Student Farm Gains Leadership Support

By Blake Jackson

Cornell University has introduced a new fellowship program to support leadership at the Dilmun Hill Student Farm. This program helps students manage farm operations while improving long-term sustainability and continuity.

The student-run farm covers 12 acres and produces nearly 40 community-supported agriculture shares each summer. It supplies fresh produce to campus locations, including Anabel’s Grocery and student co-ops. The farm also hosts events such as community dinners, workshops, and volunteer days, helping build strong connections between students and the local community.

The new fellowship focuses on strengthening leadership and improving year-round farm management. It is funded by the Call Chair of Agricultural Sciences and supports students who are interested in food production, sustainability, and community systems. The fellowship helps guide farm managers and ensures that important work continues each year, even as leadership changes.

Working with faculty leaders, including Ryan Maher and Frank Rossi, the fellowship was created to address challenges in maintaining consistent leadership. “We’re always talking about ways to improve continuity at Dilmun,” Beck said. “If you want to do something there, you can take the initiative and propose your idea and do it, which is kind of how this ag fellow position came about,” she said.

The fellowship role includes advising student managers, supporting daily operations, and focusing on long-term goals such as soil health, cover cropping, and seasonal preparation. It also supports student research and innovation projects on the farm.

Students continue to play a central role in farm activities, from planting and harvesting to organizing events and managing distribution. New leaders are trained each year, ensuring that the farm remains active and productive.

Students interested in joining can participate through clubs, leadership roles, or paid positions. More information is available here.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-lisegagne