America's First Vertical Farm Thrives in Wyoming's Brutal Winters

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:00]Did you know America's first commercial vertical farm was built in one of the harshest climates imaginable? Jackson Hole, Wyoming, gets brutal winters with temperatures dropping to minus 40 degrees. Traditional farming here is nearly impossible, but Vertical Harvest saw an opportunity where others saw obstacles. They built a three-story glass greenhouse that defies nature itself. Using geothermal energy from deep underground, this facility stays warm year-round while Wyoming freezes outside. Inside, rotating carousels move plants through optimal growing zones automatically. Leafy greens grow in perfect conditions without soil, using 30% less water than traditional farms.

[00:00:41]The results are remarkable. 1/10 of an acre produces 100,000 lb of fresh vegetables annually. That's the equivalent of a 10-acre traditional farm. But here's what makes this truly revolutionary. Vertical Harvest employs adults with developmental disabilities, proving sustainable agriculture can create meaningful careers while feeding communities. Local restaurants and schools now [music] get fresh produce year-round in a place where lettuce once traveled thousands of miles. As Vertical Harvest expands to Maine and beyond, they're proving the future of farming works anywhere, even in the mountains of Wyoming.