Miles shares agriculture knowledge at university

Ron Miles, a native of Holyoke, is a guest lecturer at the University of Denver, Joseph Korbel School of International Studies, something he’s done for the past four years. The class is titled Feeding the World: The Politics and Economics of Food and Agriculture. The instructor, Susan Bridle, Ph.D., said that students are deeply interested in hearing Miles talk about his experiences growing up on a family-owned farm, then farming with his brother for over 40 years and now mentoring his grandson Nathan Miles through a newly formed corporation. For many students, it is the first time they’ve met a farmer, and they are surprised and impressed by the costs of running a farm, the technical knowledge required, the effects of national and international politics on agriculture, and the historical changes that have occurred. Miles travels to Denver with his partner in farming, Roxanne Miles, to speak in person to the class. After his recent Monday, Oct. 11, appearance, Bridle expressed her gratitude for his willingness to share his knowledge and time, noting that his contributions are a needed addition to the curriculum.