DICKINSON COLLEGE FARM VISIT
A visit with Matt and Jenn on May 13, 2010
ALWAYS READY FOR A WALK
Especially if you are a dog or if you’ve just sat in the car for a few hours. Pinto Bean waits patently on the path he assumes we’ll take as we finish saying our greetings with Matt.
Their farm interns stay in these three yurts. Pinto was correct, we did walk up the hill away from the house and yurts!
LIVESTOCK
Last year they added sheep and this year, two Angus heiffers.
EVER HOPEFUL
When a dog fixes his gaze upon an object like Pinto Bean is doing with these ducklings, you can see the longing in their eyes.
THE ZEN OF FARMING
Dickinson College Farm, nestled in the Cumberland Valley radiates peace and beauty.
Farming must surely be the most sacred of vocations, because by its very nature cultivates within the farmer appreciation, respect, awe and understanding for the mysteries of life.
FAVORITE IMPLEMENTS
We learned a lot about farming equipment design and how it works.
Matt’s favorite tool is the Williams Tool System which is adjustable to suit varying tasks and row widths.
TRANSPLANTING MADE EASIER
No more aching backs! Two people sit on the back of this implement as it is pulled along by a tractor and plug in seedlings after the holes have been dug and watered ahead of them. The yellow tanks hold water and the holes are punched into the earth by a wheel.
Matt and Bob discuss farming methods. If they were planting, they would pull their seedlings from the green racks.
CURIOSITY
Cows are curious or perhaps hopeful that we’ve brought them a tasty treat. We explored an art installation designed to frame a couple of favorite vistas.
COMPOST AND COVER CROPS
Farming isn’t just about plugging in plants, feeding livestock and harvesting. There is the soil to feed as well. On this farm they feed the soil with compost made from worm castings, cover crops which are tilled back into the earth and conventional compost.
HARVEST
The greenhouse and the chicken tractor were the last stops for Matt and Jenn.
ABUNDANCE!
Jenn cradles fresh eggs in her sweater and Camille holds the basket Matt has filled with lettuce, greens, bok choy and radishes for dinner.