Travis Tarr

In the heart of Jasper County, where agriculture isn’t just a career but a way of life, the high school’s agriculture program is thriving like never before. Spearheaded by Travis Tarr, the Ag program is planting more than just seeds—it’s cultivating futures for students eager to explore the world of farming, science, and business. And the latest addition to this already impressive program? A state-of-the-art greenhouse that is set to revolutionize agricultural education in the county.

For Travis, this journey has been a deeply personal one. A former student of Newton Community High School and its Ag program himself, Travis has dedicated the last 26 years to teaching students everything from the basics of agriculture to advanced business management. “I didn’t plan on coming back to teach,” Travis laughs, reflecting on his early career aspirations, “but one call from the school, and here I am, 26 years later, still loving what I do.”

And what he does is nothing short of remarkable. Alongside his brother, Brock Tarr, who handles the ag mechanics and welding side of things, and John Lidy, a former student turned teacher who covers ag construction and advanced science, Travis is responsible for guiding over half of the high school’s students through a diverse curriculum. “We touch on everything,” Travis says proudly. “From welding to business management to horticulture, our goal is to give students a well-rounded education in agriculture.”

The new greenhouse, which was finally constructed this summer, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the program. “It’s been a long time coming,” Travis admits. “We’ve wanted a greenhouse for years, not just for educational purposes but to engage the community as well.”

Thanks to a community grant, a significant donation from Apex Clean Energy, and the tireless efforts of Superintendent Joe Sornberger, the dream is now a reality. The greenhouse, a top-of-the-line educational greenhouse comes equipped with every modern feature imaginable—from automated watering systems to climate control. “We’ve got everything we need,” Travis says. “Though plenty big—30’ x 60’—it’s not quite the size of the ones you’d see in commercial agriculture, but for us, it’s perfect.”

The goal is to have the greenhouse fully operational soon, with students planting and caring for crops as part of their education. “We’re starting with a plant sale in the spring,” Travis explains. “But eventually, we want to introduce a full horticulture course, which would be completely new for our program.”

It’s clear that the greenhouse is more than just a well-designed structure—it’s a learning hub, one that will serve not only the students but the broader community. “We want to bring people in, let them see what we’re doing here, and maybe even get them involved,” Travis says.

The greenhouse will also give the students more opportunities to apply the skills they’re learning in real-world settings. From understanding how to manage a business (as they will with the plant sales) to mastering the science behind growing crops, the students will gain hands-on experience that will serve them well in the future.

FFA also plays a major role in shaping these students’ experiences. Newton’s FFA chapter is one of the strongest in the state, consistently earning top honors in livestock judging and other competitions. “Our students are always out there, competing and winning,” Travis says proudly. “We’ve had numerous state championships, and our kids work hard for them.”

But it’s not just about the accolades. For Travis, it’s about giving his students the tools they need to succeed beyond the walls of the classroom. “I always tell them, ‘You can’t learn everything sitting in here,’” Travis says. “You’ve got to get out, see the world, experience things for yourself.”

That philosophy is something the administration has wholeheartedly supported, too. “They understand that if these kids are going to learn, we need to be out there,” Travis says. “Tomorrow, for example, I’m taking a group to a big plot day in West Salem. And we’re always heading to competitions or events. The administration does a great job making sure we have the resources to get there.”

With the addition of the new greenhouse and the continued success of the FFA program, it’s clear that agriculture in Jasper County is in good hands. “This is more than just a job for me,” Travis says. “It’s about making sure the next generation has the skills and the confidence to succeed in agriculture and in life.”

As for what’s next? “We’ll keep growing—literally and figuratively,” Travis says with a grin. “There’s always more to learn, and we’re just getting started.”