Dwayne, the goat and Mr. Miller
For the past several years, “Mr. Miller”—also known as “Farmer Jeff” to his students—has taught Engineering a Sustainable Future, a course that combines ecology, agriculture, and hands-on learning. To better capture the interconnected lessons students experience, he’s giving the class a new name: L.E.A.F., which stands for Land, Environment, Animals, and Food.
Students witnessed and assisted with bringing new life into our world
Land studies take students into organic certification standards, water and soil testing, and the regenerative management of our food forest. Environmental topics range from stormwater management discussions to bioblitzes in the field, where students study native plants, animals, and insects in their natural habitats.
Animals are always a favorite. Students explore egg development, incubation, hatching, and newborn chick care. They study conservation grazing and put humane animal treatment and husbandry into practice. Beyond the classroom, Jeff leads a dedicated group of Animal Husbandry interns who meet every Saturday for deeper, hands-on work with the farm’s animals.
Students maintain the health of the goat and sheep herd
These interns are exploring diverse career paths, and in today’s uncertain world, the farm offers them a window into possibilities they might not have considered. Last Saturday, for example, we demonstrated vaccinations, conducted hoof care on goats, and discussed diagnosing ailments and ensuring humane treatment—skills that translate across veterinary science, healthcare, animal welfare, and beyond.
Students glean for local food pantries
Food is studied through a wide lens, encompassing nutrient density, the connection between soil and what we eat, and issues of food accessibility and justice. Jeff’s course earns students college credit and FFA membership, which opens doors to scholarships and a deeper exploration of career pathways in animal science, forestry, and natural resources.
Students manage conservation grazing projects
The farm serves as a living classroom where abstract concepts become tangible. Students don’t just read about ecosystems—they observe cause and effect in real time, watching how decisions about soil management affect plant health, or how animal welfare practices impact behavior and health. Jeff brings decades of practical wisdom to these lessons, modeling what it means to be a thoughtful steward who balances production with care for the land, animals, and community.
Student gently pre-carve pumpkins for chickens to enjoy
Students also help to lead the Spring Plant Sale and helped make this year’s Fall Farm Festival Fundraiser a great success—opportunities that build entrepreneurship and leadership alongside agricultural knowledge. With nearly 50-150 students visiting the farm each week for culinary, Spanish, and entrepreneurship classes, there’s a whole community of future L.E.A.F. students growing at the farm.
Your farmers,
Farmer Jeff, Jen, Cleto, David, Miguel, Anacleto, Saul