Callout for student-run farm to be held Tuesday

August 27, 2010

Organizers of Purdue's new student-run farm are hosting a callout Tuesday (Aug. 31) to share information about the farm with interested students and staff. The callout will be at 6:30 p.m. in Room G-126, Lilly Hall.

The College of Agriculture and the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management worked together this summer to establish the student-run operation. The farm will give students the opportunity to grow food on campus and learn about sustainable agriculture.

A five-acre tract of land with good soil and an irrigation system has been set aside for this initiative. It will be located on the west side of campus, just 200 yards west of McCormick Road on State Road 26.

Faculty from a variety of disciplines will use the site to illustrate key concepts in their courses.  Space will be reserved on site so that faculty can establish their own teaching plots if desired.

The farm will provide an opportunity for undergraduate research projects in sustainable agriculture, organic production and local food issues to conduct research on site.

As the farm develops, organizers of the farm anticipate finding opportunity to work with local K-12 schools for students to learn about food production. The farm also will be used as a venue for University events. 

For more information, contact Steve Hallett at halletts@purdue.edu.