South Carolina FFA Member Jackson Jarvais, from the Travelers Rest FFA Chapter in South Carolina, is developing and researching advancements in a hydroponics system donated to his chapter by a local college.
Jarvais is a high school junior and his chapter’s sentinel. He has been involved in FFA for the past three years and has helped grow his chapter. After high school, he wants to continue his education and become an electrical engineer or an entrepreneur with machine tooling.
Furman University donated the hydroponics system in 2022. Jarvais spoke to his advisor, Jeremy Jones, and asked if he could make the hydroponics system his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Jones agreed and advised Jarvais to use his 3D printing to develop a prototype that would advance the system.
Jarvais has since found and overcome challenges to start the development of a working hydroponics system using 3D printing. He remodeled the infrastructure, changing the rolling wheels and hooks attached to the system. He hopes to add more advanced technology to the system and get his creation patented by the time he graduates in May of 2026.
The donated hydroponics system.
“Once the system has been rebuilt, I plan to do research on what water overflow on the plants works best, how the water flow rate affects them, and how to make reusable cups to hold the plants that I can make using 3D printing technology,” Jarvais says. “Using this technology means other people can download the model I created of the cup and 3D print it for themselves at home with very little cost.”
Good luck to Jarvais on his unique SAE. We look forward to following him on his journey.
The hydroponics system after slight modifications.
