Bobcat Farm
Howdy From Bobcat Farm!
Bobcat Farm is a 1.4-acre student-run farm at Texas State University Freeman Center. We use sustainable agricultural methods to regenerate degraded soils and contribute to local food system development through the cultivation of annual and perennial vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Bobcat Farm serves as a research facility as well as an outdoor laboratory for several courses in the Agricultural Sciences Department.
Additionally, Bobcat Farm hosts the student organization, Bobcat Farm Club, that welcomes all TXST students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their areas of study or prior agricultural experiences, to volunteer and assist farm development, crop production, and delivery of produce to the TXST and local community.
What's In Season At The Farm?
Late Fall - Spring
Beets, Bok Choi, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Cilantro, Collards, Dill, Fennel, Green Onions, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Radish, Spinach, Turnips
Summer - Early Fall
Basil, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Green Onion, Leafy Greens, Okra, Peppers, Potatoes, Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Zucchini
Core Values & Where We're Going
Bobcat Farm’s core values and goals are centered around the three sustainable E’s of agriculture: Environment, Education, and Economy.
3 E's of Sustainable Agriculture
Environment
Bobcat Farm is committed to practicing sustainable agricultural methods to regenerate damaged soils and contribute to local food system development
Education
Bobcat Farm is devoted to providing experiential education through coursework, research, internships, volunteer work, farm tours, and workshops
Economy
Systematic farm management promotes and teaches components of a circular economy to benefit Bobcat Farm, Texas State University, and San Marcos
Goals for the Farm
Increase the Quality of Agricultural Education at TXST
1) Build a working sustainable farm that will also serve as a research laboratory, while facilitating experiential learning and outreach in plant and soil sciences, and agribusiness
2) Increase experiential learning opportunities and exposure to innovative technologies, regenerative agricultural techniques, and climate mitigation
3) Increase total and minority student recruitment, learning, and career preparation opportunities in crop and soil sciences and agribusiness
Increase Bobcat Farm Crop Production and Profitability
1) Increase area in fruit and vegetable crop production
2) Sell products to on-campus cafeterias and campus community
3) Analyze and demonstrate viable crop production enterprises
Expand Impact of Bobcat Farm Across Texas State Campus to Public and Stakeholders
1) Conduct outreach to non-agriculture students via Bobcat Farm student organization, and to youth and community
2) Provide produce to campus food pantry, Bobcat Bounty
3) Disseminate education and research outcomes
Our Impact
Bobcat Farm partners with Chartwells Dining Services to bring our produce to the on-campus dining service. We also donate the Bobcat Bounty, the on-campus food pantry. We aim to fill our kitchens with produce grown by Bobcats for Bobcats!
Additionally, we sell produce to the campus community via monthly emails and the greater San Marcos area through local farmers markets.
Get Involved
Join the Bobcat Farm Student Organization
The Bobcat Farm club connects students of all majors across the university. The farm’s student organization is open to students, staff, and faculty at TXST regardless of their area of study or prior agricultural experience. If you are interested in earning volunteer hours, honing your agricultural knowledge, introducing yourself to sustainable agriculture and food systems, or just want to spend time outside in the Texas Hill Country, join the Bobcat Farm club at TXST today!
Want to Join?
You can connect with our farmers for information on volunteer opportunities via:
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What will I do as a volunteer?
Bobcat Farm’s student organization will design and execute agricultural projects at the farm, assist with farm development, conduct general operational tasks & maintenance such as weeding, fertilizing, and harvesting, as well as organize fundraisers, participate in community outreach, host educational field trips & tours, and workshops for members.
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What do I need to bring with me to the farm?
All you will need to bring is a water bottle & a good attitude! We have all of the tools you'll possibly need. If you plan on volunteering regularly it is highly recommended you provide your own gloves. However, we do have extras.
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What should I wear to the farm?
This is dependent upon the season, but generally a good rule of thumb is to wear closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and clothes that you are comfortable moving around in and getting dirty. A hat, sunglasses, and layers for colder days couldn't hurt either!
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Do I need to sign a liability waiver?
Yes! All volunteers must sign a liability waiver prior to volunteering at the farm. Prospective volunteers can fill out a liability waiver at their first volunteering session, we have printed copies at the farm.
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Is there a bathroom and/or water refill station?
Yes! At Freeman Ranch there is an “HQ” cabin around the corner from the farm where you can refill your water and use the bathroom.
Meet The Crew
Our Fall 2023 Farm Crew
Our Fall 2023 Farm Crew at our end of semester social. (From L - R: Jackson Guthrey, Sid Frank, Nicole Wagner, Emily Nickerson, Luke Orona, Sabina Kuzmina, Katrina Berthold, Molly Brown; N/P: Joshua Newton)
Bobcat Farm's Development Plan
Find Bobcat Farm
Bobcat Farm is located at the Freeman Center Ranch, which is open to farm volunteers during scheduled volunteer hours.
You can email bobcatfarm@txstate.edu to sign-up for hours to come check out the farm!
Special Thanks
We would like to thank our generous founding donors, Andrew McGown and the Elizabeth and Floyd McGown Family Fund, for making this farm possible!
Additional Benefactors
TXST THRC
Texas State University Translational Health Research Center has supported student interns, outreach, and our soil health and biochar research program
TXST ESC
Texas State University Environmental Service Committee graciously funded Bobcat Farm's sustainable rainwater collection & irrigation system
Chartwells Dining Service
Texas State University's dining service, Chartwells, has donated hydroponic grow towers to Bobcat Farm to promote sustainable agricultural technology
Lettuce Grow
Lettuce Grow has donated six of their specialty hydroponic towers to Bobcat Farm.