About a mile off the main strip of downtown Ferguson is a 14-acre farm. Earthdance Organic Farm School began as one-acre of rented land in 2008 until founder Molly Rockamann was able to put an offer on the entire farm in 2011.
"I was introduced to this farm as a teenager by my dad, who grew up in Ferguson," Rockamann explains. "And I always wondered what would happen to this farm when Al and Caroline passed away because they didn't have any kids." Now, as a non-profit 501(c)3, she says Earthdance belongs to everyone, especially the next generation.
Last year, Rockamann estimates Earthdance Organic Farm School grew about 12 tons of produce (that's a lot of leafy greens). They teach classes, have numerous volunteers, apprentices who have gone on to start their own farms. Earthdance works with teachers and students in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.
Listen to Debbie Monterrey's audio feature piece:
"The proximity of the food to those who are benefitting from it...this produce isn't being trucked 1500 miles, which is the average distance most food travels to get to an American's plate," says Rockamann. "You think about a simple little vegetable making that journey! It's a little jet-lagged by the time it gets to your plate. It's lost a lot of nutrition."
Rockamann appreciates more people wanting to buy local, but she wishes there was also a focus on buying organic.
The farm hosts community events and concerts (the Mighty Pines and Brian Owens have performed here).
"What I think humans are designed to do is be outdoors more, having our hands in the soil and following the natural cycles," Rockamann explains. "And doing it with other people!"
Director of Agriculture & Education Jena Hood (left) and Harvest & Distribution Coordinator Jo Philips (right) seed trays in the EarthDance Greenhouse.Photo by Jess Coffin
