its five-county region. The project, made possible through a generous grant from Cummins, a Midwest based engine manufacturer, was officially kicked off during an event Aug. 13 on Southwest Tech’s campus. Special guests included Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Randy Romanski, representatives from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), and industry partners from Cummins and Rockwell Automation.
“What we’re celebrating is not just an incredible collaborative farming installation, it’s the beginning of something truly transformational,” said Alex Tyink, founder and CEO of Fork Farms, based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. “At Fork Farms, our vision is bold, fresh food within reach for everyone, everywhere, and we’re building that in Wisconsin, that type of innovation and today, that vision comes to life right here at Southwest Tech.”
Each school district will receive a state-of-the-art indoor vertical farming tower from Fork Farms, valued at $5,000. The farms were funded, in part, with a grant from Cummins. Southwest Tech provided funding for the remaining farms. In addition, Rockwell Automation is supporting the project’s technological and automation components.
“Investing in education is a core value of Cummins, and we are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Southwest Tech and local school districts,” said Amanda Tollefson, plant manager, Cummins Emission Solutions, Mineral Point, Wisconsin.
“Southwest Tech is proud to partner with Cummins Inc. to help ensure that equitable education systems and high-quality learning environments prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce,” said Dr. Kim Maier, executive dean at Southwest Tech. “We’re grateful for Cummins’ support and partnership to further our mission of providing access to a high-quality education.”
The initiative aims to foster hands-on, work-based learning in agriculture, business, and science. Schools plan to use the farms in a variety of ways — from growing food for school cafeterias and fundraising through produce sales to using the units as interactive STEM learning labs.
“This is about reimagining agriculture education,” said Maier. “We’re bridging K–12 education, higher education, and industry to create meaningful, innovative learning experiences. These aren’t just farms — they’re classrooms.”
The effort aligns closely with Southwest Tech’s strong agriculture programming, particularly its plant science and ag business courses. Although these hydroponic systems don’t involve soil, they offer powerful teaching opportunities around plant science, agri-business, sustainability, and food systems. The program also includes teacher training, three months of supplies, and supporting curriculum to ensure long-term success.
“I’m really glad to be here at Southwest Tech,” Evers said during the event. “No matter where you look in the State of Wisconsin, I’ve seen them (flexible farms) in a lot of schools. Kids are learning about how things grow and how you do it the right way, being thoughtful about it.”
Moving forward, Southwest Tech plans to deepen its support for participating districts through faculty mentorship and curriculum integration. The college is also exploring ways to track long-term outcomes and further scale the initiative.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |