Hello, my name is Ashley Lambert, and I am a senior. I am majoring in agricultural sciences with a minor in food systems. I have been involved in agriculture since I was in seventh grade. I am from a rural part of Pennsylvania, so agriculture is a big part of where I grew up. I am passionate about agriculture and that is why I wanted to get involved with the Student Farm. I also knew that farms are where the food systems process begins. Food systems are important because it affects diets, human health, economic growth, environmental resiliency, and sociocultural factors.
I got involved with the farm a few weeks ago and have enjoyed the experience so far. So far while on the farm I have learned how to harvest different types of crops. Those crops include tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, garlic, onions, kale and basil. These types of crops are only a few of the many that are grown on the farm. I have also learned how the farm is sustainable. The farm is sustainable because it has a compost pile, reusable bins, little transportation, etc. Practicing sustainability on a farm is important because it protects the environment, improves soil fertility, reduces pollution, creates a stable food supply, etc.
On the farm, I have also learned about pests and how to manage them, how the campus-supported agriculture (CSA) program works, and that some of the produce goes to the campus dining halls. I enjoy working on the farm because it builds community, teaches me hands-on skills, is a hands-on learning environment and so much more
I am currently working on the Student Farm for nine hours a week, which means that I get to engage and work with different people every day. It also means that tasks are different each day. This creates excitement throughout each shift because I never know what to expect. One day it will be harvesting and then the next day it I will be weighing produce to account for what we have to sell to the campus or to the CSA.
The Student Farm is also about growing and teaching others. It is enjoyable to see that there are schools that have field trips learning about the Student Farm. It teaches kids at a young age where and how they get their food. It is sad to see when kids aren’t taught about agriculture because it is very important to know.
Overall, working on the farm for just a few weeks has taught me so much already. The farm is engaging and relaxing because it allows me to enjoy nature and not have to stress about school. I can’t wait to learn more about the farm and engage with more people.