Cal Poly Student Experimental Farm
Image credit: Andy Sherar, Mustang News
Cal Poly Student Experimental Farm
*Due to COVID-19 restrictions, most student activity at the SEF is suspended for the 2020-2021 academic year. Outdoor coursework and projects overseen by a faculty advisor are permitted, pending approval by the SEF Advisory Committee. If interested in starting a project at the SEF, please request an SEF Proposal Form by emailing: sef@calpoly.edu
Please note: Cal Poly students visiting SEF must fill out a COVID-19 self assessment questionnaire for the day of their visit, and sign a SEF Liability Waiver.
Student Farm Manager 2020-2021
The SEF student farm manager for the 2020-2021 academic year is Robin Pearson (NRES). Robin works with facilitators to develop action plans for the improvement and management of the SEF, and assists in coordinating and facilitating class, club and other student activities. She serves as a primary liaison between students and faculty using the site and the faculty advisory group. The manager is also responsible for helping implement SEF rules and procedures.
SEF Advisory Committee
In January 2020, a new faculty advisory committee was formed, comprising the individuals listed below. This group will meet monthly to discuss overall strategy for the SEF, and specific issues as they arise. Advisors and managers in this new organizational structure are interested in working closely with students and faculty involved in current and future projects to ensure smooth growth and continued success of the SEF.
SEF Advisory Committee
Nick Babin (NRES)
Claire Balint (CFS)
G.W. Bates (BRAE)
Hunter Francis (CFS)
Kevin Piper (Ag Ops)
Kylee Singh (Facilities Services)
Ben Swan (AGED)
We are excited to continue to foster the unique Learn by Doing opportunities at the SEF and begin a new phase of activity that builds upon the incredible work of past and present doers and leaders. This new phase of activity will be overseen by the Agricultural Operations Department (Ag Ops) and the Center for Sustainability (CFS).
History
For over three decades, thousands of students and community members have partaken in an incredible array of educational activities at the Student Experimental Farm (SEF). This is been made possible by the dedication of generations of student, staff and faculty leaders who have worked together at the SEF to develop numerous pioneering and innovative projects in sustainable agriculture. To read a narrative of past activities, please CLICK HERE
To view Huell Howser's 2006 visit to the SEF CLICK HERE
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all participants - past, present and future - who’ve given of their time and energy for the benefit of Cal Poly and the community.
