Practicum Course

Student Farming Enterprise PLSOILIN 398E & 498E

Grow organic crops at the UMass Research Farm and sell them to the UMass Amherst Campus Community!

• Are you excited about building a more sustainable local food system, right here on the UMass Amherst campus?
• Do you want to put into practice what you learned in coursework about farming, ecology and agriculture?
• Do you love working outdoors in a beautiful place in all kinds of weather?
• Do you like working with a small group that is committed to a common goal?

Then this is the course for you!

 The course is designed with three parts: spring (planning and getting crops started), summer (growing) and fall (harvesting and marketing). It's designed to be taken in that order but some students because of their schedules take the fall semester first or take only one semester. Any of these scenarios work depending on your learning goals. Taking both semesters and summer is encouraged, but not required.

Course description, spring semester.

Course description, fall semester.

We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2012 semester (PLSOIL 498E). You can download an application here if you are interested in applying.  Space is limited so if you are interested, please download and return your application form as soon as possible.  Send your  applcation to both of the course instructors, Amanda Brown, brown@umext.umass.edu, and Ruth Hazzard, rhazzard@umext.umass.edu.  Class enrollment requires permission of the instructor and space is limited to twelve students. Preference will be given to those with academic background in agricultural sciences and with some farming or gardening experience; we also seek diversity in majors,career goals and life experiences.

This is more than a class: it is also a student-run enterprise.

Be part of creating something new and exciting at UMass - a sustainable student farming project that will grow stronger every year!

In 2012 we have expanded production and markets and are continuing to build our farming infrastructure. We have expanded our cutomer base to 7 on-campus markets including; Earthfoods Cafe, a 50 member FALL CSA, Student Farmers Market, Dinning Services and other student run businesses.