Sterling College offers intensives on cheesemaking, charcuterie and using draft horses

Craftsbury Common

Students who wish to learn how to create small-scale artisanal food or how to run a farm using draft horses may register now for Sterling College’s summer short courses in sustainable food and agriculture.

Sterling College summer program is entering its second year in 2015, with hands-on classes that allow students to gain inspiration, skills, and new perspectives.

“These continuing education classes are for all generations and for all ages,” said Dean of Academics Carol Dickson. “It’s for everyone who wants to learn more about sustainable agriculture and food systems—Sterling College undergraduates, adult learners wanting to take a course from Vermont’s only environmental stewardship college, as well as those looking to try the Sterling experience on for size.”

The classes build upon Sterling College’s leadership in sustainable food systems and agriculture education. New this year is an expansion of the college’s collaboration with the Cellars at Jasper Hill. The Cellars and Sterling College are now offering a number of hands-on intensives in cheesemaking for the experienced cheesemaker. Students have the opportunity to take a four-day course in lactic cheesemaking; a four-day course in blue cheese; a two-day course in yield and troubleshooting; and a four-day course in hard cheese styles.

The cheese classes will be led by educator and master cheesemaker Ivan Larcher.

Other courses in sustainable food systems include a two-week course in charcuterie, for students looking to have the practical and scientific knowledge involved in creating small-scale artisan meat products. There is also a two-week course in fermentation,  during which students will learn how to ferment plant-based materials and will be introduced to the basic techniques of lacto-fermentation.

Sterling College will also be offering a class in draft horse farming. Called “Working Horses-Working Landscapes,” this two-week short course will introduce students to powering a small farm or woodlot with draft horses.

Continuing education classes are open until filled, but spaces are limited. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Academic credit is available for all courses.

For more information, including dates, full course descriptions, tuition, and an online application, visit www.sterlingcollege.edu/summer, email the Admission Office at askibbie@sterlingcollege.edu, or call 802-586-7711.