Independent Lens . THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN . The Farmer

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Close-up photo of Farmer John wearing a straw hat and big white-rimmed sunglasses, the straw hat casts dappled light on his forehead and eyes

“A flamboyant, cross-dressing, hippie-loving, third-generation farmer — beaten down by debt, drought and the resentment of his community — saves his farm… by being different…” —Joshua Tanzer, offoffoff.com

He’s been called everything from a devil worshipper to winningly eccentric—a maverick, an inspiration, a philosopher of the soil—farmer, author, playwright and raconteur. "I love glitz. I love glitter. I love glamour," says John Peterson. And, he loves the land. So who is this Farmer John, you wonder?

Get the scoop on the man behind the tractor and the Dr. Seuss hat:
Read the Farmer John Q&A >>

Find out how one muskmelon can change a life:
Read My First Garden, a true story by Farmer John >>

Surreal photo of Farmer John standing in front of a large barn wearing a leopard long coat, black eye mask and blonde wig, holding a suitcase covered with travel stickers, all against a blue sky with dark clouds

“Farmer John, with boa and pitchfork, is provocative and passionate about cultivating not only delicious vegetables but also a vibrant community of farmers and consumers dedicated to the values of sustainability.”
—Alice Waters, Chez Panisse

Get two delicious vegetable recipes from Farmer John's Cookbook: The Real Dirt on Vegetables:

Beet Slices in Creamy Mustard Sauce >>

Orange Curry Carrots >>

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