A Thriving Dallas Farm Feeds and Educates Year Round

A hydroponic farm on the grounds of the Texas State Fair helps residents in the food deserts of South Dallas.

1 minute read

September 24, 2018, 11:00 AM PDT

By Camille Fink


Big Tex Urban Farms Hydroponic Tank

Kevin Brown / State Fair of Texas

What started as 500 raised dirt beds in a parking lot in Fair Park in Dallas has evolved into an indoor hydroponic farming operation growing plants in nutrient-rich water. Big Tex Urban Farms has grown 600,000 servings of produce in two years of operation, says Karel Holloway:

The bulk of the farm's produce now comes from hydroponic systems in the fair’s big greenhouse. There's no dirt, and it's never too hot, too cold, too wet or too dry. Food can be harvested year-round, and it has boosted production more than fivefold, according to the State Fair. It also doesn't have to be moved in the fall and can act as an educational exhibit during the fair.

The farm has kept some of its original growing boxes to show the different ways food is grown. The others were distributed to organizations in the area so they could grow vegetables for the people they serve.

In addition, vegetables from the farm are taken to neighborhoods in South Dallas for residents, who might not have easy access to fresh produce, to pick up. The crops have included lettuce, peppers, potatoes, onions, okra, and other greens.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018 in The Dallas Morning News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Small, brightly lit bedroom with flowery sheets on single bed in supportive housing or nursing home.

A Year-Long Investigation On Permanent Supportive Housing

The New York Times reveals what’s working and what’s not in the cornerstone of Housing First.

1 hour ago - The New York Times

Paved path with artesian fountain at end and tall trees arching over walkway with joggers and walkers in Savannah, Georgia.

Survey: US Public Spaces Not Meeting Community Needs

A lack of funding prevents many U.S. parks and public spaces from playing a more significant role in helping residents meet daily needs.

3 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Orange and white vintage-look streetcar on Market Street in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024

The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

April 4 - San Francisco Chronicle