We are an intentional community farm and sustainable technology research, development and education center. We serve as a viable demonstration that a fulfilling life is possible without the use of fossil fuel. Our mission is to serve as an example and actively promote lifestyles and technologies that are truly sustainable, and to make these sustainable technologies accessible to all persons regardless of their income or social position.
We operate an organic farm that grows vegetable and also commercial grain seeds. We produce all of our own electricity in an integrated system we call a DC Microgrid, which emphasizes conservation, efficiency, and direct use of solar electricity. We are working to transition our tractors to run on biofuel, we use solar thermal to heat our homes and water, and we cook our food with biogas, solar and wood. We grow a large percentage of our own food, and preserve the harvest by drying and canning. Through our outreach programs, LEF teachs about the importance of sustainable technology in context, and about when and where such technologies are effective and when they are not. The most powerful sustainable “technology” we employ is cooperative living.
Living Energy Farm is an intentional off-the-grid community whose goal is to develop and promote sustainability technology for the health of the planet.
Those interested in contributing to our mission of building sustainable and self-determined communities are to email or call us to receive a questionnaire/application, and attend a community tour. If all goes well, we might decide to set up a membership visit. Membership visits may be arranged without a tour, if applicants are coming from a distance. Prospective membership visits are usually three weeks. Towards the end of the visit, we will arrange an interview between the visitor and the membership of LEF. After the visit, the applicant leaves the farm for usually at least one week, while both parties decide if they want to pursue provisional membership.
E-mail or call us in advance if you want to visit.
DO NOT you drop in unannounced, and without our approval. If you are interested in applying for membership, we recommend that you come out for a tour first. We offer tours by appointment, arranged by email. If you are interested in membership but coming from a distance such that a day trip is not practical, contact us by email and we will send you an application/questionnaire
A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.
Generally seek agreement, but have backup methods when consensus isn’t reached.
Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.
Members contribute a percentage of income to community funds.
Regular fees: Yes
Labor: Yes (30 hrs/week)
Our members are not required to share all their income, but all members contribute towards our communal expenses. Work done for a farm-based business may count towards a member’s expense share contribution, if approved by the manager of the farm business.
Common House, Garden(s), Vehicle Share, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Outdoor Kitchen, Large Scale Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Swingsets & play areas, Internet
Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.
Shared living spaces with private bedrooms/bathrooms and communal
kitchens, dining, and social areas.
Integrated communities designed around ecological principles with sustainable living practices.
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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