• Article Photo. A variety of pet fish are part of the Aquascience program in the VS Ag Department.
    A variety of pet fish are part of the Aquascience program in the VS Ag Department.
  • Article Photo. Mrs. Fleming and the students keep track of their system using computer programs.
    Mrs. Fleming and the students keep track of their system using computer programs.
  • Article Photo. Co-Reporter Emily Cashman discusses the hydroponic system.
    Co-Reporter Emily Cashman discusses the hydroponic system.
  • Article Photo. Oscar: A black and orange fish is among the pets in the VS Aquascience program.
    Oscar: A black and orange fish is among the pets in the VS Aquascience program.
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  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Students look for plants for the May sales.
    Students look for plants for the May sales.
  • Article Photo. A Tilapia rises to the surface, looking for food, in the VS Aquascience greenhouse.
    A Tilapia rises to the surface, looking for food, in the VS Aquascience greenhouse.
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  • Article Photo.
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  • Article Photo. The Aquascience students have already begun raising and learning to filet Tilapia.
    The Aquascience students have already begun raising and learning to filet Tilapia.
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  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.

With tonight’s labor auction, their annual banquet May 4, and their annual plant sales on May 11 and 18, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA has been particularly busy with after-hours projects even as they continue to work on the science of growing fish and vegetables in the same system.

The class has developed its hydroponics/aquiscience system this year and has harvested both Tilapia and lettuce. Tomato plants are now beginning to grow in the same water the fish live in, using the waste of the aqua life as fertilizer for the plants.

The students are learning how to filet a fish, as well as to experiment with ways to control insects in the plants without using chemicals that could harm the fish.

Along with the greenhouse and outdoor pond/landscaping area, the class has several aquariums inside, where a variety of pet fish and turtles are growing. A grape-eating tortoise, a black and orange fish named Oscar (which is also the name of his breed) and his companion, an albino Oscar, along with several other fish and a turtle are among the creatures that entertain the students while helping them learn more about the process of raising aquarium pets.

The goal is to eventually raise lettuce that can be used in the school cafeteria, along with other vegetables, while also raising Tilapia and other fish that can be sold either as food or pets.

Future events

More than 40 FFA members have signed up for the labor auction, one of the main fund-raisers of the season. Area businesses and farmers (and of course, parents and grandparents) bid on the services of the members. The event begins at 7 p.m. tonight (April 4).

On Saturday, May 4, the FFA holds its annual banquet, where they celebrate the accomplishments of the year, thank their supporters and introduce the officers for next year.

Students are finalizing the plant sale details; the event is tentatively scheduled for 8-11 a.m. on Saturday May 11, and Saturday, May 18. The FFA plans to invite other school groups and classes to sell popcorn or other items that day. The sale will take place outside the FFA classroom and it the greenhouse.