Deep Dirt: Finding a Soil-Focused Veggie Farmer

One word to describe Dan is earnest – he sincerely and deeply cares about the land he farms on, and the nutrients in his soil. His social media posts and blogs are deep dives into passionate, soul-nourishing farming techniques that mean the world to him. And he is driven to share his hard-won knowledge with others.

Building up nutrients in the soil is what Dan is all about at his farm and market, Local Harvest. When soil is the source of 95% of the nutrients we consume, we can’t just live off conventional produce that is grown in chemical-based nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Instead, Dan and his family add only organic matter and avoid tilling the soil (as it breaks up the microbiome). His vegetables, fruit, flowers, and cover crops develop a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms in the soil, which leads to nutrient-dense and delicious produce.

It's hard work. Everything is weeded by hand instead of using herbicides. The farm is completely no-spray and chemical free. And the result is amazing: huge onions, dirt-tasting carrots, bright leafy greens, and much more. 

A gifted storyteller, Dan’s blog brings the trials of a regenerative farmer to life better than we could reproduce here. His workshops and courses have started many new farmers and backyard gardeners on the right path towards more nourishing food and healthier soil.