The School of the New American Farmstead offers leading-edge short courses that inspire lifelong environmental stewardship for residential and non-residential adult students of all ages.

We provide a variety of workshops, classes, and certifications that will inspire you, equip you with marketable skills, and provide you with new perspectives on integrated, community-centered farming and food production.

Our hands-on courses will require you to roll up your sleeves and dig in or get cooking. The School of the New American Farmstead’s experiential approach will engage all of your senses and impart techniques perfected by some of the world’s most skilled ecological farmers and craft-food producers.

 
Logo for the School of the New American Farmstead, outline of a sheep with a Vermont farm scene inside

Give your passion for food and farming the time and space it deserves. Explore a lifestyle or career that feeds your body, mind, and soul. Learn to replenish the land, relish its bounty, and revive time-tested rural arts.

The School of the New American Farmstead at Sterling College is waiting for you, see upcoming course offerings below.

 

Check out the 2019 Class Schedule!

A full menu of Spring, Summer, and Fall courses for 2019 will be available here by February 1st for a la carte selection. Whether you are interested in fermentation, mushroom cultivation, entrepreneurship, biointegrated farm design, cheesemaking, craft beverages, or traditional crafts for a regenerative future, the School of the New American Farmstead offers unparalleled experiential education opportunities set in the natural beauty of the Northeast Kingdom— a destination for families and individuals in search of a region that specializes in food, farming, and fitness.

Academic credit is not awarded for School of the New American Farmstead courses. Students completing these course earn continuing education units (CEUs).  If you have any questions about when a course is being offered or how to register, please contact us.

Title Course ID Credits Start Term Faculty
Fundamentals of Artisan Cheese AS340/CE340 3 ceu Jan 6 - Jan 12, 2019 Ivan Larcher
The Art of Natural Cheesemaking AS270/CE223 2 ceu January 7-11, 2019 David Asher
The Art of Fermentation (ST) INT270/CE233 2 June 24-28th, 2019 Sandor Katz
SNAF Class
Bread from SNAF Class
Mushroom Class
Alex heats the metal to make it workable

CGP-final-logo_LARGE-COLOR-300x198The School of the New American Farmstead at Sterling College is generously underwritten by two great Vermont businesses: Chelsea Green Publishing, the preeminent publisher of books on the politics and practice of sustainable living, and Vermont Creamery, an award winning creamery offering fresh and aged goat cheeses, cultured butter, and créme fraîche that combine the European tradition of cheesemaking with Vermont’s terroir. Both Chelsea Green and Vermont Creamery are partner businesses that share a deep commitment to the environmental stewardship mission of Sterling College.

Want to earn a Certificate in Sustainable Food Craft?

Earn 16 ceu credits in one intensive summer or over time!

Learn More!

Interested to know more?

Inquire

The School of the New American Farmstead at Sterling College can accept funds from the following sources to be applied towards SNAF courses for Continuing Education students:
  • Americorp
  • VA Benefits
  • VSAC Non-degree Grants
  • 529 Education Plan
 We look forward to seeing you here on Craftsbury Common!
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