Harvestland Farm – Year Round Farming

It is clear from its name that Harvestland is a farm, but that doesn't begin to describe Harvestland, which is a unique combination of agriculture, community, food commerce, sustainability and social service. Harvestland is an organic farm located between Anderson and Lapel in central Indiana, servicing the local community with a wide variety of vegetables as well as eggs and honey.  Harvestland is partly supported by individual who buy annual CSA (community supported agriculture) memberships.  The farm also sells produce at multiple farmer's markets in the summer, as well as at winter farmer's markets during the winter months.  A number of fine Indianapolis restaurants purchase fresh locally grown produce directly from Harvestland.

In addition to serving the culinary needs of the community Harvestland provides a valuable social service by providing year round employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals.

Harvestland has typical farm fields for growing vegetables during the summer months, but they also have hoop houses for growing cool weather vegetables during the winter months.  They actually begin planting in late January, preparing for their first harvest by late April.  On frosty cold mornings the workers are busy tending vegetables in the heated hoop houses, while on sunny frigid afternoons they work in the comfort of the unheated, sun warmed hoop houses.  This provides year round work for employes rather that just the seasonal work of outdoor agriculture.

Harvestland also deepens its members understanding of local food production and sustainable organic farming through frequent e-mails, visits to the farm, and conversations with the farmer.  Members also receive recipes and tips on how to prepare interesting meals.

Learn more about Harvestland by visiting their website, or contact David Robb, the farm manager, at 765-635-5711.

Submitted by: Dick Sprague Regional Coordinator, Anderson