Volunteer
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are interested in volunteering with us - please send us an e-mail!
Who can volunteer?
We ask that volunteers be 18 years and older, as we do not have the capacity to make sure that young would-be farmers have a good, safe experience.
While accessibility can be an issue in the fields (the earth is often uneven and hoop house doors like to stick) there are plenty of important seeding, watering, cleaning, and sorting tasks that are barrier free.
When can I volunteer?
Volunteer shifts are currently Tuesdays and Fridays from 1pm-3:30pm.
We meet in the workhouse promptly at 1pm to go over the afternoon's tasks.
If you are interested in volunteering with us - please send us an e-mail!
Who can volunteer?
We ask that volunteers be 18 years and older, as we do not have the capacity to make sure that young would-be farmers have a good, safe experience.
While accessibility can be an issue in the fields (the earth is often uneven and hoop house doors like to stick) there are plenty of important seeding, watering, cleaning, and sorting tasks that are barrier free.
When can I volunteer?
Volunteer shifts are currently Tuesdays and Fridays from 1pm-3:30pm.
We meet in the workhouse promptly at 1pm to go over the afternoon's tasks.
Where are you located?
The Student Organic Farm is located on 15 acres at the western edge of the MSU Horticulture Teaching and Research Center (HTRC). Our address is 3291 College Rd. Holt, MI 48842.
When you drive into the main entrance, you will follow a road back, past the vineyard until you see the Student Organic Farm Sign. Parking is in the lawn to the right, across from the hoop houses.
Can I get a ride out to the farm?
We are unable to offer rides to and from the farm, but occasionally student crew members with vehicles are willing to pick up and drop off regular volunteers in convenience with their work schedules. Volunteers and crew members also often use ride sharing services to the farm, which runs about $10 from campus.
What should I wear when I volunteer?
Dress according to how you will feel most comfortable in whatever weather is predicted for your volunteer shift, keeping in mind that you may be moving between greenhouses where it is dry and warm to outdoor rain or snow. Closed toed shoes are required. Depending on the weather, we recommend layers, sunscreen, a hat, and water.
What can I expect to do while I’m at the farm?
Farm work is seasonal. Because we grow in passive solar greenhouses harvest happens here year round. In the spring, we are busy prepping beds and planting outside. In the summer, we weed, water, plant, and harvesting. In the fall we roll up drip tape, put beds to sleep for the winter, and harvest root crops for storage. In the winter, we work to maintain our crops in the hoop houses, seeding transplants, and getting ready for the spring.
Volunteer Groups / Volunteer Events
To schedule a volunteer group event, contact SOF Staff at msufarm@msu.edu. Accommodating volunteer groups may take up to 2 weeks to schedule and is subject to SOF staff availability. Volunteer groups under 18 years of age will be subject to our regular tour fee.
The Student Organic Farm is located on 15 acres at the western edge of the MSU Horticulture Teaching and Research Center (HTRC). Our address is 3291 College Rd. Holt, MI 48842.
When you drive into the main entrance, you will follow a road back, past the vineyard until you see the Student Organic Farm Sign. Parking is in the lawn to the right, across from the hoop houses.
Can I get a ride out to the farm?
We are unable to offer rides to and from the farm, but occasionally student crew members with vehicles are willing to pick up and drop off regular volunteers in convenience with their work schedules. Volunteers and crew members also often use ride sharing services to the farm, which runs about $10 from campus.
What should I wear when I volunteer?
Dress according to how you will feel most comfortable in whatever weather is predicted for your volunteer shift, keeping in mind that you may be moving between greenhouses where it is dry and warm to outdoor rain or snow. Closed toed shoes are required. Depending on the weather, we recommend layers, sunscreen, a hat, and water.
What can I expect to do while I’m at the farm?
Farm work is seasonal. Because we grow in passive solar greenhouses harvest happens here year round. In the spring, we are busy prepping beds and planting outside. In the summer, we weed, water, plant, and harvesting. In the fall we roll up drip tape, put beds to sleep for the winter, and harvest root crops for storage. In the winter, we work to maintain our crops in the hoop houses, seeding transplants, and getting ready for the spring.
Volunteer Groups / Volunteer Events
To schedule a volunteer group event, contact SOF Staff at msufarm@msu.edu. Accommodating volunteer groups may take up to 2 weeks to schedule and is subject to SOF staff availability. Volunteer groups under 18 years of age will be subject to our regular tour fee.