By Alisha Proffitt • Photos Provided By Barr Farms
As the holiday season approaches, we encourage our readers to consider the origins of the food they are bringing to their tables and opt to buy locally. For those in Kentucky, Barr Farms is a standout option, with their dedication to local, sustainably raised meat and produce. Located in Rhodelia, KY, Barr Farms has been family-run for eight generations, each one devoted to caring for the land. Adam Barr grew up as the “city cousin” with fond memories of visiting his family’s farm on weekends, where he learned to value the land’s living connection to community and sustainability. After college, inspired by writer and environmental activist Wendell Berry, he returned to work the land, dedicating his life to building a sustainable farm for his family and future generations.
Rae Strobel, Adam’s wife, shared a similar journey, growing up in the suburbs of Louisville but finding her calling in sustainable farming during a farm apprenticeship in Southern Kentucky. Together, Adam and Rae are committed to farming practices that protect the land, nourish the soil, and sustain the environment. They raise organic vegetables, grass-fed beef, and pasture-raised chickens. By using natural compost and avoiding chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, they ensure their farm contributes to a healthier ecosystem.
Barr Farms offers a unique connection to the food they provide. As one of the first farms in the area to offer customizable CSA(Community Supported Agriculture) shares, Barr Farms allows members to personalize their seasonal shares, making it easy for customers to get exactly what they want each week. “We see our farm as part of a larger community,” Rae explains. “It’s a network of people interdependent with each other, and we’re growing food not only for our family but for our entire community.” With over 40 varieties of vegetables and a careful selection of pasture-raised beef and poultry, Barr Farms has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality food that is both nutritious and delicious.
For many people, the holidays are a time to gather around the table and share a meal with family and friends. Choosing local produce and meat is not only a way to enjoy fresher, tastier food, but it’s also a powerful way to support local farms. When asked about the benefits of buying local, Rae says, “There are so many wonderful reasons: you get to know your farmer, you support the local food system and economy, you know how your food is raised, and it’s fresher and higher in nutritional value than store-bought alternatives.” The difference in quality and flavor is often significant. As Rae puts it, “The taste—there’s just no comparison.”
Barr Farms also works with other local farms to offer pork and eggs, and they take pride in the quality of their grass-fed beef. Their Red Poll cows are rotated between fields to ensure they have fresh grass or hay throughout the year, resulting in well-marbled, flavorful meat. Chickens are pasture-raised and moved daily, a process that keeps them healthy and happy and provides some of the most delicious poultry. For holiday meals, choosing sustainably raised, local meat can elevate traditional dishes, allowing families to enjoy a meal that’s both ethical and tasty.
Local food’s impact strengthens rural communities, boosts food security, and promotes environmentally responsible practices. “Smaller-scale farmers are much more likely to care about biodiversity and soil quality, limit runoff, and protect the wildlife in the area,” Rae explains. The Barrs participate in the Organic Association of Kentucky’s climate-smart program, a USDA-supported initiative that highlights organic practices as a way to mitigate climate change. “These practices not only reduce environmental impact but improve soils and contribute positively to the environment,” Rae adds.
One common misconception is that buying local is prohibitively expensive. Rae believes that while there may be a slight price difference, the value more than compensates. “The cost of eating out is so much higher than buying high-quality local food and cooking it yourself. And comparing local farm-fresh food to grocery store prices is like comparing apples to oranges.” With Barr Farms, customers enjoy the unique flavors of heirloom varieties, from strawberries picked at peak ripeness to delicate and red kuri squash, and more unique options like purple potatoes and sweet potato greens.
For Barr Farms, CSA memberships are the heart of their operation. Members sign up in the fall and commit to the farm throughout the season, providing much-needed support and stability. “CSA members get our first and best produce,” Rae shares. “It helps us plan, and it’s a commitment both ways. We’re grateful they sign up early and commit to getting their produce from us.” Beyond the CSA, Barr Farms also sells at local farmers’ markets like Phoenix Hill and Douglass Loop and supplies produce tolocal restaurants such as Proof on Main, Mayan Café, and Varanese.
Barr Farms is dedicated to making local food accessible to all. They partner with nonprofits to provide reduced-cost or free CSA shares to vulnerable communities in Louisville, participate in the Fresh Rx for MOMs program to support expectant mothers, and are part of the Kentucky Farm Share Coalition, delivering CSA shares directly to workplaces in Louisville.
Looking forward, they hope to deepen collaborations with other farms, expand their fruit and perennial offerings, and explore innovative ways of growing crops, like companion planting for fruit and nut trees. By supporting Barr Farms, customers are investing in a sustainable, resilient local food economy—one that feeds families, strengthens communities, and cares for the earth.
So as the holiday season approaches, consider buying local for your celebrations. Supporting farms like Barr Farms not only enriches the holiday meal but also uplifts a local community dedicated to preserving Kentucky’s land, health, and future. As Rae says, “When you buy local, you’re not just buying food; you’re supporting families, communities, and the environment.”
For more information on CSA memberships or how to buy from Barr Farms, visit their website at barrfarmsky.com.
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