Michael Rahal

Michael Rahal is a former designer who founded Rahal Farms in 2010. The farm rests in the Caney Fork Creek valley just outside of Ferndale, Tennessee. Located in the rolling Appalachian foothills, Mr. Rahal's 59-acre sustainable farm is a short, 30-minute drive from Nashville in a historic farming community. At present, his focus for the farm is raising chickens, cows, sheep, and goats and improving the land under his stewardship.

Michael Rahal's future plans include creating The Kitchen at Rahal Farms: A Center for Culinary Sustainability. Composed of a demonstration kitchen and event space, the center will form the foundation of Mr. Rahal's public education efforts. Chef Jamie Watson leads the culinary aspect of the program. He will utilize the farm's products and harvests to exhibit cooking techniques that create memorable meals and support a healthy, sustainable approach to food.

As the owner and founder of the farm, Michael Rahal handles the majority of duties around the property, from creating watering ponds to making butter. In addition, Mr. Rahal utilizes his professional background as the farm's sales representative. In this capacity, he calls upon specialty grocers and high-end restaurants across Tennessee. Farm-fresh eggs from free-range chickens that are raised on open pasture with a natural diet form the majority of items offered by Mr. Rahal. In addition, the farm produces specialty dairy products made using artisanal practices, as well as meat from sustainably raised animals.

Prior to the inception of Rahal Farms, Michael Rahal was a designer, project manager, and sustainability advisor to many of the top architectural and engineering firms in the country. Focused on improving the sustainability of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, he served as a consultant and senior project manager on an array of assignments. Mr. Rahal worked in the design and construction industry for over 20 years before implementing many of the same skills as the owner and operator of Rahal Farms.