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History
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Historic brick barn built 1907-1909 |
Michaela Farm is a farm renewal effort of the Oldenburg Franciscans. It serves as a center for it's natural farming practices, environmental education and spiritual renewal. It is located in the rolling hills of southeastern Indiana about halfway between Indianapolis and Cincinnati, just off Interstate 74.
A family farm of the Sisters of St. Francis since 1854. At its peak, the farm provided water, beef, pork, chicken, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables for the Motherhouse and affiliated Academy. Farm production was gradually decreased in the 1970’s. In 1987, farm operations ceased except for land-leasing to local farmers. Then in 1991, the Sisters implemented a revitalization plan motivated by increased awareness about ecological concerns. At that time the farm was named for Sister Michaela Lindemann who was the first farm manager. Today Sisters, Associates and volunteers take responsibility for revitalizing the land, welcoming collaboration with others who share the vision.
 The farm is comprised of three hundred acres of rich biodiversity which include pastures and hayfields, woodlands, prairie, fallow land as well as gardens. The central woodland area was extended in the mid-nineties to add 22 acres of new trees in highly erodible fields and along the stream bank. Large tree plantings serve as windbreaks, wildlife habitat, food source and timber reserves. A conifer grove was planted in 1994, as a gift for the congregational leaders of 1986-94 for their initiation of the return to the “family farm.” The herb garden welcomes visitors with aromatic and culinary herbs as well as annual and perennial flowers. St. Fiacre, the patron of gardeners, is in the center of this Old English model garden.
Two farm houses, one rental facility, a historic brick barn (built 1907-1909) and out buildings make up the building structures. The barn is a drawing card for many visitors. Each section of this L-shaped structure is 140 feet long, 40 feet wide. Hay and straw are stored in the upper barn which still has the original hay fork and pulley system. Visitors physically get a sense of farming in the past, before the invention of balers. The lower barn houses the cattle in the winter and provides a place for food processing and storage during the growing season. Bricks used in the barns construction were fired right here in the Village of Oldenburg in the early 20th century. This unusual barn has been referred to as the “cathedral barn” because of its beauty, open space and height. In 2007 the historic barn was renovated to add a new roof, tuckpointing, and barn beetle treatment.
  Diversification of wildlife and livestock is important to our farm, and the “whole farm” concept. In the past the livestock included horses and a variety of chickens, pigs and goats. Presently beefalo supply the farm with rich manure or “black gold”, and wonderful grass fed beef that is low in fat and cholesterol.
Awards:
 1998 Certificate of Appreciation, from Howard County Solid Waste Management District for outstanding public education and participation in Earth Day.
- 2001 Conservation Farmer of the Year, from Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District, for outstanding “Achievements in Conservation.”
- 2002 Indiana Conservation Farmer of the Year from Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc.
- Indiana Historic Landmark in Brookville
- Wildlife and Forestry
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