Barr Farms

Adam and Rae Strobel Barr farm land that has been in Adam's family since 1835. The farm, located in Rhodelia, KY, has been stewarded by the family for seven generations, with their children representing the eighth. They recognize the land as the ancestral territory of the Cherokee, Osage, and Shawnee peoples. Known for being one of the first farms in the area to offer customizable CSA farm shares, they are deeply integrated into the local community, providing healthy food for family, friends, and farm members.

The farm emphasizes caring for the land and soil for future generations. They nourish the soil with compost and other natural methods, avoiding chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Instead, they maintain a balanced, healthy soil to grow robust plants and food. Alternative energy practices include a solar-powered water pump for irrigation and a solar energy system for their house and business operations. Water conservation is central to their farming, with ponds, drip irrigation, water harvesting systems, and field layouts designed to maximize water use without causing runoff. They also improve soil quality through cover crops, compost, and biochar, which stabilizes nutrients in the soil.

The farm raises 2000 broiler chickens on pasture and has 250 laying hens in a mobile 'egg-mobile' that moves around the fields. They operate a 30 head cow/calf operation, feeding and finishing the cows entirely on grass, and sell grass-fed beef at local restaurants, farmers markets, and through a Meat CSA. Their 100-member veggie CSA offers around 40 different vegetable varieties, including heirloom tomatoes, squash, okra, and sweet potatoes. Adam Barr, with a background in Biomedical Engineering and Spanish Literature, is passionate about sustainable agriculture and local food infrastructure. Rae Strobel, with experience in farming and a deep interest in the origins of food, manages behind-the-scenes operations and communications for the farm.