Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation Hall Opening Celebration Held

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The Stockbridge School of Agriculture officially unveiled the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation Hall at the ribbon cutting and opening celebration the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 25. Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, Tricia Serio and Trustee Mary Burns were all in attendance.

Thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Richard Bonanno and the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, the historic former University of Massachusetts Amherst campus horse barn located on Grinnell Way, has been renovated and moved to the Stockbridge School of Agriculture's Agricultural Learning Center. Built in 1894, the barn was last used by the UMass Police Department for its mounted patrol more than a decade ago.

The iconic Queen Anne style structure will now support student agricultural activities and house industry-standard equipment for washing and packing the approximately 75,000 pounds of vegetables produced by student farmers each year.

The building remains a true barn, with limited utilities, although it does have heated, handicapped-accessible bathrooms. It features “eyebrow” windows and a metal roof, as the original did. Horse stalls relocated from the old barn add a bit of history while providing work space and storage.

Video: New Agricultural Learning Center Barn Serving Needs of Student Farmers