The Student Organic Farm was started in 1999 by a group of MSU students who were interested in learning to grow food sustainably. At the time there were no classes in organic agriculture at MSU and students were looking to acquire knowledge in a hands-on, experiential format. They wanted to apply what they were learning in their classes in the context of a working farm. Inspired by other student farms around the country, these students felt that MSU — the nations first land grant college — should have a student farm of its own. At the same time, Horticulture Professor John Biernbaum began researching possibilities for 4-season farming in Michigan. The connection of these two projects was ideal, as year-round farming provided opportunities for students to engage in farming during the main part of the academic year (September to May).
