The Real Dirt on Farmer John

The Real Dirt on Farmer John follows the life of John Peterson, owner and operator of AngelicOrganics, one of the largest Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in the United States. Peterson took over the traditional family farm as a young man in the late 1960s and turned it into an experiment of art and agriculture. It became a haven for hippies, radicals and artists, and Peterson, an outcast in rural America, fell victim to local rumors, threats and violence. Following a soul-searching journey through Mexico he returned home to transform his land into a thriving farming community. Director Taggart Siegel made the film with footage he shot during twenty-five years of friendship with John Peterson. Using multiple media, from 8 mm home movies to modern video, he captures the life of this maverick Midwestern farmer. John Peterson (Farmer John) will provide introductory remarks and join a discussion immediately following the 80-minute film. Part of the AgArts Film Festival.