They came all over Missouri–from Humansville, Fayette and Villa Ridge. Some, like Ana Boatman and her daughter Natalie from Independence, are growing vegetables and raising chickens on just 1.5 acres of land, while others, such as Cathy Johnmeyer of Fayette, are raising cattle on 225 acres. Whether their operations are small, medium or somewhere in between, all of the participants came to The Entrepreneurship Project to learn how to “make it” farming.
Every module begins with a tour of area farms. The tours are an excellent opportunity for participants to experience successful operations in practice.
Megan Woodland and Molly Rockamann ask John Knoll about plant varieties he grows under a shade canopy at Seven Cedars Farm, near Jonesburg, Mo. Woodland, who lives in Columbia, Mo., said she has a passion for medicinal plants and is currently working to strengthen seed lines. Rockamann is the founding director of EarthDance Farms near St. Louis.
John Knoll discusses the history of his farm with the group. One of the first take home messages from the farm tour was the importance of “telling your story.” Most small producers engage in some form of direct sales to their consumers, who chose their products because they want to know where their food comes from.
Rusty Lee, of Lee farms near Truxton, Mo., shares his insights on Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) with the newest class of the Entrepreneurship Project.
The group had a lot to take in from Rusty Lee, who grows produce, raises livestock and prawns and sells his farm's products through CSA shares, wholesale distributor Ole Tyme Produce, Whole Foods, and directly on the farm.
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