PFI Field Day: Agriculture Supporting Community: Cultivating Food, Habitat and Leaders at Mustard Seed Community Farm

The purpose of Mustard Seed Community Farm is to grow good, healthy food in an ecological way, and to share that food with whoever needs it. Alice McGary owns the land and is the chief farmer, but the farm operation is entirely volunteer-run. The 13-acre farm includes 3 acres of vegetables that supply produce for around 50 CSA shares every week, plus another 5 acres in restored prairie, a smattering of sheep and chickens and a diverse mix of perennial food crops.

As part of its mission, Mustard Seed works with nine community partners to share food with those who need it. The initiatives include delivering vegetables to medical clinics that patients may take for free, supplying local food pantries and feeding individuals who connect via referrals. Come to this field day to revel in the joy of community connection and support at a farm unlike any other.

Meal

Summer snacks will follow the field day.

See & Discuss

• Partnering with community food pantries and health organizations to feed people in need
• On-farm research trials on honeyberries and onion thrips
• Cultivating leaders on the farm to manage different but intersecting enterprises, such as a cut-flower enterprise
• Operating a volunteer-run farm
• Seed-saving for vegetables

Location Notes

People can park on the road, but the ditch is steep. A few cars can park on the place. A volunteer will help manage parking.