Your Guide to Sustainable Farm Living at Burns Village & Farm
Imagine waking up to the sight of farmland, the aroma of fresh produce, and the knowledge that your next meal is sourced just steps from your doorstep. At Burns Village & Farm, this vision is becoming a reality. Nestled near Nashville, Tennessee, this emerging cohousing community is centered around a professionally managed farm, offering residents easy access to fresh, local produce and a profound connection to nature.
The Heart of Burns Village: The Farm
The farm at Burns Village & Farm is more than just a plot of land; it can be the community's heartbeat. Under the stewardship of a professional farmer hired by the community, the farm will offer a diverse array of crops, such as:
Lettuce and leafy greens
Tomatoes
Radishes
Onions
Corn
Summer and winter squash
Potatoes and sweet potatoes
Watermelon and cantaloupe
Peaches and apples
Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries
Garlic
Peppers and eggplant
Carrots and other root vegetables
This extensive variety ensures that residents can enjoy a rich and seasonal diet, all sourced from their immediate environment.
Benefits of On-Site Farming
Living in proximity to a working farm offers numerous advantages:
Freshness Guaranteed: Residents have access to produce harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring maximum flavor and nutritional value.
Educational Opportunities: The farm serves as a living classroom, where both adults and children can learn about sustainable agriculture, fostering a deeper appreciation for the food they consume.
Community Engagement: Participating in farm activities strengthens the community, as residents may collaborate in planting, harvesting, and sharing the fruits of their labor.
Health and Wellness: Engaging with the farm may promote physical activity and mental well-being, offering a therapeutic escape from daily routines.
Sustainable Farming Practices
At Burns Village & Farm, sustainability is paramount. The farm plans to implement best practices to ensure environmental stewardship and long-term productivity:
Crop Rotation and Diversity: By alternating crops in specific sequences, the farm can prevent soil depletion, reduce pest infestations, enhance Tennessee’s soil fertility, and protect the property of Beaver Dam Creek.
Organic Farming: Emphasizing healthy soil-building methods rather than synthetic fertilizer, the farm aims to maintain ecological balance. This includes using compost, green manures, cover crops, and biological pest control to foster a healthy ecosystem.
Conservation Tillage: Minimizing soil disturbance helps preserve soil structure, reduce erosion, and maintain moisture levels. Practices like no-till farming allow crop residues to remain on the field, promoting natural decomposition and enriching the soil.
Agroforestry: Integrating trees and shrubs into vegetable and fruit crop systems can enhance biodiversity, protect Beaver Dam Creek, and provide additional income sources through products like fruits and nuts.
Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops between edible crops protects the soil from erosion, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter to the soil upon decomposition.
These practices not only ensure the farm's productivity but also align with the community's commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Agrihood Model
Burns Village & Farm embodies the concept of an "agrihood," a community with agriculture as a focus, per the Urban Land Institute’s definition. This model offers a blend of residential living and agriculture, providing residents with direct access to fresh produce and green spaces. Agrihoods promote sustainable living, foster community engagement, and offer educational opportunities related to farming and food production. There are over 100 such neighborhoods nationwide.
Tennessee is losing 1,300 family farms annually, and this farm family does not want their 150-acre farm to become a cookie-cutter development. They want a little bit of development (our 17 acres) to help preserve the vast majority of their land and maintain it as farmland.
Also, we need more young, new farmers in Tennessee. The average age of a Tennessee farmer is 60, which is trending upward. Burns Village Farm would provide access to affordable farmland to a new farmer who usually has to compete with developers for land. The Urban Land Institute lists the many models farmers and neighborhoods can work together to benefit both. This model would offer Community Supported Agriculture on a large scale.
By engaging with the farm, residents not only enjoy the tangible benefits of fresh food but also become active participants in a sustainable lifestyle.
A Vision for the Future
As Burns Village & Farm continues to develop, the integration of the farm into daily life remains a focus of its mission.
The farm serves as a testament to the possibilities of sustainable living, demonstrating that with thoughtful planning and community collaboration, it's possible to create a lifestyle that is more fulfilling and environmentally responsible.
Join the Journey
If the idea of living in a community that prioritizes sustainability, fresh food, and a deep connection to the land resonates with you, consider exploring Burns Village & Farm. To learn more about becoming a part of this innovative cohousing community, contact us today.
Embrace a lifestyle where your food is grown just steps away, and experience the myriad benefits of sustainable farm living, community connection, preserving farmland, and a healthier way of life. At Burns Village & Farm, you'll enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your food comes from, contribute to a greener future, and become part of a vibrant community that values sustainability and shared living.
Whether you're passionate about more sustainable living, seeking a stronger connection to the land, or simply looking for a more affordable and fulfilling way of life, Burns Village & Farm offers a unique opportunity to live with intention and purpose.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about joining our growing community and discovering how sustainable farm living can transform your future.