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The Mission

The Purdue Student Farm (PSF) empowers the next generation of farmers through experiential education, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement. As a living laboratory, we develop students' skills in small farm management while advancing agricultural systems that balance economic viability, environmental stewardship, and community impact. Through integrated teaching, research, and Extension programs, we deliver practical, research-based solutions that enhance lives and livelihoods, strengthen regional food systems, and address food access challenges. Our work supports Purdue College of Agriculture's vision as a global leader in building a sustainable future for Indiana agriculture and beyond.

Impact

The PSF has demonstrated a significant impact through its integrated education, research, and community engagement approach. In 2023, the team dedicated 5,600 hours to educating 575 students, farm operators, and visitors. Their Community Supported Agriculture program has expanded from 51 members in 2020 to 101 in 2023, receiving "world-class" ratings from members. The farm produced 22,700 pounds of food in 2023, with 20,100 pounds sold and 2,600 donated to local food banks and cultural centers. The farm serves as a living laboratory, hosting thirteen research trials in 2023 that resulted in four journal manuscripts, six newsletter articles, one technical report, four posters, and 22 presentations. The annual Small Farm Education Field Day has attracted 792 attendees since 2018, providing crucial knowledge to Indiana's small and medium-sized farm operators.

Beyond metrics, the PSF's long-term impact lies in transforming students' lives through hands-on experience and demonstrating sustainable farming practices. The farm has successfully weathered challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging stronger and more innovative in its approach to education and community service.

We Need Your Help

The PSF needs your help to continue educating students on growing a sustainable food source. This educational opportunity allows the farm to reach out to the local community, providing them with healthy, locally grown fresh produce options. We are receiving tremendous support from Purdue University and the College of Agriculture. Our farm programs rely heavily on students working at the farm. We offer part-time internships in the spring and full-time internships during the summer. We are also tasked with generating funding to purchase supplies and equipment.

How can you help us? By financially supporting some of our needs, you can significantly impact students' learning experiences.

• Sponsor a student internship ($6,000)
  • We support up to 10 student internships annually
• Provide funding for production-related items, e.g.
  • Seeds
  • Fertilizer
  • Mulch, trellising, and plant support supplies
  • Irrigation supplies
  • Harvesting bins and tools
  • High tunnel glazing materials (plastic cover)
• Provide funding to purchase or donate equipment, e.g.
  • Commercial dehydrator
  • Commercial freeze dryer
  • Compressor
  • High tunnel (30’ x 96’)
  • Caterpillar tunnel (14’ x 100’)
  • Flail mower (48 inches wide)
  • Power harrow with mesh roller (60-inch harrow width)
  • 38 tine weeder on a 71″ Rack (54″ working width)
  • Chisel Plow (3 or 5 shanks)