Michaela Woodward – Staff Writer

Big Hill Farm does indeed have a big impact on campus.

Sustainability Manager Kari Wallin provides support to the students who run the micro farm. 

“My role as the Sustainability Manager is to support the students leading and managing the farm, and provide assistance with daily operations at the farm as needed,” Wallin said. 

There are several different ways in which students can get involved with Big Hill Farm.

“Big Hill Farm is both a student organization and a summer internship experience for students. Compost created on campus using our composter is used as fertilizer on Big Hill farm – which serves as one step to integrate the student body into the process of sustainable food production and waste management,” Wallin said. 

Big Hill Farm produces some of the foods that students can find in the Marketplace. 

“The function of Big Hill Farm is both a student experience and food production for the Market Place. In the fall and spring, student interns plan and take steps to prepare for the summer growing season. Summer interns are hired to work on the farm daily from May-August. Upon harvest, students bring food from Big Hill Farm to the cafeteria and sell it to Dining Services, where it is incorporated into daily meals or the salad bar.  The farm is fully student-let which allows for experiential learning that prioritizes sustainable agricultural practices,” Wallin said. 

Summer Interns are currently being hired for summer 2023. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to Wallin with questions and can apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLSDW3HKAJm5iLXOm-pLL4wUn7tktwFHXufMi9RdSpZH476g/viewform.

Senior Emily Gerencer worked as a Big Hill Farm Summer Intern two summers ago. 

“The most rewarding part of being a Big Hill Farm Intern is being able to grow food and see the literal fruits of your labor. All of the food we grow during the internship summer is sold back to the dining service and incorporated into daily meals. Farming can be a strenuous task but seeing the plants grow and thrive due to your continual care is extremely gratifying. Additionally, the bond you develop with your fellow interns becomes invaluable as you rely on each other to get through the long and hot days,” Gerencer said. 

Providing food to Dining Services is not the only objective of Big Hill Farm. 

“Big Hill Farm functions as a way for students to engage with and learn about sustainable agriculture. [Big Hill Farm] also strives to educate the larger Gustavus community about local food production, food justice, gardening techniques, and plant care. [Big Hill Farm] is a closed-circle cycle as the food produced is sold to the cafeteria, then the food waste produced in the dining service is composted on campus and brought back to the farm to help grow new crops. This cycle promotes as well as assists Gustavus to reach its sustainability goals,” Gerencer said. 

Students interested in these values are encouraged to attend Big Hill Farm organizational meetings on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. in Beck 121 and follow the Instagram handle @big_hill_farm to be updated on upcoming events. 

“Additionally, we are hosting a Kahoot with the 59th Nobel Conference on April 26th at 8:00 p.m. in the Courtyard Cafe where you can win prizes!” Gerencer said.