Robinson Family Farm Faces Challenges Amid Data Center Plans

A local family farm is getting a high-tech neighbor.

A Temple Fall Tradition’s Future Is Uncertain

The Robinson Family Farm in Temple has been a Temple fall tradition for over a decade, but a recent land sale has made some folks concerned about the future. In September, the city unanimously approved plans to construct a $700 million dollar data center next door to the farm.

Rowan Digital Infrastructure

According to KWTX, Rowan Digital Infrastructure plans to build on 700 acres of farmland on Bob White Road. This is not the first data center for the company. Since 2020, Rowan Digital has opened several data centers nationwide...including Temple. Rowan’s current facility, which will be converted into a warehouse, is located across the road from the Robinson Family Farm.

According to a statement from Rowan, they're going to do what they can to minimize the impact on the farm: "We’re working closely with their family to ensure construction impacts are minimal during their busy weekends this year, and the facility is going to be 1000ft from their fenceline".

The Robinson Family Farm

The Robinson Family Farm opened in 2014 and was an instant success. Farm owner Helen Robinson told KCEN that in recent years, wait time to enter the farm sometimes stretched into 2 hours, so in 2022, the family leased more than 700 acres on Bob White Road for 10 years. The family thought the lease meant that the business would eventually be passed down to the Robinson children, but the sale of their leased land to the data center changed everything.

The Sale Changes More Than Land Ownership

According to KCEN, the data center changes more than land ownership. The sale means the Temple city limits will now begin at the farm’s property line. Robinson tells KWTX that the sale brings new zoning rules and permit requirements. She said zoning changes will affect her business.

Now Is the Time to Visit the Farm

For those wondering if there is still time to visit the Robinson Family Farm, the answer is a resounding, YES! Robinson told KCEN, "We definitely know we're gonna be here for the next 5 to 6 years, and we're in current negotiations to try to extend that." She said her plan has always been for her kids to run the farm one day, so they do not plan to go anywhere, anytime soon.