We strive for sustainability in all of our management practices. The farm semester incorporates three main components. Students, faculty, and others work to ensure that the farm runs smoothly and effectively. This will be the primary objective each day, and will include chores, maintenance and other projects, such as fencing, garden cultivation, animal health or orchard pest management. Workshops will run at least once a week and cover a variety of topics, such as animal care procedures, food handling and preservation, or rationing pastures for livestock feed.
Students choose an area of special interest and conduct on-farm research to explore their ideas.
Each student will work with a faculty advisor on his or her chosen project. Some possible research topics include low-input swine production, the economic feasibility of producing teas to supply Sterling s kitchen, and the contribution of pasture feed to growth of lambs. These three components are woven together over the course of the summer in a dynamic setting of cooperative living and intense educational, social, and work-based interactions. How to apply If you are a student at Sterling, set up a time to meet with Gwyneth Harris. If you are from another school or program, the first step is to mail the attached form to the address provided.