The Real Dirt on Farmer John

The Real Dirt on Farmer John
by Taggart Siegel

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DVD details

Actor: John Peterson, Lesley Littlefield, Teri Lang
Director: Taggart Siegel
Brand: GAIAM AMERICAS
Composer: Dirty Three
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 82 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-01-08
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Gaiam

DVD Reviews of The Real Dirt on Farmer John

DVD Review: Reuniting the people with the source of the food
Summary: 5 Stars

"It used to be that everyone in this country had a connection to farms, but now most of these farms have gone". This film shows the history of farming in the US, through the eyes of a particular farmer in the Midwest, John Peterson. Bankruptcy eliminated most of the small family farms, being unable to pay back their loans from the 70's on through the 90's. This was also the fate of John Peterson, who had to sell most of his land (330 acres), and was left with only 22 acres.

John Peterson is a wonderful individual. He's not only a farmer, but he's also very fond of art. He makes all kind of stuff, he writes, he paints, he sings, he makes music videos, he performs in theatre and of course he is the star of this movie. He is also aware of his being not very common. In his hippie period, he said his farm was located on the "Midwest Coast".

But he's also a tough guy. No matter how big the misfortunes, after some retreat and meditation, he always comes back with a new plan, and goes forward. So, after suffering from bankruptcy, he decided to quit chemicals and transforming his farm to organics, like it used to be, in the 20's, fertilizing with manure. The next logical step was getting involved the community. His farm, Angelic Organics, has now 1200 shareholders from a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) scheme. Each shareholder receives each week a box full of fresh and healthy vegetables and fruits. This way, the farm performs its historical role again, reuniting the people with the source of the food.

We should definitively all be supporting farmers who switch to organics. They need us, as we need them. Look for organic farmers in your local communities. It's good for your health and it's good for the environment.

DVD Review: Neat man, neat farm, neat story.
Summary: 5 Stars

Wow. Farmer John has lived five lifetimes in one, it seems. I didn't know what to expect after seeing John plow a field in drag on his tractor but the film turned out to be more human and multi-dimensional in short order. From losing his father early to losing his mother late, John moves from a seemingly idyllic boyhood to a college experience that has one of his feet in the past and one in the future to an adulthood marked by a struggle to articulate his vision for living his life, all the while enduring the ignorant judgments and harassments of his neighbors. How fair and proper it is that John found his niche in organic CSA farming. May many happy days and bountiful harvests fill the rest of his years.

DVD Review: Terrific movie!
Summary: 5 Stars

I did not know what to expect from this movie, but the movie description sounded very interesting. I was attracted to it because it seemed like a "triumph through adversity" true story. I really liked this movie a lot. It was very well documented and a compelling story of large family farm that went through crisis and wound up re-inventing itself through the persistant vision of farmer John. I really like how John follows his heart in farming and expressing his artistic endeavors. There is no BS with this man. His relationship with his mom was very touching too. I was so inspired by this movie as to start to be more active in organic farming in my own yard. I do not have a farm, but I do have a yard and access to good composting materials. I also am looking into finding community supported agriculture (CSA) farms locally. I was very interested in the biodynamic organic farming methods that John uses and is in Eliot Coleman's books. I really enjoyed the musical pieces in the film by Leslie Littlefield too. My son really loved the "Bug Song". Overall it is very worthwhile watch that will inspire you to: Follow your dreams and heart, be persistant, deliver valuable goods and services which people will flock to, farm your large or small plot organically, and support locally grown organic produce. If this was the intent, it was certainly worked on me.

DVD Review: Love ya, Farmer John
Summary: 4 Stars

This surprising, stunning, satisfying film sneaks up on you, then embraces you. Interested in organics? Part of the organic movement? It's a must-see for you.

It celebrates the soul of true-grit Americans, artists, dreamers -the men and women who just won't quit. It celebrates the human condition.

Lovely!

DVD Review: An amazing film!
Summary: 5 Stars

I married into a farming family and teach in a rural area in Southwestern New York. This film resonated for both me and my husband on so many levels! We loved the opening where John takes a bite out of a clump of dirt...this is something my husband does! He tells everyone how much he loves dirt! I hope to add it to your school library....so much here in this film about rural life,communities,families, what it means to be different,and the same...the filmmaker must have had tons of material to work with. As my husband said, "Thank goodness John's mother bought that movie camera." Good films about contemporary rural life, such as this one, are rare.

Description of The Real Dirt on Farmer John

The award-winning true story of third-generation American farmer John Peterson's hero's journey of success, tribulation, failure and rebirth. Peterson is a true American original. His story parallels that of the family farm in 20th Century America. What makes The Real Dirt on Farmer John so special is the fact that John Peterson is not only a farmer....he's an artist, too.

Includes Farmer John Music Video, Photo Gallery, Recipes from Farmer John's cookbook and information on organic farming, CSA's and more.

ECO-CONCIOUS PACKAGING - 100% RECYCLABLE AND BIODEGRADABLE

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