VANESSA YENTZ is fulfilling a legacy. It isn’t just for herself or for her husband, Eric, but for their children, grandchildren, and everyone who comes in contact with the Yentz Family Farm.
Vanessa is a mom to Corrinn and Taylor and a grandmother to Lillie. For the past 35 years, she has worked as a licensed nurse and currently works at Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital three days per week. But in 2021, with the purchase of their 40-acre farm on Highway 64 West, Vanessa added farm owner, “woman in charge,” gardener, animal caretaker, baker, events planner, accountant, project assistant, and marketer to her growing list of job titles.
Though originally from Massachusetts, the Yentzes raised their daughters in Florida. The warmer climate made it possible for them to stay involved in sports year-round. Although the Yentzes created memories and established lifelong friendships, Vanessa couldn’t ignore the tug to own a farm of her very own.
“We decided we missed the seasons, and the need for wide-open spaces had been calling my name for many years,” said Vanessa. “After spending a weekend touring colleges with our youngest daughter, we decided to make the leap. We were drawn to Shelbyville because of the annual Celebration, the mixture of winding country back roads, in-town amenities, and the nostalgia of the historic town square. We purchased our farm in 2021 and have never looked back. We wanted that ‘small-town feel’ in a community that was still large enough that we had all of the conveniences we needed. I longed for a town that reminded me of where my family farm was, and, well, Shelbyville fit the bill.”
Vanessa’s love for “all things farming” began when she was a little girl.
She recalled, “My great-grandparents were the farmers in the family. At a very young age, they instilled in me the values of hard work, working to serve others, and the pride that comes from knowing that you raised that product — in some form or another — for the greater good of all.”
Eric is what Vanessa calls the “project extraordinaire” because whatever new idea she dreams up, he always finds a way to bring it to life and exceed her expectations.
“We are both good at building things, but he leaves the growing to me when it comes to the animals and the garden. Our farm is smaller compared to most, but our desire to build a legacy for our children and our grandchildren is large. Our foundation is rooted in providing the best goods and services that we can while ensuring that we leave a positive impact on the land and our community. We focus on pesticide-free as much as we are able. If we have to use something, we do so following organic practices. Our animals are loved like pets, and we love to share them with our guests.”
After years of dreaming of owning a farm, the Yentzes now find joy in sharing their little piece of paradise and “hidden pasture” with others because, in doing so, they might be nurturing a similar dream buried within someone else.
Yentz Family Farm offers farm tours, fresh eggs, and a variety of themed dinners that include fishing, outdoor games, and seasonal activities. Baked goods and home-canned items are available at the Shelbyville Farmers Market, the roadside farm stand, or by contacting the family directly.
Upcoming events include the annual Mother’s Day Brunch, which is reminiscent of an old-fashioned tea party complete with yard games, and a craft and coloring area for children. On Father’s Day, they serve up Dad’s favorites, such as tender and juicy barbecue, and offer photo opportunities with a vintage truck. “Farmer Vanessa” makes her appearance every other Friday with a free story time that features farm-themed books.
“Our farm tours will teach the workings of a farm, including how to grow your own vegetables and how to care for animals. A craft day, fall festival with food trucks and vendors, trick-or-treating in October, Santa visits, and other holiday events will be on our calendar. We want to create a place for families to gather and enjoy the beauty of the land so they can take time to relax and just be in the moment. Yentz Family Farm is our retirement, but it’s also the legacy we want to leave for our children and grandchildren. We hope to provide the community with a location for small parties, intimate weddings, community events, and education for both the young and old.” GN
