Frequently Asked Questions

Jefferson Institute

• What is the relationship between Jefferson Farm & Gardens and the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute?
• How is Jefferson Farm & Gardens related to the University of Missouri?

Jefferson Farm & Gardens

• Why is the farm named after Thomas Jefferson?
• What will there be to see and do at Jefferson Farm & Gardens?
• Is Jefferson Farm & Gardens a living history farm?
• Are there other educational farms around the country?
• What hours will the facility be open?
• Will an admission fee be charged?
• Will tours be available for schools or other groups?
• Can my group hold a meeting at Jefferson Farm & Gardens?
• When will the facility be completed?
• Can I be a volunteer at Jefferson Farm & Gardens?
• Who do I contact if I have questions about Jefferson Farm & Gardens?

 

Jefferson Institute

What is the relationship between Jefferson Farm & Gardens and the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute?

The Jefferson Institute is a non-profit organization that conducts a variety of agriculture education and research projects, including Jefferson Farm & Gardens.  Although Jefferson Farm & Gardens is located on land leased from the University of Missouri, it will be developed, operated and funded by the Jefferson Institute.

How is Jefferson Farm & Gardens related to the University of Missouri?

Jefferson Farm & Gardens is located on 67 acres within the 1500-acre University of Missouri South Farm.  The University Board of Curators approved a 50-year lease of the 67 acres in early 2006.  The Jefferson Institute has partnered with various University of Missouri offices on a number of different projects and education programs during the last several years, but the Institute is a legally and financially separate organization from the University.

 

Jefferson Farm & Gardens

Why is the farm named after Thomas Jefferson?

Thomas Jefferson was a strong advocate for testing and developing new crops and incorporating them into crop rotations on American farms.  In fact, Jefferson wrote in a memorandum about his own contributions to America (c. 1800), that “The greatest service which can be rendered any country is to add a useful plant to its [agri]culture.” The farm is named after Jefferson to honor his efforts to diversify and strengthen American agriculture. 

In addition to its name, Jefferson Farm & Gardens will recognize Thomas Jefferson's ideas and efforts with both an indoor Jefferson exhibit and an outdoor  “Jefferson Garden.”  The Jefferson Garden will showcase over 100 varieties of vegetables, fruits, and specialty crops.  This garden will reflect the spirit of Jefferson’s own 1000-foot long test garden at Monticello, where he evaluated a wide variety of vegetables and field crops (and fruits in adjacent orchards) with the hope of developing more crop options for American farmers.

What will there be to see and do at Jefferson Farm & Gardens?

The Farm & Gardens will provide a variety of enjoyable learning opportunities for all ages.  During milder weather there will be a wide variety of attractive garden and field areas to visit, including a fruit orchard, demonstration vineyard, vegetable garden, field crop demonstrations, children's garden, ornamental plantings, wildflower meadow, Missouri tree grove and MFA Children's Barn.  We will have common Missouri farm animals for viewing in the barn or adjacent pasture along with information about the animals and their role in Midwest agriculture. 

Walking trails will provide a chance for healthy outdoor exercise, including around our 7-acre lake and the rest of the 67-acre grounds. Jefferson Farm & Gardens will be a year-round facility due to it's indoor Visitor Education Complex, which will include an exhibit hall with museum quality exhibits on farming and gardening, a garden-themed gift shop, a reading room with books for all ages on gardening and farming and a glass greenhouse.

Although we will not initially have food service at Jefferson Farm & Gardens, there will be picnic areas available for families or groups bringing food with them.  Special events will be held at various times through the year to celebrate spring planting, fall harvest, and other aspects of food production and country life.

Is Jefferson Farm & Gardens a living history farm?

Jefferson Farm & Gardens will focus on contemporary agricultural opportunities and approaches, rather than strictly historical information, although some information about America's agricultural past will be provided in the exhibit hall.

Are there other educational farms around the country?

There are a number of educational farms in the U.S., but none quite like Jefferson Farm & Gardens.  The farm will be unique due to its contemporary focus on agriculture and horticultural production, combined with high quality indoor and outdoor exhibits, MFA Children's Barn, and wide range of grains, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plantings.

What hours will the facility be open?

At the time Jefferson Farm & Gardens opens, hours for the public will initially be 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.  These hours are subject to change at a future point.  During the warmest months, we may stay open until early evening once a week or so, or open on Sunday afternoons for people who can’t visit at other times. 

Will an admission fee be charged?

Although most of the costs of the farm and gardens will initially be covered through grants and gifts, a small admission fee will be charged to help cover a portion of the operating expenses.  Admission fees, paid in the Visitor Education Complex, will likely be about $4 for youth aged 2-17, $5 for seniors, $6 for adults, and free for children under the age of 2.  Modestly priced membership plans will be available that will allow an unlimited number of admissions for the member or member’s family during the membership year. 

Will tours be available for schools or other groups?

We will have formal tours available for groups, and youth educators on our staff will be available to provide a structured tour and education program for school groups.  These programs will be available throughout the year.

Can my group hold a meeting at Jefferson Farm & Gardens?

The Visitor Education Complex will have a large meeting room handling up to 120 and also four classrooms that can be used for meeting space.  We will be glad to cooperate with agriculture or horticultural groups in hosting a meeting.  Other groups, including 4-H, scouting troops, or outdoor-oriented youth groups, may be able to use space at certain times.  Rental fees may be applied depending on the services provided.

When will the facility be completed?

The farm is currently under development and a grand opening date has not yet been scheduled. Keep an eye on the Events page for information about 2010 events.

Can I be a volunteer at Jefferson Farm & Gardens?

Yes, we will definitely have a volunteer program!  Volunteers will have a range of ways they contribute, from helping plant or maintain gardens to helping at the visitor desk, gift shop or with tour groups.

Who do I contact if I have questions about Jefferson Farm & Gardens?

Contact the Jefferson Institute at 573-449-3518 or send an email.

Learn More >