Community Farming and the Great Outdoors

One thing that is missing from modern life is nature, our plans for Simpler Times Village include many ways to immerse yourself in the wonders of God's creation.

Mini Farms and Homesteads

Some of the lots will be zoned for small scale agriculture.  You or your neighbor may own a few hens, perhaps a fine rooster, a goat or two, maybe even sheep or a horse.  If you would enjoy being close to farm animals choose an agricultural lot.  If you don't want to be close to the animals you may prefer a garden estate or one of the smaller lots by the Village Green.

We plan to also have some homestead/hobby farm lots for families who are serious about producing their own food, growing food for the local market, or creating recreational mini farms for visitors.  This could include a petting zoo, B&B on the farm, U-Pick patches, a small horse ranch, and orchards… Many people interested in larger scale family farming have been in touch with us about finding large parcels for their farms.  We would like to help these families come together on a larger more affordable property, somewhere near the village.  If you would like to be part of a family farming community let us know.

Sharing Soil

Community Pasture & Land:

A  pasture will be established and will be managed by the Agricultural Association in accordance with Purdue Extension.  We will have a small number of sheep and goats.  The community flock is mainly for the pleasure of friends and neighbors, who would like to enjoy farm animals with out the responsibility and dependence associated with personal farming.

Community / Allotment Gardens:

Land for Community / Allotment Gardens will be available to families wishing to participate in community gardening activities.

Orchards & Forest Gardens:

Eight acres of fruit and nut orchards in forest garden design will be planted and maintained by community members.  In early Spring of each year, each new resident in the village may plant a fruit or nut tree in the community orchard.  Adults may plant trees for the smallest family members. This could be a special spring celebration honoring the new families, (and new births) each year.

Hens & Horses Co-ops

Horse Share Co-op:

Residents may participate in a horse share co-op.  Once pastures are established, the community plans to acquire horses that will be offered on a time share bases for participating residents.  Extensive training will be required, and insurance.  This program will be established and will be managed by the Agricultural Association.

Hen & Eggs Co-op:

The Hen & Eggs Co-op.  There may be a community coop and free range pasture for laying hens.  Participants would be involved in the care and costs of the hens and would be entitled to fresh brown eggs. Rare and unique poultry breeds will be acquired. This program will be established and will be managed by the Agricultural Association. 

Farmer's Markets

Farmer's Market and outdoor events:

The Village Green will be used regularly for outdoor events and a seasonal farmer's market.

Nature Centers

Retreat/ Outdoor Education Centers:

We plan to have land devoted to becoming a retreat center with a focus on outdoor education, simpler living experience, and learning of practical skills.  Families, small church groups, scouts, and clubs will be able to benefit from these centers.  We are looking for families who share this vision to own, establish and operate these facilities.