Going Beyond
a holistic farm management practice where the health of the land
enriches the community, body and soul.
Going Beyond
a holistic farm management practice where the health of the land
enriches the community, body and soul.
Beyond just our history
In 1812, Seth and Rebecca Lowe were among the first settlers in Decatur County, Indiana. There are still hints of pioneer life all around BurrLowe Farm.
The original wood beams found in the ceiling of our current home confirms that it is the site of the original homestead.
Our barn renovations reveal a similar history.
The Dream
To transform BurrLowe Farm back to its original state.
Just after the glaciers.
Just after the Buffalo.
Just after the Indians.
But before commercial farming.
Before we destroyed the land and the soil.
Before we knew better.
Now .. we know better.
Currently, BurrLowe Farm is buying back acres of land to protect, preserve and restore. We have secured 12 acres out of 100. Our hope is to acquire the original acreage that Seth Lowe bought in 1860. We cannot do it alone.
BioDiversity
Ecosystems with a lot of biodiversity are generally stronger and more resistant to disease than those with fewer species.
Stephanie lowe & Mark Burry
Stephanie (the city girl) and Mark (the farmer) met at the farm and married in 2016. With Mark's background in education, farming and the sciences and Stephanie's work as a mental heath therapist, program developer and retreat facilitator, the vision for BurrLowe Farm was set.
Beyond just Farmer's Markets
partnerships in the COUNTRY
Talented and time-tested farm partners from Greensburg, Indiana who have been taught by generations before them, bring specialized experience in cultivating diverse, organic crops, plants and animals.
partnerships in the CITY
Families, neighborhoods and communities invested in the preservation and protection of sustainable farm practices; healthy, organic food and cultivating healthy, biodiverse ecosystems for the future.
Beyond just the land
INFRASTRUCTURE is key
Fencing, barns, outbuildings, equipment and tools are what make the work possible and what keep the animals, their feed and the harvest safe from the elements, predators and infestation.
Fencing Defines and Protects
Careful planning of permanent and temporary fencing allows for movement between grazing land and crops from season to season.
Year Round Growth
Greenhouses allow growth year round.
Natural Pesticides
Having a mobile chicken coop allows our chickens to feast on insects and bugs in our crops so we never have to use harmful chemicals.
Our Cows
Cows serve two purposes at BurrLowe Farm. They heal and put nutrients back into the soil and are also used through BurrHaus Counseling, LLC to help individuals and families manage grief and anxiety.
Beyond just the garden
It starts with HEALTHY SOIL
Soil that is nutrient dense and rich doesn't just happen. Clearing the land from pesticides past begins with grass and animals who naturally aerate the dense earth and digest healthy biomes that give back to the land as fertilizer.
and a ROTATIONAL model
All things need rest, including the land! Respecting the biological processes that take place in the intersection of soil, air, sun and water is necessary for sustainability and will lend itself to greater yields in the future.
Beyond just the harvest
Food Preservation
Back to the basics with a cold room that has the perfect combination of darkness, temperature and humidity for longer food storage.
Furry Burry's Cafe
Where the food comes to life. Once farm operations become consistent, Furry Burry's Cafe will be onsite at BurrLowe Farm where we can share recipes, taste tests, and in the abundance.
Donating to Food Deserts in the City
A goal of BurrLowe Farm is to provide freshly harvested produce to line pantry shelves in Indianapolis. We are looking for partners in homeless shelters and food deserts in the city.
Beyond just education
The Library
Building a physical, on-site library in the original barn at BurrLowe Farm will not only hold the history of the land and community, but provide resources to address every aspect of sustainable farming.
Research
Partnering with agricultural research organizations allows us to better understand how to continue to improve soil health, address weed growth and infestation without chemical considerations.
Fieldtrips
The best way to save our future is to teach our children about sustainable farm practices. They will learn about pioneer life in Indiana, farming history and how diverse plants, animals and ecosystems thrive together. We offer educational tours and workshops for schools and community groups to teach people about the importance of farming and where their food comes from.
Beyond just Physical Health
Retreats
Although the BurrHaus Counseling office is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, BurrLowe Farm is the perfect space for healing, reflection and re-centering. Small retreats are led by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
We cannot do this without you!
Volunteers
Volunteers come in the form of families, neighborhoods, individuals, teens needing community service hours or schools. Every season will require volunteers from April to October.
Equipment Donations
We are continually looking for farm equipment and tools to support the work on the farm.
Financial Donations
The needs at BurrLowe Farm are many and financial support is always received with deep gratitude. Please consider us for year end giving.
contributions
Whether you want to lend your expertise, your time or your resources ... we are always grateful! Financial contributions for phase one will allow us to buy back more land, establish infrastructure and begin building.