Heartland Farm

Heartland Farm, an 80-acre farm located in the central plains of the United States, is a 30-year-old ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. This Christian community is committed to the healing and care of the Earth and its inhabitants. Founded by the former Great Bend Dominican community, the farm has been managed organically since its inception. The Dominican Sisters of Peace, formed in 2009 from eight formerly autonomous congregations, own and operate the farm, which is part of a broader network of ecology centers and sustainable living initiatives.

The farm employs regenerative agriculture practices and holistic management principles from the Savory Institute. The land includes organic gardens, pastures for rotational grazing, a high tunnel for extended growing seasons, and areas managed for prairie hay production. The farm's practices focus on reducing their environmental footprint through careful management of soils, waters, energy, and biota. The presence of a prairie labyrinth, wooded creek, and ponds supports native species and biodiversity.

Visitors to Heartland Farm can engage in a variety of activities such as walking the labyrinth, bird watching, meditating in the silo, and participating in workshops. The farm also offers opportunities for education, retreat work, and volunteering, including programs like the 5-day 'Peace Camp' for kids. As a registered agri-tourism operator, the farm sells produce at the local farmers' market and collaborates with initiatives like 'Feeding Kansas'. The farm features two straw bale buildings, one serving as an art studio and the other as a hermitage, providing unique spaces for creative expression and solitude. Volunteers are welcomed year-round, with overnight volunteers receiving free room and board in exchange for their work.