The Dickinson Farm is a 50-acre living laboratory that is Certified Organic. Located just 6 miles from campus, the farm has over 12 acres of vegetable production ground and 18 acres of animal pasture. The farm manages a small flock of sheep, grass-fed beef cattle, laying hens and broiler chickens. The majority of the harvest is delivered to the campus dining hall.

A significant portion of the harvest is earmarked for the farm’s Campus Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, which feeds over 130 families. The Farm also maintains a thriving stand at Carlisle’s producer-only Farmers On The Square market, sells produce to local restaurants,  and donates thousands of pounds of fresh produce to Project SHARE throughout the growing season.

Dickinson College students assist with all aspects of the farm’s food production as employees or volunteers. In addition to raising Certified Organic produce for the college dining hall, the farm supports the academic interests of students and faculty, promotes renewable energy through solar applications and builds a greater awareness among students about how food is generated using techniques that help sustain natural ecosystems.

The farm’s livestock are managed on pasture through a rotational grazing program that provides the animals with year round forage, sunlight and fresh air which minimizes disease issues and supports overall animal health.

We integrate agroecological theories and practices to create an ecosystem that is self-supporting and not dependent on synthetic inputs. Through well-organized crop rotations, green manures, and compost applications, the soil at the Dickinson Farm is able to grow quality crops.

Through programs such as Farm, Cook, Eat, Sustainable Earth Education (SEED) and the hosting of community events and public tours, Dickinson College Farm serves as a venue for the Dickinson community and its neighbors to experience a holistic approach to land stewardship rooted in management practices that work to sustain the natural environment. Come visit us!

Brendan Murtha ’14 and a section of the farm’s state-of-the-art irrigation system. Beloved farm mascot Bella is seeking relief from the sun on the farm’s solar-powered vehicle. (Photo courtesy of John Henson)