How State Fair of Texas spending helps grow food for Southern Dallas

Big Tex Urban Farms has donated more than 2 million servings of produce to Southern Dallas nonprofits since launching in 2016.

A greenhouse tucked away near the Midway at the State Fair of Texas has helped provide more than 2 million servings of fresh produce to the surrounding South Dallas community.

Big Tex Urban Farms, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, grows food year-round using hydroponic technology and donates its entire harvest to local nonprofit organizations.

Since launching in 2016, the program has grown from a small collection of planter boxes in a parking lot to an agricultural operation occupying the Errol McKoy Greenhouse near the Texas Star Ferris wheel.

"A percentage of whatever you do you- your corny dog, your Ferris wheel rides," Dremler explained, "A percentage of that funds the Big Tex Urban Farms program and others just like it."

But the program does more than teach people about how to grow food.

"We also donate 100% of the food that we grow to different nonprofit groups here in Southern Dallas," Demler said.

The greenhouse uses hydroponic growing techniques, allowing plants to grow without soil. The systems can produce crops year-round and show how to grow food in smaller spaces.

"We're able to show people how you can do that indoors, in very limited areas," he said.

Visitors can explore different growing methods, from larger commercial hydroponic systems to smaller setups designed for homes and classrooms.

The greenhouse also features microgreens, mushrooms and dragon fruit, along with demonstrations intended to introduce visitors to different approaches to growing food.

Growing opportunities for Dallas students

Beyond growing produce, Big Tex Urban Farms also introduces students to agriculture and related career opportunities.

The program partners with CityLab High School in Dallas, bringing students into the greenhouse for semester-long experiences where they learn different aspects of its operations.

"By the time they're done, the students know how to do every job in the greenhouse," Demler said.

He said the program introduces many students to agriculture for the first time, including those whose interests may be more focused on technology than traditional farming.

Some students who have completed the program have gone on to study horticulture or environmental sciences in college, Demler said.

The greenhouse also offers tours and field trips for students of different ages throughout the year.

For Demler, who said he grew up working in the green industry, introducing a new generation to agriculture is especially rewarding.

"I still love to see the plants grow. But I also love to teach," he said. "And I love to pass that passion on to the next generation, and see what they're going to do with this stuff."

Visiting Big Tex Urban Farms

Fairgoers can visit the McCoy greenhouse on the midway, near the Texas Star Ferris wheel and carousel.

During the State Fair, Demler said staff are available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to answer questions and demonstrate growing techniques.

The greenhouse features displays showing how hydroponic systems can be used commercially or in homes and classrooms, along with activities such as greenhouse trivia.

The program operates beyond the fair's annual run, educating students throughout the year.