Murfreesboro, Tennessee may be one of the fastest-growing cities in America, but step onto Williamson Family Farm, just off I-24, and you’ll be transported to a peaceful haven of natural beauty. Here, honeybees flit between blossoming berries and thriving pollinator gardens, while the sounds of laughter and celebration fill the air during farm weddings and agriculture-themed events.
Williamson Family Farm was once a conventional dairy farm, but the farm’s owners, Mark and Alice Williamson and Toni Williamson Turner, saw the need for a change. Now, fruit abounds there: over 24 acres of what was once the family’s dairy farm are devoted to apple trees, including many heirloom varieties selected for the delicious cider they will produce. U-pick blueberry and blackberry fields invite guests to be a part of the Williamson family’s farm tradition, while the regenerative vegetable garden grows nourishing produce for Rutherford County residents. These orchards and gardens don’t just provide food for the Williamsons and their community; they also protect the family’s land and soil, create habitat for pollinators, and improve local water quality.
Committed to regenerative practices, the Williamson Family Farm uses natural methods for fertilization, forgoing chemical pesticides and herbicides in their fields. Careful production strategies ensure the health of surrounding waterways and the quality of their harvests.
River Friendly Farm Certified
In 2024, Williamson Family Farm was certified as a River Friendly Farm by the Cumberland River Compact.
“Protecting our soil, water, and ecosystem isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for our farm, our community, and future generations. By joining the River Friendly community, we can ensure that our farming practices align with our values of sustainability and stewardship, making a positive impact both now and for years to come,” says Allie Nadeau, the agricultural manager for Williamson family farm.”
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, Williamson Family Farm is ensuring cleaner water, healthier soil, and a more resilient climate for the people and creatures living in the surrounding environment.
Sustainability at the (Apple) Core
The farm’s regenerative practices include eliminating synthetic chemicals, enriching soil with manure and compost, and planting cover crops to naturally protect and nourish the land. Pollinator gardens invite insect biodiversity and promote a thriving ecosystem. These efforts not only improve the health of the farm but also keep pollutants like eroded soil and pesticides from washing into nearby streams..
Williamson Family Farm’s commitment to regenerative agriculture has also earned them the USDA Organic certification. The Williamsons transitioned their land away from conventional methods of farming to organic methods over a three-year period in order to benefit the land, their customers, and their health. This is a rigorous process, and the Compact commends the Williamson family on their commitment to regenerative practices that protect soil and water health for future generations.
Every decision made on the farm is done with the future in mind—from selecting pest-resistant apple tree varieties and integrating native plants to deter pests, to adopting low- and no-till farming methods and conducting regular soil tests.
By safeguarding the soil and preventing erosion, Williamson Family Farm is also protecting aquatic life and ensuring cleaner water for drinking, irrigation, and recreation.
Looking to the future, the Williamson family has exciting plans to expand their offerings. They will soon be producing their own cider and are hoping to host seasonal harvest festivals.
Enjoy all the farm has to offer through their events open to the public, including festivals, workshops, live music, and more. Alternatively, book a private event or wedding in the historic barn.
Whether it’s to enjoy fresh, locally-grown fruit, celebrate the joys of community, or find the perfect venue for a special event, be sure to check out The Williamson Family Farm: a place where nature, community, and river-friendly agriculture come together.
