Agriculture in education
Miller Farm, a small-scale certified organic experimental agriculture program, is an engaging way to participate in Earlham’s sustainability program. Now part of the Center for Environmental Leadership, Miller Farm’s history goes back decades and continues to be run in partnership with students.
Get involved in the entire growing process, seed to harvest, along with special projects like reimagining composting and developing educational programming for local high schoolers. In addition, special events for students and the community around food and farming are hosted throughout the year. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience!
Committed to practicing regenerative agriculture, Miller Farm educates about and builds connections around locally sourced food, food insecurity in Wayne County and climate change resilience. Much of the Farm’s produce is available at the Richmond Farmers Market or donated to Circle U Help Center for their food pantry and hot meals. The Farm is also home to a multicultural community garden and the campus compost project.
Certified organic
Miller Farm has been certified by the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association since April 2024 and by the Real Organic Project since August 2024.
Get involved
Join Miller Farm for the Annual Pickle Party, Farm Days, and other seasonal events! The farm also hires student workers year round and is an available community service site, whether for an afternoon or over many years. Open paid positions are posted on Handshake, or you can contact the farm manager at [email protected].
Community garden
The multicultural community garden has more than 50 plots available each year, cultivated by participants from both the college community and the Richmond area. Applications open on January 15 for returning gardeners and on February 15 for new gardeners. Fees are set on a sliding scale.
Life on the farm
Miller Farmers
Aija Bowman ’26
Indianapolis, Indiana
Earth and Environmental Science Major
“I heard about Miller Farm when I was applying to Earlham and I heard great things about it. I decided to volunteer at the farm because I saw all the innovative opportunities present and wanted to gain valuable experience.”
Jo Potter ’25
Belfast, Maine
Geology and Art double Major
“I love working on the farm because it is very hands-on. It gives me a break from all the academic work with school and I find there is a meditative or mindfulness aspect when working at the farm. Whether it is planting, weeding, or any other activity I feel like I am able to focus and just be in the moment.”
Momoko Nakata ’26
Tokyo, Japan
Undeclared Major
“I learned about Miller Farm when I visited on the last day of August Wilderness 2022. I decided to volunteer because I was interested in learning how to grow something I ate from the very beginning. And it’s fun to cultivate plants!”
History at Earlham
Earlham College has a long history of using agriculture as a means of experiential education. From students working the farmland to defray college expenses in the early 20th century through versions of an agricultural program in the decades following, a working farm has long been part of Earlham life.
Learn more about the history of Miller Farm.
An issue of The Earlham Post, published in 1975, discusses the different farm-projects at the college and the start of a potential farm.
An issue of The Earlham Word, published in 1988, talks about the benefits of Miller Farm and how it is unique to Earlham College.
For more information about Miller Farm
Lucy Enge
Miller Farm manager
Contact Lucy