Student Info
Name: Mason Jacques
Term: Fall 2018
Credits: 16
Title: Transitioning Ownership of an Organic Farm
Contact Info
Contract mode: S.O.S.
Sponsor name: Sarah Williams
Internship Info (if applicable):
Internship hours/wk:
Internship credits:
Academic credits:
Field Supervisor
Field supervisor: Susan Ujcic
Title: Farm Owner
Organization: Helsing Junction Farm
Subcontractor
Name:
Title:
Organization:
Program Description
This one-quarter project, entitled Transitional Ownership of Organic Farm, is designed to explore the process of transitioning ownership of an already functioning certified organic farm. Specific learning objectives are to gain an understanding of farming systems including finance management, CSA management and market management. This program is heavily affiliated with on-site studies at a local organic farm, Helsing Junction Farms, in Rochester, Wa. Student currently works at designated site, Helsing Junction Farm. Texts to be studied include: Fearless Farm Finances by Craig Chase, The Carbon Farming Solution by Eric Toensmeier, Soil Microbiology, Ecology, and Biochemistry by Eldor Paul, Understanding Roots by Robert Kourik, The Rhizosphere: An Ecological Perspective by Julie L. Whitbeck.
| Learning objective | Activity | Deliverable |
| Understand the aspect of transitioning ownership of a functioning farm. | Begin process to purchase a functioning CSA Farm
Thoroughly study and be mentored in proper information to understand during transition |
E-portfolio
Farm Management Notebook |
| Understand the aspect of managing the CSA | Familiarize myself with Farmigo, current CSA management program including:
Customer Base Delivery Routes Inventory CSA Share Design |
E-portfolio
Farm Management notebook |
| Understand the aspect of marketing and social medias | Familiarize myself with the transition of social medias
Understand the design and formats of company specific newsletters and website Familiarize and expand local markets through promotional outreach in targeted areas |
E-portfolio
Farm Management Notebook |
Evaluation of Work
- Narrative evaluations from field supervisor and/or subcontractor
- Narrative mid-quarter and final self-evaluations
- WordPress ePortfolio