Gold Dog Farm & Home is a vibrant new addition to the agriculture community in Sumner County. Established in 2023 by a husband and wife farm team dedicated to sustainability, this once-neglected land has been transformed into a thriving regenerative farm. In everything they do, John Milander & Pam Harris emphasize stewardship of the land, promoting biodiversity, and contributing to a healthy environment for all.
Gold Dog Farm & Home spans 14 acres, with one meticulously cared-for acre dedicated to a market garden and apiary. This small but productive space is used to grow cut flowers and vegetables. A paradise for pollinators, the farm weaves wildflower meadows and natural habitats throughout its landscape, supporting honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial creatures.
The farm features a charming on-site store where John and Pam sell fresh flowers, vegetables, honey, and unique hand-crafted items. Their convenient location in Gallatin, TN is ideal for the classes they host in floral design, seed starting, pottery making, and beekeeping.
River Friendly Farm Certified
In 2024, Gold Dog Farm & Home was certified as a River Friendly Farm by the Cumberland River Compact.
“At Gold Dog Farm, we’re not just farmers; we’re “Soldiers for the Soil.” We know that killer soil isn’t just the secret sauce for epic crops—it’s also our planet’s lifeblood. In our fields, we’re not just playing in the dirt; we’re masterminding crop rotations, rocking cover crops, and slaying our irrigation game. And those drainage courses snaking through our property? We’re turning them into wildlife hangouts and eye candy for our human friends.”
The River Friendly Farm certification program with Cumberland River Compact recognizes farmers who are good stewards of water and land resources, connecting them with consumers who value a healthy environment. As a River Friendly Farm, Gold Dog Farm & Home is ensuring cleaner water, healthier soil, and a more resilient climate for the people and creatures living in the surrounding environment.
Healthy soil leads to clean waterways. Gold Dog Farm & Home operates with a “soil first” mentality, represented by their motto, “Soldiers for the Soil.” Their farm philosophy is evidenced by minimal tillage practices, use of cover crops, and compost-enriched topsoil. These types of regenerative agricultural practices enhance soil microbiology and promote carbon sequestration, which enables the soil to absorb more rainwater and resist erosion.
Fewer pests and weeds is another benefit to healthy soil. Gold Dog Farm & Home embraces a natural approach to pest management, employing beneficial nematodes, crop rotation, and companion planting to minimize pest issues.
With a strong commitment to water stewardship, Gold Dog Farm & Home works to support and protect nearby waterways. The farm is home to seasonal streams and a natural spring. A riparian (vegetated) area around these waters has been left undisturbed, and additional trees were planted nearby to further stabilize the soil and protect against erosion. Water usage at Gold Dog Farm & Home is both efficient and environmentally responsible: Drip irrigation is utilized across production areas, minimizing water waste and reducing soil compaction.
Gold Dog Farm & Home’s story is just beginning. As they continue to restore and expand, they’re building a 10,000 square-foot orchard with apples, pears, and cherries, creating new habitat for wildlife and more homegrown goodness for the community. This orchard is just one of the many agricultural projects that Gold Dog Farm & Home hopes to share with visitors through hands-on classes and workshops. The classes will also include seed starting, beekeeping, and more, all to inspire and educate others on sustainable living and eating.
Learn more about Gold Dog Farm & Home at golddogfarmandhome.com.
Follow them on Instagram @golddogfarmandhome.
