History
The Student Organic Farm is a student initiated project. In 1999, a group of students wanted to have a place to apply some of the things they were learning in classes, to learn things they were not getting in classes, to farm organically and to get their hands dirty with some first hand farming experience. At the same time, Horticulture Professor, Dr. John Biernbaum began researching possibilities for 4-season farming in Michigan, or growing vegetables year round in unheated hoop houses. The marriage of these two projects became inevitable as the year round farming provided opportunities for students to engage in farming during the main part of the academic year (September to May) when most students are taking classes.
With leadership from John, the original core group of students built 3 additional passive solar greenhouses at the “farm” and in the Spring of 2002 began their first season of production. The students were interested in following the CSA- Community Supported Agriculture- model and had produce year round to provide to the members. With cold storage and the hoophouses, the SOF became the first, year round CSA in Michigan, and only one of a few in the entire country. The CSA currently serves over 50 weekly shares.
From the beginning, the aim of the farm was to provide a place where students could come and volunteer, work, visit, and have input on the development of the land and farm. Due to the vision and hard work of many the farm has flourished. Over the last 6 years, the farm has developed into a place where many different groups have access to participating in the growing of organic food while creating learning opportunities. As the farm developed, it became clear that many students wanted the farm to offer a more formal approach to learning about organic farming. The Organic Farming Certificate Program is a product and evolution of the ideas and vision of the original group of students and faculty who started the farm and all those who have come since then.
The MSU Student Organic Farm and programs are managed and coordinated by the SOF Steering Team with input from the farm staff, students and other faculty.
SOF Faculty and Staff
