School is back in session, but it looks a little different here in Middle Tennessee. This fall, Caney Fork Farms is excited to welcome three students from Warren Wilson College.
For the first time, our regenerative farm is partnering directly with Warren Wilson to give students a semester-long intensive learning experience which combines classroom coursework with work experience in all aspects of farm activities. Guided by our Head of Research and Outreach, Dr. Emily Stutzman, fellows Flynn Schierkolk, Erica Ostling, and Gabe Adler will spend the season learning about crops, livestock, and research projects through two college courses and a student internship on the farm.
Hands-On Learning at a Regenerative Farm in Tennessee
Fall is one of the most dynamic times at Caney Fork Farms. We are harvesting the last of our summer crops, preparing for fall vegetables, and continuing our CSA program that delivers nutrient-dense, locally grown produce to our community.
Despite only being here for a short time, the Warren Wilson fellows have already experienced a great deal.. Working alongside experienced Caney Fork Farms farmers, they have transplanted herbs, harvested in the market garden, learned livestock chores, moved livestock between fields and paddocks, participated in pregnancy checking cows.. Meanwhile, they are participating in classes taught by Emily Stutzman. One course focuses on the science and practice of regenerative agriculture and the other explores diverse aspects of the food system, considering the role of policy, economics, culture, history, and more. This combination of classroom study and hands-on fieldwork within a farm community provides a robust, immersive educational experience in sustainable agriculture.
Connecting Students with Agricultural Leaders
This week, our fellows also had the unique opportunity to participate in a special visit. Caney Fork Farms was honored to welcome teams from Applegate Farms and Amazon for a tour focused on regenerative agriculture in practice. Together we explored the barn with new piglets, observed composting systems, discussed silvopasture, walked through chestnut agroforestry with grazing lambs, and finished with the flerd moving through rotational grazing pastures.
The purpose of the visit was to connect leaders in agriculture and business with real examples of regenerative farming. For our students, it was an inspiring chance to join conversations about building a cleaner food system and to see how partnerships between farmers, companies, and communities can create meaningful change.
Meet the Warren Wilson Fellows
Gabe Adler
“I am a sophomore at Warren Wilson College studying sustainable agriculture. Coming from Ohio, I am amazed by the beauty of Tennessee. This semester I hope to learn more about working with livestock while connecting with the people who make Caney Fork Farms such an incredible operation.”
Flynn Schierkolk
“I am a sophomore majoring in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Studies with minors in Business and Art. I am very interested in methods of maximizing land use, and I hope that working on a multifaceted farm like Caney Fork will allow me to learn a great deal.”
Erica Ostling
“I am a sophomore studying Sustainable Agriculture and Food Studies with a minor in Business. I am passionate about sustainable food production and the connection between restaurants and regenerative agriculture. I am so grateful to spend the fall working on this land with such passionate people.”
Looking Ahead
We are grateful to have Flynn, Erica, and Gabe as part of our farm family this semester. Their energy, curiosity, and dedication are already shaping the season, and we look forward to seeing how they grow through this experience.
At Caney Fork Farms, we believe education and collaboration are essential to building a regenerative future. By investing in and sharing with students, farmers, researchers, and business leaders, we are cultivating more than food. We are cultivating resilience, community, and helping to build the next generation of regenerative agriculture professionals.