For students who love agriculture and farming, attending a college with a working farm on campus is a great way to enhance their learning and hands-on experiences. There are many colleges across the country that have their own farms or work with local farmers to provide opportunities for their students. Here are ten colleges with working farms:
1. The College of William & Mary – Williamsburg, VA
The Center for Conservation & Environmental Science at William & Mary includes a 600-acre working farm with a garden, greenhouse, and livestock. The farm is used as a laboratory for courses in biology, environmental science, and sustainable agriculture.
2. Sterling College – Craftsbury, VT
College is known for its working farm, which produces organic vegetables, grass-fed beef, and pastured pork. Students can take courses in sustainable agriculture, agroecology, and regenerative farming while getting hands-on experience at the farm.
3. University of California, Davis – Davis, CA
UC Davis has one of the largest and most comprehensive agricultural programs in the country, with a 5,300-acre research farm and over 20,000 acres of open land for farming and grazing. Students can study a range of agricultural sciences, including animal science, crops and soil science, and viticulture and enology.
4. College of the Atlantic – Bar Harbor, ME
The farm at College of the Atlantic is certified organic and includes a vegetable garden, orchard, and greenhouse. Students can take courses in sustainable agriculture, food systems, and agroecology.
5. University of Hawai’i at Mānoa – Honolulu, HI
The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at UH Mānoa includes multiple research farms and greenhouses throughout the state of Hawaii. Students can study tropical plant and soil science, horticulture, and agriculture economics.
6. Hampshire College – Amherst, MA
The Farm Center at Hampshire College includes a 100-acre vegetable farm, orchards, and livestock. Students can take courses in sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and food systems while getting hands-on experience at the farm.
7. North Carolina State University – Raleigh, NC
NC State operates a 400-acre research farm and dairy enterprise, as well as multiple research stations throughout the state. Students can study a variety of agricultural sciences, including animal science, horticulture, and agricultural engineering.
8. Washington State University – Pullman, WA
WSU has a 1,800-acre research and teaching farm that includes a dairy, beef, and sheep enterprise, as well as a vegetable garden and orchard. Students can study agricultural economics, animal science, and plant pathology.
9. The Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
OSU has several research farms and research stations throughout the state of Ohio, including a 1,400-acre farm in Wooster. Students can study a wide range of agricultural sciences, including animal science, agricultural communication, and sustainable agriculture.
10. Cornell University – Ithaca, NY
Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences includes a 2,800-acre research farm, multiple research stations and greenhouses throughout the state, and a teaching vineyard. Students can study a range of agricultural sciences, including animal science, plant science, and agricultural economics.
Attending a college with a working farm can provide many benefits for students, including hands-on experience, research opportunities, and a greater understanding of sustainable agriculture practices. These ten colleges are just a few of the many options available for students interested in agriculture and farming.
