Cultivating Green: Learning How to Farm Sustainably

SLP and Ullem Campus Farm

CampusFarm

My internship was made possible through DePauw's Sustainability Leadership Program (SLP), which aims to promote sustainability on our campus and develop well-rounded leaders. This program provides volunteer and paid internship opportunities for students to overcome complex challenges and create lasting change to become leaders in science and the environment. Learn more about it at  Sustainability Leadership Program - DePauw University .

Ullem Campus Farm encompasses a 12-acre parcel of land that includes a three-acre crop field, a greenhouse, a wash and pack facility, two hoop houses, experimental cultivation areas, beehives, and the Ullem Center for Sustainability. It adheres to USDA organic farming guidelines, abstaining from the use of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. This farm presents compelling prospects for students to partake in practical implementations of sustainable agriculture and eco-conscious land management. Student interns and volunteers employ organic methods to supply the campus dining services with fresh, wholesome produce. Read more at  Ullem Campus Farm - DePauw University. 

Introduction To My Journey

In the summer of 2022 and throughout the following school year, I worked as a farm intern at Ullem Campus Farm. This experience provided a fantastic opportunity for me to learn about sustainable farming practices, gain hands-on experience with organic farming techniques, and explore the hydroponics field. We also had the chance to visit other eco-friendly farms during field trips, where we learned from experienced farmers and heard their inspiring stories.

Prior to applying for the summer position, I was a part-time farmer during Spring 2022 at the campus farm. It marked my first time carefully nurturing plants and watching them grow day by day. Before coming to DePauw, I grew up in a coastal city, and in the suburbs, there were some agricultural fields (and salt fields) that I rarely passed by. I had little insight into how small-scale farmers managed these vast crops. Though I had a keen interest in biology and had studied plant physiology extensively in high school, closely witnessing living plants grow and thrive in their natural environment was something new and intriguing to me. This was one of the reasons I applied for the part-time position initially.

I was quite nervous at the beginning because I had no background in farming, and I feared making mistakes that could harm these innocent plants. However, the more I immersed myself in the work, the more I developed an admiration for these plants and their innate will to survive. I discovered new perspectives on not only organic farming but also various aspects of life and our relationship with nature.

I was eager to delve deeper into these subjects, understanding that there were valuable lessons to be learned by confronting real-world situations, rather than solely relying on classroom reading and lectures. I also wanted to understand the differences in what I could achieve as a full-time worker compared to when I was a part-timer. This curiosity drove me to apply for the summer position, and I continued it into the following academic year as a hydroponics intern. I was delighted by the results I got. This StoryMap is a reflection of my journey, where I learned not only how to farm organically but also how to grow as a person. I hope to inspire others by showing that if I can do it, there's a good chance they can too!

Organic Practice

My Role as an Organic Farm Intern

  • Engaged in diverse farm activities: seeding, planting, weeding, harvesting, bed preparations, transplanting, watering, washing, packing, delivering, and documenting produce.
  • Employed sustainable 12-acre farming practices, including chemical-free methods, no-till farming, and water conservation.
  • Launched educational initiatives, farm stands, school outreach programs, and volunteer groups, impacting over 200 students.
  • Collaborated with Bon Appétit to sell 85% of farm produce.
  • Ensured proper usage, maintenance, and storage of tools for longevity.
  • Participated in community events promoting the farm, such as kids' summer camps and the Taste of Putnam County.
  • Maintained organization of Ullem Center, greenhouse, wash and pack, and farm shed.

My Reflection

As someone who initially had no practical knowledge about growing plants, my role as an organic farmer has granted me a decent understanding of how food makes its way to my table. Working at the forefront of the food production team, I've experienced firsthand the challenges involved in maintaining optimal conditions for organically grown plants, especially those vulnerable to destructive pests and persistent weeds. Much of our work required manual labor, which could be time-consuming and occasionally frustrating, especially when it came to tasks like regular weeding. Managing it alone was no small feat. There were days when the scorching sun and exhaustion made me long for the comfort of indoor air conditioning. However, the enthusiasm of my co-workers and the farm manager transformed those days into opportunities not only to labor but also to share stories and insights, creating unforgettable memories.

Amidst the tough days, there were also moments of pure delight when I felt like I could continue this work forever. Imagine being immersed in a landscape of vibrant green grass, where a gentle breeze carries the fresh scent to your face. Above, birds gracefully glide and sing through the sky, while below, plants steadily flourish, bloom, and yield fruit, drawing in bees and butterflies as we tenderly care for them. Isn't this peaceful? Just reminiscing about these moments, when everything harmonized into a beautiful symphony, soothes my heart and reminds me of the remarkable beauty that exists in our world.

Hydroponics

My Role as a Hydroponics Intern

• Reoperated and managed hydroponic Ebb and Flow system in the greenhouse

• Optimized nutrients, troubleshooting, and ensured cleanliness of the running system

• Conducted research to improve the system's scalability

• Led a SLP meeting about Soil-free planting.

• Created a guideline for future interns.

The general timeline activities for operating the Ebb and Flow system

Thoroughly cleaned the tanks and lava rocks medium to ensure ideal conditions for plant growth and nutrient absorption

Sowed the plants in coco peat-filled planting trays and nurtured them until they reached a certain height for harvesting as microgreens or transferring them into the growing tank

Put together all the components of the system and loaded the upper tank (the growing tank) with lava rocks and planting cups

Moved the plants in

Set a suitable water cycle and controlled the nutrient level

Watched them grow!

Monitoring the pH and nutrient levels in the running Ebb and Flow System.

Several main slides in my SLP presentation

My Reflection

Seth Brawner, a former farm manager, was the one who started the aquaponics project. Unfortunately, when he departed, the entire system ceased operations. Hydroponics was the first step to test and bring back this model if possible. As I began my work, I encountered various challenges, including establishing the right watering schedule, maintaining pH and nutrient levels, addressing insect damage, and managing sunlight exposure. Nevertheless, it also brought me joy when I witnessed the plants thriving and rebounding from damage, confirming that I was on the right path. Additionally, I found it exciting to contemplate a future for alternative agriculture, particularly how individuals could grow small plants domestically.

My primary goal was to help people grow at home, even if they knew little about planting and had limited time and effort. I believed that this was feasible, especially if individuals selected low-maintenance options such as easy-to-grow leafy greens or microgreens and mung bean sprouts. When I compared my harvest to supermarket produce, I gained insight into how the food industry molds our preferences in a particular manner and how people could derive more benefits from their dietary choices. Beyond the mandatory safety inspections for produce, the practice of trimming and selecting based on aesthetics has contributed significantly to the issue of food waste. Moreover, many people lack familiarity with the actual appearance of plants, often encountering only the modified final product. Consequently, I became motivated to advocate for alternative home cultivation as a means for people to deepen their understanding of their food and assert control over their food choices. While not everyone has the privilege of owning land for traditional gardening, the small hydroponics model can provide an example illustrating the difference between homegrown and store-bought or canned produce, raising awareness about sustainable food practices.

Field Trips

My Reflection

Exploring those local farms and gardens was such an eye-opener for me. It really expanded my understanding of organic farming. I realized that there's no one-size-fits-all approach; it's incredibly diverse, from how they came up with their original idea or modified a known model to how they actually put the idea into action. It also reinforced my belief that there are folks out there genuinely committed to making the world a better place through sustainable living. They also didn't hold back on sharing tips to help improve our Ullem campus farm either.

Then, there was the Indiana State Fair – what an experience! Seeing all those products from farmers across the state was mind-blowing. I had no idea they could have such a range in size, shape, and color, and how they were used in so many creative ways (in cooking, decorating, crafting, and art).

These trips ended up teaching me much more than I had expected. It was refreshing to step off-campus and connect with these incredible people by listening to their stories and sympathizing with their journeys.

Conclusion

My time as a farm intern at the Ullem Campus Farm was a transformative experience. I actively engaged in various aspects of sustainable farming, from planting and harvesting to educating and collaborating with the community. Through hands-on work and collaboration with fellow interns and volunteers, I honed my skills in organic farming techniques and learned how to run a hydroponics system. Additionally, I had the opportunity to contribute to the farm's mission of promoting sustainability and fostering connections with the local community. Overall, it was a rewarding journey that left a lasting impact on my perspective and values.

Through interactions with diverse individuals and hearing their stories, beliefs, and dreams, I forged personal connections that shed light on the profound impact of farming on people's lives and their unique approaches to it. It underscored the significance of the environment to each individual and revealed both commonalities and differences in our experiences. Despite our varied backgrounds, we shared a collective commitment to living eco-friendly lifestyles. It also made me aware of the box I had been in, where I simply accepted things without questioning how they were made and the influence of mass production and the food industry system.

I am now determined to extend this awareness to others, to help them break free from their own confines, and to collectively work toward positive change within our community. While I may not have all the answers, I am resolute in my belief that this concern is shared by many. If someone devises a solution aligned with my values, I am eager to offer my support and collaborate wholeheartedly to amplify our impact.

Acknowledgements

I wish to express my gratitude to DePauw University, the Environmental Fellows Program, and the Sustainability Leadership Program for providing me with this internship opportunity. My heartfelt thanks go to Claire Dorner, Catherine Fisher, and Professor Jeanette Pope for their exceptional leadership and enthusiasm. I am also deeply grateful to Professor Christina Holmes for her mentorship and invaluable assistance in creating my StoryMap, and to Seth Brawner for his dedicated management of the aquaponics system and valuable guidance. My appreciation also goes to @depauwsustainability for the photos used in this StoryMap. Lastly, I am thankful to my fellow interns for their friendship throughout my experiences.