Cooper Farm
Part of the 25 Projects for 25 Years series.
For Irvin Cooper, farming has always been more than a job—it’s a way of life tied to his family’s 200-year history. Now, through his partnership with The Land Trust for Tennessee, he’s ensuring his Gibson County farm is protected for years to come.
Irvin always knew he wanted to be a farmer. Growing up, his father gave him responsibility at an early age, teaching him the value of hard work. “Anything I was big enough to do, he’d have me do it,” Irvin recalled. While his mother tried to steer him away from farming, knowing how tough it could be, he was determined to pursue it.
Irvin Cooper and his 7 grandchildren.
Today, Irvin leases his land to a younger farmer and his sons, who grow corn, wheat, and soybeans using no-till methods to protect the soil. Though he’s stepped back from the day-to-day work, Irvin still provides input on crop decisions and lends a hand during harvest. For him, farming isn’t just about production—it’s about caring for the land.
Cooper Farm spans over 778 acres, protected under two conservation easements established in 2014 and 2015. These agreements with The Land Trust for Tennessee protect the farm from being developed in the future.
For Irvin, this decision provided clarity and peace of mind. “I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what to do with my property,” he explained. “The Land Trust was the best solution. Once it was done, I knew it was final.”
Aerial photo of Cooper Farm.
Irvin’s dream is for the land to eventually return to its natural state of forested land. As he said, “that’s my heartbeat.” He acknowledges the challenges of transitioning from row crops to forest, but he hopes that someone down the line, maybe in a few generations, would want to tackle that project. “Switching to trees takes generations of commitment and discipline,” he said. “Protecting the land this way fits my family’s situation while still honoring its history.”
Irvin sees land as a vital resource that connects everyone, whether they realize it or not. He is inspired by Wendell Berry’s philosophy that land is more than a commodity—it’s essential to our lives. “The Bible starts with the land, and it ends with ‘dust to dust,’” he said. “We’re all tied to it.”
This connection fuels Irvin’s belief in conservation. He’s concerned about the challenges facing family farms and the increasing pressure to prioritize profit over long-term care for the land. “Farming is hard,” he said, “but the land is resilient. Even if it’s abused, nature will reclaim it over time.”
For Irvin, partnering with The Land Trust was a practical way to protect his land while respecting his family’s needs. “I’m happy with my decision,” he said. “It fits what we’re trying to do. My heartbeat aligns with what The Land Trust is working toward. As my dad used to say, ‘They’re not making any more of it.’”
Thanks to this partnership, Cooper Farm will remain safe from development pressures, ensuring that its legacy continues for future generations.