We're thrilled to welcome Janvier (Jan) Velilla as the new Lead Farmer & Educator at the Student Farm Market Garden. With over 20 years of farming experience across the country—from upstate New York and Colorado to California—Jan brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture and community engagement. Here’s a closer look at Jan's journey, philosophy, and aspirations for the future of the farm.

A Lifelong Journey in Farming

Jan discovered her love for farming as an intern at Denver Urban Gardens, a community garden program in Colorado supporting low-income families. She found meaning in the hard work and the feeling of connection to the earth. Her hands-on experience spans a variety of farm sizes, from small two-acre farms to vast 450-acre operations. Most recently, Jan was a farm manager at Full Belly Farm, where she dedicated 12 years to creating vibrant, sustainable agriculture.

Farms are kind of my art”

Her extensive experience has given her unique insight into many different farming techniques, which she hopes to bring to the Student Farm. “I really enjoy creating beautiful spaces with flowers and vegetables,” Jan says. “Farms are kind of my art.” For Jan, farming is more than a job—it’s a lifestyle and a way to inspire others.

Sustainability and Hard Work

For Jan, farming is about much more than production. She believes that it’s a way to connect with something larger than ourselves, a responsibility we hold toward the earth and future generations. One of her immediate observations at the farm is the strong community spirit. Jan sees this as a crucial component of sustainability, emphasizing that the energy and dedication of students and staff are what will keep the farm thriving.

While she recognizes the importance of efficient production, Jan is equally focused on fostering a community-centered approach to agriculture. “Our bottom line here isn’t profit—it’s education, community, and learning,” she explains. She is also keen to introduce practices she has learned over the years, such as no-till and reduced-tillage methods, to enhance soil health and sustainable growth.

Embracing Innovation and Inclusivity

Jan believes that farming in the 21st century requires both hands-on work and innovative approaches. She envisions a farm where students from all backgrounds can contribute, whether they're interested in fieldwork, technology, writing, or even accounting. “Farming is so much more than just planting and harvesting,” Jan notes. “It’s finance, business, communication, and community engagement. There’s a place here for everyone.”

She is particularly excited about involving students in projects that go beyond traditional farming roles. For instance, she sees value in implementing systems for digital invoicing at the farm stand, as well as using technology to streamline operations. By fostering a collaborative environment that brings together diverse skill sets, Jan hopes to create a holistic farm experience that prepares students for all aspects of sustainable agriculture.

There’s a place here for everyone.

Future Plans and Community Involvement

Looking forward, Jan envisions the Student Farm continuing to be a hub of community interaction, a collaborative space for everyone’s ideas to thrive. She’s considering  events like Farm-to-Fork dinners, inviting local residents to experience the farm firsthand, and is eager to hear from the community and students about what they want from the farm.

As Jan settles into her role, she’s excited to start working with everyone at the farm, fostering a space that respects tradition while exploring new methods of sustainable farming. With her extensive experience, passion for farming, and commitment to community, we are confident that Jan will help the Student Farm flourish as a place of learning, connection, and growth. Stop by to say high, or find her in Rumsey this weekend where she’ll be helping run the Capay Almost Festival! 

Welcome, Jan!

Contact information here.