GMC's Summer Farm Intensive is a 12-credit, 13-week program with an emphasis on experiential learning and research. The 2010 program runs from May 24 - August 20. Curriculum modifications will be announced shortly. The curriculum is divided into two parts: Organic Farm System Design & Management (nine credits)
Advanced Organic Agriculture (three credits)
Integrated Farm Systems (three credits)
Appropriate Technologies in Agriculture (three credits)
Sustainable Food Systems (three credits)
Social and Cultural Importance of Regional Foods
Additional Program Components Afternoon Work Sessions Students are expected to work 15 hours per week on the campus farm. Work logs are required. Helping with daily chores for a maximum of nine hours per week is also required. Personal Research Project Students are expected to spend 1-2 hours per week developing a farm research project. The focus is on small-scale research to improve management techniques. At least half of student projects will contribute to research focused on the efficiency of human and animal powered technologies at Cerridwen Farm. Field Data Collection Students devote seven hours per week to field collections and assigned projects. Students are expected to keep a binder of farm records, course notes, observations and reflections, including:
Records on planting, germination, yield and management for a subset of the farm's crops
Reflections on assigned readings
Documentation of weed & insect collections
Visual documentation of a "cultivation timeline"
Recorded observations from weekly farm walks
Friday with Will Cedar Circle Farm in East Thetford, Vt. - a 50 acre integrated farm with a strong social outreach mission - is the destination for five Friday afternoon field trips throughout the summer. The visits feature field work and intensive sessions with master farmer Will Allen. Allen visits the GMC farm for the remaining five Fridays to provide hands-on instruction and lectures.
