Farm Update #1
The History of Our Lynnville Farm
Our farm in Lynnville, Tennessee covers 330 acres of picturesque land. The farmhouse, built in the 1960s, was once home to a family who ran cattle, produced dairy, and farmed crops for over 60 years.
With rolling hills and two natural water springs, the 100 acres of cleared land is truly a sight to behold. We are surrounded by an array of different farmers, including cattle farmers, beekeepers, dairy farmers, cheese makers, and corn growers. The running creek along the frontage road adds even more charm to this already beautiful property.
Next to us is Mell's Fox Hounds, one of the last fox-hunting clubs in Tennessee, a tradition that has been around for centuries. The town of Lynnville is small, with a population of just over 400 people, most of whom are natives, making us city-slickers feel right at home. 😊
Lynnville is the proud home of Soda Pop Junction, one of the oldest and best burger and ice cream joints in Tennessee. After a long day at the farm, we sometimes like to treat ourselves to a delicious meal there – (without the bun, of course!)
Bringing New Life to the Farm
We took ownership of the old and charming farm in 2021 and since then, we've been working tirelessly to bring it back to life. Our first mission was to renovate the farmhouse, and we started by making sure the environment was safe for us and our family. We had the house and barns inspected for potential hazards such as asbestos, mold, and lead. To our relief, we didn't find any lead, but we did find a small amount of mold in the basement, which we had remediated. During the renovation, we also discovered a sheet of asbestos in the kitchen subfloor, which we had professionally removed by a specialist company.
We made several upgrades to the farmhouse, including new electrical and plumbing systems, new walls and insulation, and non-toxic flooring and paint. We were mindful of using products that were free from harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, PFAS, and lead, to create a healthy and safe living environment for us and our family.
We then made sure to shield all electrical wires to minimize exposure to dirty electricity and magnetic fields. Our goal was to preserve the historical charm of the farmhouse and barns while creating a healthy and safe living environment for our family and future guests. After renovating the buildings, we moved on to restoring the land.
To our surprise, the soil was rich in minerals and nutrients. We discovered that flood plains are naturally fertile due to the sediment deposited by seasonal floods. The sediment creates a fertile soil layer that is full of fine soil, mineral salts, silt, and sediment. Over time, the sediment from the surrounding highlands erodes and is carried to the lower plain, creating fertile land for agriculture. We were thrilled to find such rich soil on our farm and were eager to start growing crops and cultivating the land.
To make the most of our fertile land, we sought the help of a farm consultant to develop a plan for our entire ecosystem. This included grazing animals, crop rotation, and a fruit orchard, all working together in harmony. The soil had been left barren for many years and was in need of revitalization.
We are now on a mission to regenerate the land and bring back its vitality, nutrients, and biodiversity. Our goal is to create a thriving farm that not only provides for our family but also contributes to the well-being of the land and its ecosystem.
What's Happening on the Farm: What's Up Next
We are eagerly working on setting up fences, coops, and housing for our new animal friends. I've been reading all about chickens and goats, and I've even talked to experienced backyard chicken keepers to make sure our feathered friends have the best possible home. If you're interested in chicken keeping, I highly recommend The Homesteader's Natural Chicken Keeping Handbook (thanks to my amazing teacher and mentor Heathar Shepard of the Primal Pioneer podcast for the great recommendation!).
Our goal for the farm is to raise healthy and happy animals. We believe that well-nourished animals that are allowed to graze in their natural habitat will give us back a nutritious and delicious product. We plan to pasture raise all our animals using a holistic, organic approach that we also apply to our own lives. This includes growing and making our own feed and using natural methods to care for our animals. Starting with sheep, chickens, and dairy cows, they will graze rotationally in our pasture and live in harmony with the entire ecosystem.
After the animals, it's time for the greenhouses. The location and structure of these houses is important, as well as what grows together in each one. We plan to grow a variety of vegetables, fruits, fruit trees, grains, and herbs in our greenhouses and hoop houses, taking advantage of our fertile soil.
We know there will be growing pains along the way, but we are excited for what the future holds for the farm. We can't wait to see how it will develop and thrive in the coming years!