The Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm is located just one mile from main campus. The 158 acre forest and field property currently hosts a demonstration farm featuring a one and a half acre agriculture production site including a four-seasons high tunnel, field vegetable production plots, a multi-fruit orchard, specialty fruit and herb production, and a cut flower garden. Outside of the fenced in site is an indoor aquaponics research lab, a small bee apiary, a newly established food forest, and a solar voltaic system. The demonstration farm also has a pavilion used for post-harvest produce handling and as an outdoor classroom, a wheelchair accessible community learning garden with raised beds, and a student room named The Hive utilized for studying, learning, and as a break-room.
Academic Program Overview
The Environmental Studies Program at Shepherd University has partnered with the Business Program and designed a program focused on sustainable agriculture production and agricultural business management. The production component focuses on the practical aspects of small-scale agricultural production including aquaponics. The business component will focus on entrepreneurship including marketing and how to establish successful business plans. The program will provide students with the technical skills necessary to embark on new careers including:
- Horticulturalists
- Soil and Water Conservationists
- Farm Market Managers
- Farm and Ranch Managers
- Supervisors of Agricultural Crop Workers
- Aquacultural Animals
- Apiculture and honey products
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