The original Codman family farm, sometimes referred to as "The Grange," was established in the early 19th century on the former estate of Chambers Russell, one of Lincoln's founders. The farm had been in continuous operation for over 150 years, with respectable dairy, vegetable and fruit operations. It was one of only a handful of working farms in Lincoln remaining after the Second World War. When Dorothy Codman died in 1973, her will provided for the transfer of the barns and acreage to the Town of Lincoln, and Codman Community Farms was established.
Founded in 1973 by citizens interested in continuing the farming tradition of Lincoln, CCF is a non-profit agricultural enterprise. It began as a part-time, volunteer operation and over the years has grown, thanks to the myriad of volunteers that helped along the way. Practicing sustainable agriculture and operating out of an historic barn complex in the heart of Lincoln, CCF produces over 16,000 bales of hay. The hay comes from CCF managed acres throughout Lincoln that are privately owned, town owned or part of a conservation trust.
Codman Community Farms' purpose is to teach and advance agricultural practices and to maintain rural beauty, while producing hay, meat, eggs and other farm products. Farming has always been a part of Lincoln's history and CCF, as one of the only remaining working farms in the area, is an important, living connection to three centuries of agricultural heritage.
Because of its nonprofit status, CCF board of directors and our farm team can expend time and resources to renovate fields and pursue experimental and specialized agricultural programs, such as "no-till" methods of field crop production; activities which cannot offer immediate economic returns necessary for commercial farms in this region. Consistent with this philosophy, they have developed a significant minor and heritage breed livestock program. The goal is to make a valuable and unique contribution to the preservation of commercial production of these breeds. The breeding program includes: Randall Lineback and Devon cattle, Karakul and Jacob sheep, Tamworth pigs, Nubian goats, Royal Palm and Bourbon Red turkeys, Dominique, Araucana and many other varieties of chickens. The eggs in our farm store include the beautiful turquoise variety produced by the Araucana chickens. Other members of our animal families include a water buffalo named Herman, a donkey named Opal, rabbits, ducks, and geese.
The farm also provides garden plots and water for about 100 gardeners. These products and activities fund part of the operating expenses. The remainder comes from membership support, community events and private gifts. Visitors are welcome to the visit the farm Tuesday through Sunday, year round. It is a wonderful place for children, accompanied by an adult, to experience agriculture in action.
CCF continues to offer opportunities to learn farm crafts, such as basket weaving, herb gardening, spinning from rabbit fur, and felt making at the many events scheduled in the barn. In addition there are educational programs, classroom tours and chicken projects for local schools. There is a Pick Your Own flower garden that is a show piece.
Besides providing a means through which Lincoln's cherished conservation land can remain productive and open, Codman Community Farms offers a place where people can gather together in an atmosphere of friendship and community spirit; sharing work, learning and fellowship. Visitors are always warmly greeted by our farm team and leave with new knowledge about farming and animals.
