Who We Are
What is the Agricultural Innovation Center?
The Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm is located just one mile from main campus. The 158 acre forest and field historic agricultural property is home to the Tabler Student Farm and the Agricultural Small Business Incubator. These projects are designed to contribute to the local agriculture system, creating opportunities for new and established farmers through our various programs.
You can engage with the Farm through academic courses, workshops, public events, volunteer opportunities, farm tours, space rental, class field trips, and so much more. The Farm is made possible by a small team of dedicated individuals.
Tabler Student Farm
The Tabler Student Farm is a student-run demonstration and education 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 center, 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.
Agricultural Small Business Incubator
The Agricultural Small Business Incubator helps new farmers overcome barriers, empowering them to successfully establish their own sustainable agricultural businesses and contribute to West Virginia’s economy.
This program offers access to access to low-cost designated growing plots, training in specialty crop production techniques, access to building, tools, equipment, and resources, and education and aid in developing business and marketing plans.
This program is made possible through generous grant funding from the Small Business Administration.
Academic Programming
Shepherd students can major in Environmental Studies with a focus on Sustainable Agriculture and Resource Management. The agriculture component focuses on the practical aspects of small-scale agricultural production including vegetable production and aquaponics. Students also gain business knowledge about entrepreneurship, marketing, and how to establish successful business plans.
The program provides students with the technical skills necessary to embark on new careers including:
- Horticulturalists
- Soil and Water Conservationists
- Farm Production Managers
- Farm Market Managers
- Supervisors of Agricultural Crop Workers
- Aquacultural Animals
- Apiculture and honey products
