Tarleton State University is expanding its successful partnership with Opal’s Farm to offer urban agriculture education across all campuses.
What began as a grassroots effort to improve access to fresh, healthy foods in one Fort Worth neighborhood has developed into an innovative education model that Tarleton State is now bringing to Stephenville, with course instruction also available online to make the program more accessible to students in Waco, Bryan and online.
The program includes an introductory orientation class on Jan. 31, 2026, followed by 10 bimonthly classes held on Saturdays. Instruction is delivered through a combination of methods.
Virtual instruction: Core classroom-based learning will be conducted online.
On-site practicum: Participants will gain handson, functional experience with organic and regenerative farming techniques at a partner farm site. Plots will be reserved at Opal’s Farm for the Fort Worth cohort and at Tarleton State for participants in Stephenville.
Applications are now open and will be accepted through Dec. 19. Space for the spring 2026 cohort is limited, and community members interested in participating are encouraged to apply early at: www.tarleton.edu/gcfgi/ opals-farm/.Applicants will be notified of acceptance on or before Jan. 7, 2026.