Abstract:
This research paper promotes the beginning of a student-run farm on the campus of Ball State University. A farm takes a large amount of planning and dedication. To help create plans for what Ball State University’s future farms can become, I looked into what successful student farms around the United States have accomplished, and how they've accomplished such feats. Sustainable farms are not only of interest to students and institutions, but of the community as well. The research ranged from schools solely growing produce, to those utilizing composting and raising livestock as well. A farm may have to start small, but there is no limit to the potential for the future. Key factors researched in creating a farm included funding, maintenance/workers, and encouraged participation from all members of the community. After researching a wide variety of current university farm and garden initiatives, I recommend starting small, build a regional coalition to work on the proposal, secure funding, involve students in the planning process and document the steps and build an archive for the future.
