Main fundraiser photo

Maple Lane Farms Legal Dispute

Donation protected
Maple Lane Farms is a 225 acre family-operated farm in Greenback, Tennessee. Purchased by the Schmidt family in 1985, they shortly broke into agri-tourism in 1992.

Maple Lane Farms has hosted various popular fall activities for 20 years, such as hayrides to the pumpkin patch, an annual corn maze, and other special events. These fall months are undoubtedly the most profitable months for the farm.

Since 1992, Maple Lane Farms has set an example for farms nation-wide to help keep heads above water in the ever dwindling career of local farming. Agri-tourism, for many farms, is their saving grace.

When Maple Lane Farms is not busy with agri-tourism, they are a fully functioning farm.  They raise livestock, grain, and various produce.

However, farming is a constant gamble that the Schmidt family has been familiar with since their beginnings in Frenchtown, New Jersey.  Mother Nature is a constant mystery that can swiftly and mercilessly destroy a $30,000 crop without warning.

Many visitors rave about the sweet corn and strawberries. However, the strawberry crop has been non-existent for several straight years due to weather conditions and profit loss. With 225 acres comes a lot of responsibility, opportunity, and failure.

The Schmidt family runs the farm all year long.  Owner, operator and manager Bob Schmidt and his parents, Albert and Shirley Schmidt, are the heart and soul of Maple Lane Farms. Albert and Shirley are both in their mid-80s but that does not stop them from working in the fields. Their grand-daughter, Bob’s daughter, Paden Schmidt, manages the social media accounts and is currently developing a new area of business for Maple Lane Farms.

You might be wondering, "Why do they have a gofundme account?”

Maple Lane Farms has been in court since 2008 because one neighbor filed a law suit against them. 

Shore VS. Maple Lane Farms, LCC Blount County Chancery Court No.08-021

This neighbor wants all of their agri-tourism activities to stop.

This could mean the end of many family traditions. No more fall activities, no more hayrides, no more pumpkin patch, no more corn maze, and no more music events.

These family traditions are what secures Maple Lane Farms' and the Schmidt family’s bottom line.

The six year-long court battle has literally drained the Schmidt family in every form.  From health to court fees, this family sees no end.  The law suit still lingers through the lengthy and costly appeals process.

Therefore, Maple Lane Farms has set a goal of $10,000 to help with the ever growing court fees.  $10,000 will help Maple Lane Farms with the debt they have already incurred and will incur in this law suit.

Maple Lane Farms loves to serve the community at a time when local farms are diminishing and would greatly appreciate your help in order to continue to provide a harvest, entertainment and agricultural education to the community for years to come.


Support two decades of family traditions.

Support agri-tourism. 

Support Maple Lane Farms. Your local farm. A family.
Donate

Donations 

  • Judith Saum
    • $15 
    • 9 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Paden Kells Sawyer
Organizer
Greenback, TN

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.