Chicken Chunks 1.8.+

In Minecraft, the world is divided into special 16×16 block areas called chunks. These sections only load when players are nearby. If you leave working mechanisms, growing plants, or other active objects in a chunk that isn't loaded due to no players being around, all processes will simply stop.

This mod solves this problem by adding a special block to the game - the chunkloader. Once placed, surrounding chunks will remain active continuously, regardless of whether players are nearby or even if no one is on the server. Now your farms will continue growing and automated systems will keep running while you're busy with other activities.

Unstable versions of the mod are available here.

Join IRC on Esper.net in channel #ChickenBones

Developer Chicken Bones has given official permission to use this mod! Confirmation can be found here or here.