Students are actively involved in the new sustainable agriculture student farm at MSU.
Mississippi State University has unveiled a new student farm focused on sustainable agriculture, offering hands-on learning opportunities while benefiting local food security. Located near the A.B. McKay Enology Laboratory, the farm aims to engage students from multiple disciplines and will collaborate with MSU Dining Services to provide fresh produce for campus meals. Additionally, the farm will donate crops to Bully’s Pantry to assist students facing food insecurity, fostering community involvement and academic growth.
If you’re in Starkville, Mississippi, you’ll want to hear about the latest initiative cooking up at Mississippi State University! This buzzworthy project is all about blending education with community, and it’s right near the A.B. McKay Enology Laboratory and the R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center. What’s the scoop? It’s the launch of a brand-new student farm aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and hands-on learning.
The brainchild of Mississippi State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, this experiential student farm is set to give students an immersive experience in sustainable agriculture, the art of food design, and modern production techniques. But what’s even cooler is how this farm is designed to prep students for a variety of careers, all while rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in their community.
Scott Willard, who heads the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES), highlighted the value in engaging with the land and the food web. This holistic approach not only provides practical skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of where our food comes from.
This farm isn’t just a one-size-fits-all deal. It’s designed to support multiple academic programs, including horticulture, landscape architecture, and nutrition. That means students from various disciplines can come together, learn from each other, and grow collectively—literally! Plans are already underway to collaborate with MSU Dining Services’ partner, Aramark, to supply fresh, student-grown produce for campus dining, making those cafeteria salads even more delicious!
Additionally, the farm has an even bigger heart! It’s set to donate crops to Bully’s Pantry, lending a hand to students facing food insecurity. It’s a win-win situation where local produce supports the university, students learn sustainably, and the community uplifts one another.
With a current area of one acre, the farm’s blueprint includes plans to expand to two acres, providing ample space for growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and even cut flowers. The produce will be sold through the student-run University Florist, putting students directly in the entrepreneurial seat!
Three generous greenhouses donated by the Quiedan Company of Salinas, California, will give those green thumbs a fantastic chance to experiment and grow all year long. Meanwhile, a dedicated research team from MAFES is working closely on the project, providing all the academic resources needed to make it a success.
This initiative isn’t just about growing plants; it’s all about growing people! Guidance from experienced faculty members has been pivotal to the farm’s development. Graduate students are also diving into on-site research, enhancing their own learning experience while contributing to the farm’s educational goals.
Abby Pennington, who recently graduated with a degree in horticulture, is taking the lead as the farm’s first student manager. Her enthusiasm for the farm’s potential reflects an exciting future where students connect with their surroundings and each other.
Cory Gallo, assistant dean and MAFES assistant director, views this farm as more than just an education project; he sees it as a vibrant showcase and community event space dedicated to sustainable food production. Just imagine—students, faculty, and locals gathering to share ideas and sustainable practices, all sprouting from this one incredible initiative!
The Mississippi State University experiential student farm isn’t just planting seeds in soil; it is sowing the seeds of knowledge, community, and a sustainable future. So, whether you’re a student, a community member, or someone who simply loves fresh produce, keep your eyes peeled for more exciting developments from this blooming venture!
Starkville Students Launch Experiential Student Farm
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