Kinnie-Moran Farm – Middle TN
Part of the 25 Projects for 25 Years series.
John Kinnie’s family farm in Williamson County tells the story of nearly 100 years of agricultural life and dedication to the land. Spanning 139 acres, the farm includes row crops, hayfields, and rotational grazing areas for a cow/calf herd. With half a mile of frontage along the Harpeth River, much of the property lies in the floodplain, making it uniquely suited for its traditional uses.
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- View from the porch at Mr. Kinnie’s farm.
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- The view at Kinnie Farm.
As part of The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Central Basin Conservation Opportunity Region, this farm stands as one of a handful of working family farms in the area, and this one is just a mile and a half as the crow flies from the Davidson County line and just four miles from the City of Franklin line. Adjacent to the farm is a gated luxury home development with homes averaging nearly 22,000 square feet.
“My grandparents bought it right before the Great Depression,” Kinnie explained during a visit to his farm. “My parents farmed it, and now I’ve been farming it. It’s getting close to 100 years on this land.”
John Kinnie Jr., farmer in Williamson County.
Kinnie raises a herd of cattle, rotates grazing pastures to maintain healthy grass and soil, and grows crops like soybeans and corn. Farming has always been a constant in his life. “I just enjoy working with the land and animals,” he said. “Watching baby calves run around like kids and seeing how nature works—it’s all amazing.”
Although Kinnie left the farm for a time to work in Nashville, he eventually returned to take over operations. “I’ve been on the farm all but about 14 years,” he said. “I love being out here.”
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- Cattle at Kinnie Farm.
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- Cattle at Kinnie Farm.
Kinnie’s approach to farming is built on careful land management and conservation practices, values passed down from his father and grandfather. His family built rock fences along the Harpeth River to prevent erosion—a practice he continues today with no-till farming, grass restoration, and fencing off sensitive areas.
“We’ve always tried to care for the land,” Kinnie explained. “My goal is to keep it in the shape I think my grandparents would want it to be in.”
Kinnie chose to work with The Land Trust for Tennessee to ensure that the land remains open for future generations. “I wanted to protect the land for the future instead of seeing houses on it,” he said. “So many beautiful farms are gone forever.”
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- Kinnie Farm in the fall.
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- The porch at Kinnie Farm.
According to Kinnie, the process was straightforward. “The Land Trust makes it easy,” he explained. “The land is still mine, and I decide how it’s used. That’s what people need to understand—you can make sure your land stays the way you want.”
For Kinnie, farming isn’t just a job—it’s a way to connect with the natural world. He appreciates moments like spotting a bald eagle, watching turkeys and deer, or seeing young calves play.
“People don’t stop and pay attention to nature like they should,” he said. “They’re missing out on so much.”
He’s currently mentoring a younger farmer to help carry on the work. “He loves the farm as much as I do,” Kinnie said. “I hope he’ll keep it going.”
Kinnie’s hope is that the land will continue to be farmed and appreciated for generations to come. “I can’t imagine not doing this,” he said. “The Land Trust gives me peace of mind knowing the land will stay protected.”
His advice to others considering conservation? “You’re not giving anything away—you’re setting up what you want for your land. It’s about ensuring it remains what it was meant to be.”
Right to left: LTTN President & CEO, Liz McLaurin, John Kinnie Jr., Tennessee’s 38th Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. Charlie Hatcher at Mr. Kinnie’s farm for his Conservation Celebration in 2022.