Deep Springs cultivates 152 acres of alfalfa each year,
producing around 350 tons of alfalfa hay. The bulk of the hay is
fed to the college's cattle and other livestock, with very
little left over for sale. During wet years, we often make a
profit from sales, but in drought years we sometimes have to buy
alfalfa to make up for the decrease in production. All nine
fields are irrigated by wheel and hand irrigation lines, with
the water supplied from Wyman Creek out of the White Mountains.
This water is supplemented by deep wells beneath the valley
floor. The college has employed organic farming practices for
many years, and though we are not currently certified, the
alfalfa is completely free from herbicides and pesticides. Under
the jurisdiction of the Farm Manager, students are responsible
for moving irrigation lines, maintaining water reservoir levels,
as well as cutting and baling the alfalfa. The typical growing
season runs from mid-April, when the water is first turned on,
to the beginning of October, whe