Berries ripening on the vine at the Student Organic Farm

A bucket of fresh strawberries from the Farm

The Student Organic Farm operates largely outside of the industrial food system. “Industrial food" involves a complex array of processing, manufacturing, wholesaling, and retail businesses that move agricultural products from farms to store counters and restaurant tables[1]. In contrast, the Farm sells directly to consumers, many of whom are USU faculty members. 

Essentially separate from the industrial food system, the Student Farm has become very successful economically, bringing in an excess of $20,000 a year since 2011 according to Dr. Jennifer Reeve[2]. This success highlights the potential for economic windfalls in alternative markets for operations like the Student Organic Farm—operations that not only provide food, but that also contribute to a sense of community among subscribers and volunteers.

From its beginning, the Farm has had connections with community organizations. One such group called Organic Valley, a co-op of organic producers with members in Cache Valley, contributed a $200 grant, which enabled the Farm to buy seeds and get started. The Farm also partners with Common Ground Outdoor Adventure, which helps people with disabilities enjoy outdoor activities. Additionally, the Farm has provided produce for the Utah State Dietetics soup-making program. Joe Montoya, one of the lead student interns responsible for the Farm, says that many volunteers help out at the Farm[3]. In addition to lightening student interns’ workload, volunteering helps foster a sense of community.

As a certified organic operation, the Student Farm uses only techniques and inputs deemed “natural,” like compost instead of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. But according to Dr. Reeve, applying too much compost in a dry climate like Utah’s can lead to harmful salt build-up in the soil, so the Farm uses cover crops that replenish nutrients in the soil as they grow and decompose. That way, the soil maintains its fertility without needing excessive amounts of compost or natural fertilizers. The students also do their best to control pests like grasshoppers and voles with techniques like floating row covers, but they constantly face the threat of pest damage to the crops.  With careful management, the Farm manages to produce abundant harvests of fruits and vegetables year after year.