This course prepares students to tackle the challenges of sustainable farming in a world changed by a pandemic. Students will engage for 12 weeks, rooted by a weekly Whole Farm Thinking seminar that engages participants in a discussion of current events both on the Sterling Farm and in the regional and global food systems. Students begin their focused studies by choosing between a selection of short courses focused on grazing, horse care, perennial agriculture, or food preservation OR by studying independently through a farm internship. Students move into an intensive summer prep school that dives deep into readings by prominent thinkers and practitioners, while also building skills and knowledge to prepare for the Sterling Farm Residency. The semester concludes with students returning to Sterling for four weeks of intensive skill building, group dynamics, and farm management experience. Completion of this course fulfills the requirements of the Integrated Farming Practicum on the Sustainable Agriculture checklist.
- Institutional COVID Updates
- About Sterling
- Admissions and Aid
- Academics
- Wendell Berry Farming Program
- Professional Studies
- Life at Sterling
- Alumni & Supporters
- Parents & Families
- Make A Gift
- Online Store
- More
Course ID | INT245 |
---|---|
Credits | 12 |
Semester | Summer |
Start Term | June 1 - Sep 4, 2020 |
Faculty | Jeff Richardson, Tony VanWinkle, Elsa Acerbo, Gwyneth Harris, others |

School of the New American Farmstead
The School of the New American Farmstead offers leading-edge courses & Professional Certificates in regenerative farming and artisanal food production to support professionals and lifelong learners of all ages.

Growing Hops: Sustainable, Small-Scale Production for Home and Market
with Laura Ten Eyck and Dietrich Gehring Growing hops on a small scale to supply both hobbyists and the booming regional craft beer industry can be done sustainably and profitably….