Question: Is anyone interested in a 2 and a half to 3 hour intense walking/hiking tour only for physically fit persons that would include our regular walking tour plus a chance to see our conservation practices,our pastures,our livestock, wildlife and a farm history lesson? The tour would include hiking up and down hills, steep and uneven terrain and thru woods.This tour would be on a Saturday mid to late afternoon after the Franklin Farmer's Market. The cost would be around $20 per person and would include a healthy snack, water and or any of our milk products. If you are interested, please call the store at 615-368-3405 and leave your email address and a phone number so we can begin planning and set some dates.

For many of us, some of the fondest memories of our childhood are of days spent outdoors exploring and understanding more about God’s creations. These days when we hear all about the latest and greatest technology being available in 3-D to enable us to explore our fantasies, many parents wonder if their children will ever get off the couch and enjoy the real 3-D world.  Come join us in the 3-D world of a working dairy farm.

Since 1831, the Hatcher Family have been custodians of the land, raising animals and running the dairy. We want to share these wonderful experiences with those who may never get a chance to see a real farm, close up and to understand how everything works.  From the daily milking, to how the milk is processed to getting close to our sheep, goats, to meeting Brulee and Mocha up close and personal, your children can experience farm life as we do.

Some of what we do today hasn’t changed in centuries, but other parts of our operation are at the leading edge of technology.  We’ll take you into the barns where the cows are milked, out through some of the pastures where the cows and the sheep graze every day, back to the processing plant, and more.

Make plans today to bring yourself, your class, your group, your children or your grandchildren to see us!  Small groups, large groups, the Herd is looking forward to meeting y’all.

Reservations are required and are booked by phone only through the Dairy Store at 615-368-3405. We take cash, check, VISA and MasterCard. 

Tour Times

Tours start Thursday April 7th,2011

Tours begin promptly at 9:30 AM and are finished by 11:00 AM. Please arrive by 9:15 to park and get checked in.

A deposit of $25 will be required at the time of booking for all groups of more than 10. Cost: is $6 per person including all adults, chaperones, teachers, etc.  Children age 1-12 months FREE. 13 months and over $6 per person.

We can accommodate group sized up to 160., but will split them into groups just so that everyone gets the maximum exposure to the farm.  Please let us know if your group will change in number from the time that you book.

Chaperones are teachers and other adults who take responsibility for groups of students. For the safety and benefit of all who are on the tour, we require one adult chaperone for every ten students.  Chaperones, including teachers, are responsible for the behavior and safety of their students. Chaperones must be with their groups at all times in order to ensure the best experience for all the children.  You will be touring a working farm, with large animals, so its important to remain aware at all times where the members of your group are and what they are doing.

We don’t let a little rain bother us, and the animals love the cooling effect – so will you.  If the weather is questionable, please call ahead. 

If you know in advance that you will have to cancel, please call us ASAP as we have a waiting list.  If you just don’t show up, you will forfeit your deposit.

If you are just running late, please call us so we’ll know that you are on your way.

The Hatcher Family Dairy Store has hats, t-shirts, food, and of course lots of milk for you take as a souvenir of your great experience.  You can also buy your lunch there to enjoy after the tour.  Don't forget to bring a cooler. You will want to take home some fresh Hatcher milk!

Restrooms
There are restrooms in the creamery, and port-a-potties available for all.  (We clean them daily!)

• We have a picnic area available after the tours if you'd like to stay for lunch, bring your own or purchase from the great selection of locally grown and prepared foods in our store.
• Keep in mind we are a working farm clean port-a-potties, uneven terrain, mud puddles,  bugs, changing weather, unique odors, etc. are part of the experience!
• Comfortable walking shoes are a must!  Tennis shoes are a good choice-flip flops are not.
  
  
• For the enjoyment and safety of everyone, teachers, chaperones and parents must keep your children in your sight and supervised at all times.  Everyone must make sure that there  is no running, climbing on the fences or throwing anything.
• Be prepared for the weather.  Make sure all the children are wearing sunscreen as much of the tour is outdoors.  It is a walking/educational tour so some physical fitness is required. If you have a low tolerance for heat you may want to choose a spring or fall tour. Young children are welcome but keep in mind that it is not geared for the very young.  We recommend that the group average be at least 5 years of age.
• Strollers are welcomed (baby joggers are even better on the rough terrain).
• Please leave your pets at home - we have plenty to share.

For more details about what you will see on the tour or for a sample lesson plan for the children to review what they have seen, please click on For Teachers and then Lesson Plans in the menu bar on the left.