Mark Richardson Center (MRC) Ag Farm classes recently joined forces with FFA students from Righetti, Santa Maria and Pioneer Valley high schools to grow and harvest a crop that was donated to local food banks and church pantries.

The students harvested and donated about 100 boxes of vegetables.

Partnering with Plantel, students began the project when Plantel demonstrated its newest robot transplanter during Santa Barbara County Farm Day in September.

The machine planted one acre of broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts at the MRC, showing students how technology is affecting agriculture.

Throughout the experience, students learned how to set up irrigation systems, cultivate, check for plant growth, weed, package and food safety.

“It was a great opportunity for our students to help grow crops from start to finish and benefit from the fruits of their labor,’’ said Steve Gambril MRC Ag teacher.