Big Sycamore Farm

Located in the Tennessee Valley, this small farm is run by South African farmer Bertus and his wife Initia. They have dedicated themselves to living a self-sufficient lifestyle, cultivating a 1-acre garden and constructing hoop houses to extend their growing season.

The farm employs free-range methods for their chickens, ensuring they have ample space to roam. Pigs are raised in a manner that allows them to root and play in their pen, promoting natural behaviors. Goats, including Nigerian Dwarf and Kiko/Boer breeds, are used for brush control, integrating animal husbandry with land management.

Plans are underway to expand the garden to include berries and grapes, increase the number of hoop houses to five, and grow the goat herd to ten. Additionally, a farm stand is set to open in the spring, offering produce, eggs, berries, and seedlings to the local community.