University Farm

A graphic showing President Perez in overalls and milking a cow, with the headline "How to Milk a Cow."

How to with President Perez: Milk a Cow

In this latest episode, President Perez heads to the University Farm to join up with the Organic Dairy Unit (and Franny) to find out all about our dairy production program.

Sunshine peeks through branches and leaves from a peach tree

Community Favorite ‘U-Pick Peaches’ Makes its Return to Chico State’s University Farm This Week

The popular annual “U-Pick Peaches” event returns to University Farm at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23.

Chico State College of Agriculture Names New Director for University Farm

Ricardo Orellana's international background, leadership, and diverse agriculture experience will strengthen partnerships and support the program in meeting the needs of agriculture in the 21st century.

Jerry Miguel and his grandson on a blue tractor in an orchard.

Fond Farewell: Retired University Farm Mechanic Jerry Miguel

Jerry Miguel, University Farm mechanic for nearly 30 years, is remembered for all his tools—those he held in his hands, as well as his heart, spirit, and mind.

Distinguished Alum and Retired Agriculture Educator Roy Beck

Roy Beck put himself through college by working at the University Farm. He went on to teach agricultural education for 42 years and still advocates on behalf of his beloved discipline.

A college student drives a tractor beneath a sign that says Chico State University Farm

Chico State University Farm Celebrates 60th Anniversary on November 5

As Chico State's University Farm marks its 60th anniversary, it will host a free event to the public to celebrate its impact of serving the North State on Saturday, November 5.

Manny Lopez stands in a field of sheep with a feed bucket.

Animal Science Major Embraces Role of Lead Shepherd in Sheep Unit

Since arriving at Chico State in fall 2019, Manny Lopez has been an integral part of the University Farm’s Sheep Unit and today serves as its lead shepherd.

A wagon filled with peaches sits amongst peach trees

Hungry for Fun: ‘U-Pick Peaches’ Returns to University Farm

They're back! The University Farm's annual U-Pick Peaches event will take place Tuesday, August 9.

A sign reading "Chico State University Farm" is seen with a late evening sky in the background

Chico State Receives More Than $18 Million in State Funding to Build and Renovate Experiential Learning Facilities at its University Farm

Chico State’s College of Agriculture has been allocated $18.75 million in one-time funding from the State of California’s 2022-23 budget to enhance student experiential learning and training at its University Farm.

Edgar Castrejon sits at a table with a glass of wine.

Agriculture Alum Cooks Up A Following with Plant-Based Passion

With a best-selling cookbook and write-ups in top food magazines, people can't seem to get enough of Edgar Castrejón's vegan cooking!

Consuelo Baez Vega leans against a walnut tree in an orchard at University Farm

Plant and Soil Science Major Grounds Herself With Research

Consuelo Baez Vega cultivated a passion for research while working at the University Farm and several innovative projects with faculty.

Two people butcher meat at the Meats Lab

How To: Stay Sharp at the Meat Counter

As inflation and food costs continue to set record highs, Chico State Meats Lab staff and students offer tips to include meat as a part of your healthy diet.

Office Hours: Regenerative Agriculture Leader and Professor Cindy Daley

Professor Cindy Daley honors her roots through regenerative agriculture education and carbon-smart solutions to fight climate change.

Constantin Raether, wearing a mask and squeezing a syringe, works in the RAD Lab and Soil Preparation Area at the University Farm.

Seeding the Future: Center for Regenerative Agriculture Receives $1 Million Gift

Looking to improve communities one at a time, Bruce Burnworth discovered Chico State's Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems—and found it worthy of a $1 million donation.

Ripe peaches hang on branches as the early-morning sun shines through the trees and branches

A Juicy Tradition Continues: University Farm’s ‘U-Pick Peaches’ Scheduled for Next Week

It's back! Chico State's University Farm's "U-Pick Peaches" tradition continues next week.

Lee Altier stands among the plants in the aquaponics garden at the University Farm

Professor Receives Fulbright Scholar Award To Teach and Study Agricultural Best Practices in Turkey

Lee Altier is taking nearly 40 years of farming expertise to Ege University in Izmir, Turkey to focus on agroecology.

University Farm Celebrates 60 Years of Hands-On Learning

Six decades after it opened, the farm's its 800 acres remain a microcosm of a major industry and its essential workforce.

Reed Pritchard pushes the beef cattle down a shoot on University Farm.

Ag Can’t Wait

The 60-year-old University Farm is a microcosm of the agriculture industry and its essential workers, which means during these extraordinary times students still rise early to feed the livestock, milk the cows, pick the peaches, and tend its fields and orchards.

The sunshine peeks through branches and leaves of peach trees at the University Farm.

University Farm’s Peach Tradition Persists Amid COVID-19, in New Format

Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Chico State's University Farm will be offering its summer tradition of its delicious peaches.

Students walk down a road at University Farm

Journal Club Keeps Undergraduate Agricultural Research Rolling

Unable to meet in the fields to check their research plots, an undergraduate group started a Journal Club to stay connected and keep learning.

Neil Tung poses and smiles with a water tower standing tall behind him.

‘Killing Fields’ Survivor Finds Future in Food

After escaping the brutality of the Pol Pot regime, Neil Tung and his family immigrated to the United States—where he found a love for agriculture.

A rock inscribed with the words "home sweet home" sits among the rubble of a burnt house, with only the chimney still standing behind it.

From Now On

Five students, faculty, and staff who lost their homes in the Camp Fire share how their lives have changed since that fateful morning. Each has their own challenges and hopes for the future.

The Trinity Hall bell tower is seen through a burst of pink petals and bright greenery.

Chico in Love

Campus sweethearts share their stories about what life is like when the one you love also works where you work.

A student helps a young boy make a Christmas tree out of green pipecleaners.

Planting Hope, Harvesting Joy

For their final project, "Agricultural Leadership" students raised more than $35,000 in toys, blankets, backpacks, gift cards, and other gifts for schools and families directly impacted by the Camp Fire.

Chico State's College of Agriculture is hosting its annual U-Pick Peaches Event THIS WEEK. Visitors are encouraged to pick their own peaches for purchase at the University Farm.

University Farm to Open ‘U-Pick Peaches’ to the Public on Aug. 9

Community members hungry to capitalize on an annual summer tradition need wait no longer: California State University, Chico will open University Farm this week for “U-Pick Peaches,” an opportunity for the public to stock up on multiple varieties of delicious, fresh peaches. This year’s opening day is Thursday, Aug. 9 from 8 a.m. to noon, […]

Chico State student Eduardo Puentes tends to the crops at the Organic Vegetable Project space at the University Farm. Chico State is a leader in the field of regenerative agriculture and is hosting a regional conference this weekend at the University Farm.