Mountain Medicine Farm Connects Visitors to the Land and Organic Products

Visitors to McMinn County can discover local products from Mountain Medicine Farm in Etowah and explore the various orchards, greenhouses, and fields during its monthly Farm Days. Mountain Medicine Farm is a multi-generational, women-owned operation, with Shelley, Faith, and Mallory working in tandem to create space for their individual creative gifts and talents.

“We all work together in different capacities,” says Morgan. “One of my daughters, Faith, attends farmers' markets, while the other, Mallory, is an essential part of our support system, ensuring the daily operations are completed.”

Shelley is welcoming her 11th grandchild this year, and many of the grandkids enjoy playing on the farm and helping with various chores and activities. The flowers of all tomorrows are in the seeds planted today.

Mountain Medicine Farm boasts 1,000 lavender plants, beautiful herb gardens, and other produce harvested throughout the year. Learn more about its transition to value-added products and the family’s commitment to being responsible stewards of the environment. 

The Morgans Run a Certified Naturally Grown Regenerative Farm

Mountain Medicine Farm is Certified Naturally Grown, one of only 500 farms in the United States and Canada. Experts visit her farm throughout the year to check the soil and other conditions, then offer recommendations to enhance the land's nutritional value. These inspections are posted online for potential customers to see.  

“With the Certified Naturally Grown program, we take care of the land, we build the soil,” says Morgan. The family only uses natural, organic products, no harmful chemicals or sprays.

The Morgans also run a regenerative farm, which means they do not till the soil from one crop cycle to the next.

“Every time you till the soil, you are destroying the habitat,” says Morgan. “We don’t disrupt the worms and bugs in the soil, which creates a healthier, more balanced microbiome.”

These practices are passed down to the grandchildren who help with the farm, which has been part of the Morgan family since 2012. Morgan and her daughters want to create a sustainable farm for future generations and a thriving planet they can explore. 

The Farm is Open to Students and the Public

Mountain Medicine Farm welcomes field trips that allow students to learn about pollinators, regenerative farming, and conservation. Kids can plant their own seeds during the field trip and take seed packets home to grow with their families. They also get to taste the lavender in the form of delicious shortbread cookies.

Adults and families can visit the Mountain Medicine Farm during their Farm Days once every month. The Morgans invite representatives from local wildlife conservation organizations, beekeepers, and other experts to share their insights with guests.

Visitors to McMinn County can learn about upcoming Farm Days on the Mountain Medicine Farm Facebook page. They can also check the Discover McMinn events calendar to see what else is happening during their time here. 

Mountain Medicine Farm Can be Found at Local Markets 

Mountain Medicine Farm produces a variety of products for consumers to enjoy. It sells fruit from its orchards, strawberries, and muscadines. The farmers also sell salsa, pizza sauce, pickles, and other food items they have grown.

Over the past few years, Mountain Medicine Farm has focused on the culinary and medicinal aspects of value-added agriculture. Instead of just selling produce, it creates finished products for customers. Last year, the family purchased a distiller from Portugal and will soon be crafting its own essential oils.

Visitors can find Mountain Medicine Farm at farmers’ markets across the region. The Morgans attend three markets in Knoxville, one in Chattanooga, and one in Cleveland. They also teach monthly classes at the Living Heritage Museum in downtown Athens.

“Nothing makes it to our table that hasn’t been tested or proven to be beneficial,” says Morgan. “We use our products every day.”

Mountain Medicine Farm recently won the Niche Producers of the Year award in McMinn County. It was the only woman-owned farm in that demographic. 

Explore Farm Life in McMinn County

McMinn County is a wonderful rural getaway with opportunities to connect with nature and learn about farming in America. Plan your visit today and look out for Mountain Medicine Farm, whether you are stopping by for Farm Days or picking up some of their lavender products at a market. There are ample opportunities for kids and adults alike to connect with farm life.

Follow Discover McMinn on Facebook and Instagram to learn about other unique activities and events in this community. We can’t wait to welcome you here.