A Family Affair
For the farmers at Harpeth Moon Farm, regenerative farming is not just an occupation, but a way of life. Located on 40 rolling acres overlooking the gentle meanders of the Harpeth River, Harpeth Moon Farm produces organic vegetables, berries, and flowers for the Greater Nashville area.
Stewarded by family members Hayley, Max, and Bruce, the land at Harpeth Moon is farmed in a way that reduces the impacts of farming on the river. Hayley’s love for the outdoors started when she was young and growing up in the Arkansas delta. She went on to study sustainable agriculture at Warren Wilson College and interned with several farms in North Carolina that shaped her into the farmer she is today. When she moved to Tennessee to start a farm, Hayley brought her vast knowledge with her, along with her husband Max and father Bruce, who enthusiastically hopped on board for the journey of Harpeth Moon Farm.
Thriving rows of produce and blooming flowers can be found at Harpeth Moon Farm. Hayley, Max, and Bruce take their role as stewards of the land seriously, producing USDA-certified organic produce and flowers using practices that prioritize healthy soil microbiology. These practices, in turn, which reduce erosion and runoff, protect the land and waters surrounding their farm.
River Friendly Farm Certified
In Fall 2022, Harpeth Moon became a certified River Friendly Farm by the Cumberland River Compact.
“Here at Harpeth Moon Farm, we’re right on the Harpeth River. We canoe on the river, we hang out on the river, we read books by the river, our dog swims in the river. It’s our ecosystem. And beyond that, we pride ourselves on growing a clean product. Clean water is at the very basis of that. Our entire ecosystem has to be thriving in order to have that truly clean product. So it’s imperative that we keep the water clean.”
The River Friendly Farm certification program from the 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, Agape Farmstead is ensuring cleaner water, healthier soil, and a more resilient climate for the people and creatures living in the surrounding environment.
A “Whole Ecosystem” Approach
Harpeth Moon Farm takes a “Whole Ecosystem Approach” with its conservation practices to protect the soils, the water, the plants, the pollinators, and the wildlife. Agricultural land can suffer from erosion as well as contribute to runoff of chemicals and excess nutrients into waterways. But there are ways to help mitigate these effects.
Conventional tillage can create compacted soils that lack adequate nutrients. At Harpeth Moon, they use a broadfork to gently aerate the soil to help the crops establish deeper roots. The broadfork is a great alternative to conventional tillage as it leaves the soil structure in place and avoids mixing the soil layers. Keeping the soil in place not only prevents erosion, but also keeps in place all the helpful microorganisms that decompose organic matter, recycle essential nutrients, and encourage plant growth.
Riparian buffers can be found along the waterways near Harpeth Moon, stabilizing the land and filtering pollutants that may run off during rain events – with the added bonus of creating habitat for wildlife and pollinators, and increasing the biodiversity!
High tunnels extend the growing season at Harpeth Moon so they can provide produce to communities for longer periods of the year. In turn, this requires less energy and resources to transport fresh foods to people. With the use of High Tunnels, Harpeth Moon is able to provide to the community nearly year-round at local farmers markets.
Harpeth Moon has the soil covered – literally! There is always something on the soil, whether it is cash crops, cover crops, or temporary tarps to protect bare soil between plantings. By keeping the soil covered, erosion of the soil is minimized, protecting both the soil and waterways.
How to Support the Farm
You can find Harpeth Moon Farms at Kingston Springs Farmers Market and Richland Park Farmers Market. Their fresh, organic produce can also be found on the menus of various restaurants in the Nashville area. To keep up with the farmers and on-farm events, follow Harpeth Moon on Instagram and Facebook.
