Batey Farms is just a quick trip down I-24 into Murfreesboro. It has been an operational farm since 1807, mainly providing pork products to the community. They have kept it in the family and it is now on its 8th generation. With new generations comes new ideas, and in 2015 owners Brandon Whitt and his wife Katherine Batey decided to plant 36 acres of sunflowers.
The Story of the Sunflowers
The community loved the flowers so much, that the farm decided to plant another sunflower field for 2016. This year, the sunflowers are located at 5331 Baker Road. There is no charge to come to the farm and enjoy the beauty of the flowers and take some personal pictures.
If you want to have some professionally made at the field the photographer does have to pay a sitting fee to the farm, but a portion of the proceeds, along with any donations, goes to help Second Harvest food bank with their Rutherford County Backpack program. Also for 2016, they are allowing visitors to pick your own sunflowers for just $1.00 per stem. They do have baskets and clippers available for use.
The Country Store
At the sunflower field location, there is also a country store. Inside you will find air conditioning, a restroom, and many of the Batey family’s pork products. Batey Farms encourages customers to shop locally and provides products from around the community for purchase as well. There are also some pre-picked blueberries and blackberries from their berry fields over at 3250 Wilkinson Pike, where you can actually pick your own if you like.
If you want to make the trip to the sunflower field, it is easy to find as you will spot the never-ending flowers before you get to the driveway. There have been wide paths cut into the flowers for walking, but it is a little rough so closed-toe shoes are a good idea. Also, like any flower, the beautiful sunflowers attract many bees so you need to be careful and possibly use a bug spray.
At the end of the visit, make sure to cool off by enjoying some of their delicious, homemade ice cream while relaxing on the front porch.
Family Fun Facts
Sunflower location: 5331 Baker Rd. Murfreesboro, TN 37129 (Map)
Berry Field location: 3250 Wilkinson Pike Murfreesboro, TN 37129 (Map)
Cost: Free, but donations accepted
Pick your own sunflowers: $1.00 per stem
Hours: vary, check the farm’s website HERE or follow Batey Farms on facebook
Batey Farms also has pick your own strawberry fields. Learn more about the season and the field location here.
