Bountiful Business

The Berry Farms student enterprises have had a busy summer providing fresh food and other local goods for the Rome community.

Students running the enterprises have collaborated with local vendors to hold several events this summer where they were able to sell their products. Weekly Thursday farmers markets were held during the month of July and August. All of the available products are grown or produced using Berry’s abundant resources of land and livestock. 

Students involved with The Berry Farms enterprises not only get agricultural experience, but real life business experience as well. They must work hard to grow, market, and sell their products. This hands-on approach is part of Berry’s overall principle that hard work reaps great reward.

Claire Walker is an animal science major who is also co-CEO of Jersey Milk.

“I'm trying to go to vet school and hopefully have my own business one day so being able to see the business aspect of companies and the enterprises is really helpful, as is being able to step up in a leadership position," Walker said.

Jersey Milk products are cheeses made from the milk of Berry cattle and include Applewood Smoked Gouda, Jack, Gouda Gold, Gouda, and Jack and Dill.

Season’s Harvest consists of produce grown without harmful chemicals, with the goal of reducing the carbon footprint. There are several options for purchase depending on the harvest, including but not limited to beans, corn, okra, peppers, pumpkins and tomatoes.

Martha’s Herbs is a horticulturally based service that strives to grow the healthiest, most desirable herbs within the Berry community. They grow and sell herbs such as catnip, cilantro, chives, Greek oregano, thyme, and sage.

Angus Beef products are all-natural, with no additives or artificial ingredients, and made from Berry-raised cattle. The products consist of different types of steaks, roasts, patties, ribs, brisket, liver, and ground beef.

For more information on any of these products, please visit the Berry web site www.berry.edu/studententerprises/

Story by student public relations assistant Koren Shetter and photos by student photographer Blake Childers