Innovative Teaching Methods and Rare Genetic Discovery Put Rural School on the Map
Hildale, Utah — While many high school agriculture programs focus on traditional farming methods, instructor Ben Klepper and his students at Water Canyon High School are making genuine scientific discoveries and pioneering sustainable growing techniques that could influence agricultural education nationwide.
A Genetic Anomaly Worth Studying
This year’s goat kids have presented Klepper and his students with an unprecedented learning opportunity. All nine kids born this season display a co-dominant ear trait that makes their ears resemble those of cats or dogs rather than typical goat ears.
“It’s almost like a new breed,” Klepper explained. “The co-dominant trait seems to be passing down consistently, which suggests we might be observing the early development of a distinct genetic line.”
The consistency of the trait across all nine offspring indicates this isn’t a random mutation but something that could define a new characteristic in goat breeding. Klepper’s program is documenting the phenomenon, which could attract interest from genetics researchers and goat breed associations.
Year-Round Growing with Geothermal Energy
Perhaps even more impressive is the school’s subterranean greenhouse, which harnesses the earth’s natural temperature to maintain optimal growing conditions throughout the year.
“It’s a simple concept, really — we’re using geothermal energy to keep things above freezing and thriving in the winter, and cooler in the summer,” Klepper said. “I don’t know of any other schools teaching students about utilizing geothermal energy for sustainable, year-round growing.”
The greenhouse produces fresh vegetables and plants twelve months a year, giving students hands-on experience with sustainable agriculture and thermal dynamics.
Expanding into Fungi Kingdom
Taking advantage of the greenhouse’s microclimate, Klepper’s program has expanded into mushroom cultivation. On the north side of the greenhouse, where moisture is high and direct sunlight is limited, students are successfully growing lion’s mane and oyster mushrooms.
“We’re teaching students about the fungi kingdom and the potential health benefits of different mushrooms,” Klepper noted. “Some research even suggests certain mushrooms may help with conditions like Alzheimer’s.”
Animal Training and Student Leadership
The program’s innovation extends to animal husbandry, where Klepper has successfully trained pigs to perform behaviors typically associated with dogs, including spinning and sitting on command. This work demonstrates advanced animal behavior principles to students.
Beyond the farm, Water Canyon FFA students are making their mark at the state level. Chapter President Jonathan Duval was selected to work with state officers to help run the Area Leadership Conference last fall — a significant honor that reflects the quality of leadership development in the program.
FFA Week Ahead
As the school prepares for FFA Week next week, Klepper’s agricultural program stands as an example of how hands-on, innovative education can provide students with real-world skills while contributing to agricultural science.
“I live in my own little agricultural world in the farthest building from the school,” Klepper said with a laugh. But that “little world” is producing big results — from potential genetic breakthroughs to sustainable farming techniques that could serve as models for agricultural education programs across the country.
