Noble Springs Dairy – Middle Tennessee
Part of the 25 Projects for 25 Years series.
Nestled in the heart of Williamson County, Tennessee, lies Noble Springs Dairy, a family-owned and operated farm specializing in artisanal goat cheese and dairy products. Founded in 2009, Noble Springs Dairy has become a staple in the local community, offering farm tours, educational experiences, and, of course, delicious cheese. We spoke with Dustin and Justyne Noble about their property’s conservation easement with The Land Trust for Tennessee.
Dustin and Justyne Noble with their 2 children and a baby goat.
The story of Noble Springs Dairy intertwines with the broader narrative of land conservation in Tennessee. In 2009, Dustin Noble and his family acquired the property, drawn by a deep-rooted connection to agriculture and a passion for sustainable farming practices. But what set their journey apart was the presence of a conservation easement already placed on the land by the Lehew family, from whom the Nobles started out leasing their land before purchasing.
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- 25 Month Aged White Goat Milk Cheddar.
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- A smoky soft ripened cheese laced with smoked paprika.
“The land trust conservation easement was a big selling point for us,” recalls Dustin. “It gave us some security. It wouldn’t be something that later on down the line would be divided up and developed like so much other property around here.”
The decision to uphold the conservation easement resonated with the Noble family’s values. Dustin’s upbringing in Williamson County, coupled with his family’s century-long presence in the area, instilled a profound appreciation for the land. His wife, Justyne, shares this sentiment, having cultivated her passion for agriculture through raising dairy goats since childhood.
“We grew up raising dairy goats,” Dustin explains. “One of the reasons I ended up with dairy goats was when we were kids was were allergic to cow’s milk. Justyne grew up in Kansas, and she raised goats for a 4-H project. That’s how she got involved with goats as a kid. We met a little over 20 years ago at a goat show in Iowa. The goats are what brought us together.”
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- Grazing goats at Noble Springs Dairy.
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- Guest holding a baby goat.
Their shared love for goats brought them together, and their commitment to sustainable farming practices paved the way for Noble Springs Dairy. The conservation easement provided them not only with a sense of security but also with the opportunity to steward the land for future generations.
“With all the development going on in the Williamson County area, any big piece of property has a target on its back,” Dustin reflects. “When they told us about the easement, it eased our minds.”
The partnership between Noble Springs Dairy and The Land Trust for Tennessee goes beyond a legal agreement; it embodies a shared vision of preserving Tennessee’s natural heritage. Through farm tours and community engagement, the Noble family strives to educate others about the importance of conservation and sustainable agriculture.
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- Tour group at Noble Springs Dairy.
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- Baby goat at Noble Springs Dairy.
“People are appreciative that we’ve preserved this piece of land,” says Dustin. “It gives the community some character to have some green space.”
For the Noble family, the conservation easement is not just a legal document; it’s a testament to their commitment to stewardship and their desire to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. As they continue to nurture their farm and share its beauty with others, they stand as protectors of Tennessee’s landscape, supported by the unwavering dedication of The Land Trust for Tennessee.
Learn more or schedule a tour at Noble Springs Dairy (noble-springs.com)