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This comment area is closed to new submissions. Visit ITVS.org to continue the conversation about this film.
04/24/2010
S. Meyer
Washington, DC
Great film! One of the best and most important films I've ever seen. It
was great to see how dirt, mud, soil--the Earth--is global and the voices
speaking for it are many. It is an important film and thanks to the
filmmakers, the dirt advocates and PBS for bringing it to the public.
05/06/2008
Dale Sinder
Urbana, Illinois
I just saw this film at the Roger Ebert Film Festival in Champaign IL. Taggart Siegel and John Peterson were there and discussed the film after the showing. It was a wonderful, beautiful thing. I am just four years younger than John and grew up on a farm here in Champaign County IL. So many images in the film reminded me of my youth. There is so much we have lost. I think what I find most remarkable about John Peterson was that after the failure of the farm he was able to restore it to what in my opinion is more that it had ever been before. Not just a part of a farm community but a magnet bringing those who have never experienced farm life back to the earth from which we all receive our nourishment. A story of courage and hope to inspire us all.
8/11/06
Dr. Michael Levy
Wellington, Florida
After reviewing the prefaced materials for this documentary film, I cannot wait to see it when it is aired on PBS! Finally, a documentary comparable to the truths revealed in so needed a film documenting the plights of the American farmer, the conspiracies involved that we, as Americans are unawre of, and the determination of the human spirit to prevail in truth, in integrity, and honesty! I salute this documentary, its devoted participants who have spent countless hours researching, traveling, and filming what the American people want and should know! I salute the truth! Truth is timeless, and I am not surprised that this film has already won numerous awards...so many more on the way! Michael Moore would be proud to view this film, I'm sure, as he is one of the last true defenders of freedom of speech and the Ameerican ideals of life, liberty, free speech, and truth! Awesome! I wish all of you the very best in all future endeavors! Your gifted talents collectively have been revealed....the empirical results remain to be measured by the audiences throughout the world!
8/10/06
Iona Levy
wellington, florida
The Real Dirt of Farmmer John was such a fine documentary. A great job done well by all.
8/9/06
redmond, washington
Last night, I happened upon this film and I know that it was divine order. A group of us are in the process of researching the possibilities that will insure future farming in the valley near Woodinville, Washington, where there is a CSA now with 400 members. The owner is ready to retire after 20 years of operating a successful CSA and we need to make sure that it is not replaced by soccer fields, etc. This film was very inspiring,interesting, beautiful, uplifting and full of ideas that are useful for us. I intend to get a copy to show to our group as soon as possible. Thank you, PBS, for this gem.
8/8/06
Don Wooldridge
Ellensburg, WA
I, like so many others who have commented below, just happened on this amazing film late tonight. My family and I live in a small rural agricultural and college town in mid-Washington and the growing issue here is the relentless loss of ag land and lifestyle as the small farms of the past, started here over 100 years ago, are being lost. It has been depressing to me. This film offers at least the hope for a better relationship between the community and the farmer, and I can only hope that it will have exactly that consequence. Mr. Peterson, thanks for your creativity, insight and perseverance!
8/4/06
Ginger Jo Barreto
Malden, Massachusetts
I connected with the film in many ways. My mother, raised in the hills of Maine, had a love for farming and taught us what she knew. She loved learning about and using herbs, food and nature medicinally. She died of cancer 1 year ago. I just bought a home and started my first garden. I never wanted to do gardening with her. Oh, how I would love to have the chance to have her sit in my garden just once. She taught me to feed my family with as many organic products as possible. Our allergies seem to be going away since we started eating organically. Now that people are eating more organic food, the cost seems to be coming down, which invites even more people to buy it.
I studied at Mass College of Art. I can relate to John's sense of art. It's unfortunate that he was treated as he was because he did not conform to society. But his perseverance has supported the world in realizing that following your own itinarary can lead to a wholesome, healthy, happy and successful lifestyle. Just because the pharmaceutical companies and some, not all, doctors want us to take pills rather than herbs, does not mean that you have to go to the pharmacy because they wrote you a prescription. Some pharmaceutical drugs are helpful. But read, learn and use your heads. Buy healthy food, not processed food. What's good for you may not be good for your neighbor. Who cares what your neighbors say. Take care of yourself. The neighbor doesn't know what's good for you. And from that, people will follow, oganic food and herbal medicines will continue to lead, our children will be healthy again, and we will connect with the soil again. Imagine processed food becoming something of the past!
Thank you PBS and John Peterson for making the film. Now that I am more informed about CSA's, I will be more apt to join one.
8/1/06
Barbara Snow
Boston, MA
I saw your film last night. What touched me most was the union of conscientious farmer and creative artist in you, your breadth of being. It seemed that your childhood was very happy, full of play and playful work, and a lot of loving support from both your parents. Blessed who can grow up like that! It enabled you to deeply delve into your different phases of being, to really taste the despair on your yearlong walk through Mexico, to recognize your deep connection with the soil and to restart farming with a new sense of knowing and immense energy. It was as if you had homed in on your purpose of being and found yourself, your home, your center. At least for now. You might have to do it again, but it seems that would be ok. It's exactly the way I would have liked to live. Your movie made me happy and sad.
7/26/06
Marimonica Murray
Crete IL
I have already written to John Peterson about how impressed I was with his farming ideals and the importance of organic farming. I am only extending a huge thank you to the Independent Lens team and film makers for their fabulous and wonderful work that has brought Mr. Peterson's hard work to the fore front of PBS audiences.
I even went as far as to gather up a large group to entice Mr. Peterson to develop a new drop point further south to the Homewood/Flossmoor area, for 10-25 potential new share holders. However his staff is at their limit for this 2006 season. So our group will try again next season.
I was very touched and truly educated on many points mentioned during the program. It was very important to Mr. Peterson that people should know their farmers. I too will try to do just that. I'm working on it!
7/25/06
Leah Wellman
Kimberling City, Mo.
I would like to applaude you John, for being different and not being afraid to let people know who you are and what you hope to accomplish. My desire is to help also in what ever manner is possible.
7/5/06
Angela Gonzalez
I just finished watching "The Real Dirt on Farmer John".
FABULOUS piece of work. It pulled at my heart strings and brought back so many childhood memmories of my Grandparents Farm.
John, keep going and thank you.
6/28/06
Sheila Carson
Toronto, Ontario
The other night I saw your film "The Real Dirt on Farmer John" on WNED out of Buffalo, New York.
I was so moved, I can't get it out of my mind. The film was beautifully directed, can't say enough about how it affected me. Congratulations! I will be watching carefully for Independent Lens programs from now on.
Thanks for an hour of pure joy!
6/23/06
Christopher Pasquini
oakland
hello. i am writing this to you due to viewing your film and it touched my heart. i was raised in the city with a farmers ideals. i am soon to be moving out of the city due to there seem to be nolong anyplace inwhich to sink my hands into the dirt. as i watched your film i longed for the smells and sounds of a farm. i would like to thank you for showing me that my dream of living the simple life is still a valid. for those that only know that there food is at the store. the happiness of watching both your children and the crops grow is all the reward inwhich i have always wanted. so with all of that i leave you with a thank you for reminding me what is important in life.
6/22/06
Circleville, OH
I did not like this film. Watching it left me feeling somewhat depressed and homesick for the good old days of following my Dad behind the red tractor. There is much to be said about the traditional ways which are quickly passing by visualized by the old home movies. Change is good but not always. Horray for the traditonal farmers like our fathers. I salute my Dad and of course I would be amiss if I did not salute John's Dad.
6/20/06
Keith Pirl
Pittsburgh, Pa
The Farmer John production was excellent; so moving and engrosing and I learned a lot. The fottage, including background and the time line showed it was obviously a big project. I hope more farmers can produce like him and involve communities. I will order the DVD to show family and friends.
6/20/06
Ben Millson
Bowmanville, Ontario Cana
I am currently working with my Dad on our Dairy farm here in Canada. The hardships and rewards of farming are exactly the same here. I want to thank PBS for the great job on Farmer John's documentary. They did a fantastic job of explaining the farmer's love of producing food for others with his own two hands and the family pride of multi-generational farms. Anyone who watched that will now know why a farmer today will spare no personal sacrifice for the privelege to keep producing food for others.
6/19/06
Wilmington, Ohio
We farm in SW Ohio and we made it through the 1980s but it is still a struggle to farm. Farmer John's journey through the numbing loss of his farm, the fear based response of his neighbors and his eventual triumph into a new more connected way of farming is a riveting story. I have observed the disconnect of people from the source of their food over the years we have been farming and it is tragic. Thanks to Farmer John, the Angelica stockholders and PBS for bringing this to the public's attention.
6/19/06
Cai Gutierrez Steffler
Fallbrook, California
John, thank you for sharing your story with America. You are a true tribute to the American Spirt. I was so inspired by your documetary that I had to log on at Midnight to tell you and those who care! I have never farmed and have never thought twice where my food came from. John has drasticly changed that viewpoint in one short hour that took a lifetime to create. John carried his family name and tradition on his back with hard work and the love of his land, community, family. I was moved to a point that I will absolutly visit Farmer John's farm when blessed with the opportunity. What a great stroy, what a great man, what a great country!!!! God Bless America and all that this great community nation has to offer!!
6/19/06
Dennis Tank
Minneapolis, MN
Thank goodness for people like John Peterson. I just watched his story which has a very similar thread to our own lives. Because of his courage and perseverance, tomorrow and the future will be a better day for our family. Thank you PBS.
6/19/06
Ruth Baker
New Castle, Delaware
What an inspiring film! Well done and extraordinarily moving. It brings into focus so many elements one should be aware of and sensitive to - human interaction, prejudice, perservance, love for life and land. Great!! This is a film everyone should see. It should be mandatory for students in schools, colleges and universities. I'm buying a copy.
Thanks for uplifting my spirit.
6/19/06
Craig Kreger
Oneonta, New York
I was born and raised in Upstate New York around many dairy farms and spent some time on a few as a child. Admittedly, I couldn't stand it. It was too much work and being fair-skinned, way too much sun. For this and reasons depicted in the movie, I never really have felt any great affinity to my local agricultural community.
Beginning in the 1980s with John Mellencamp's song "Blood on the Plow" and Farm Aid my views began to shift. However, I had naively believed the problems of the American Family farmer had resolved themselves. Little did I know, reading Thomas Frank's "What's the Matter with Kansas?" did I realize many of the dilemmas these families face have only progressed. Shortsighted government policies and agribusiness are largely to blame. Becoming diabetic (like me) and reading a book like "The Omnivore's Dilemma," it quickly becomes apparent that you're not much higher on ConAgra's list of concerns then the livestock in those abattoirs. Therefore, it is increasingly clear that the family farmer and I are in this together. Out of no altruism but rather mutual preservation.
John and his story are absolutely fascinating. I was glad to see things worked out for him in the end and that he got the land he needed to carry on. I was sorry about his mom. She reminds me of my girlfriend's grandmother who was raised on a farm; loving, industrious and full of life-a real product of her generation.
My girlfriend works at a rural school district, and I hear a lot about parents' farms going under and other students' families moving to growing organically in a desperate attempt to stay afloat. This "hippy farmer" as I have affectionately dubbed him, has inspired me to look into the possibilities of CSAs and organic foods in my area as a way of helping family farmers as well as myself. Now after almost thirty years, I would say let me put on a big straw hat, slap on the sunscreen and head out into the field!
6/16/06
John Hensley
Coeur d'Alene
What a inspiring film, I laughed and cried during its broadcast. It was humane and has a very good story. I will watch for more stories like this in the future.
6/16/06
Michael Smith
Russellton,Pa
I am lucky to have been switched to second shift...I get homearound 3am and havebeen watching more PBS programs. This morning I watched your program on Farmer John.....
All I can say is WOW!!!!!
Accually it came on again at 5am and I watched it again....lost a little sleep but it was worth it!
If I ever travel it that direction....I will look that farm up.
Thank you for giving me two hours of television that was worth more than that man will ever know.
6/15/06
Carlos
Eugene, Oregon
I was moved by this film. John is an example of courage, authenticity and creativity. The adoption of the community involved organic farming model with such impressive success is a testament to this model's power and a firm example of where modern, sustainable agriculture should be headed.
I was also very touched by the personality of his mother, so enthusiastic, kind and positive.
The film is very well done.
6/15/06
Louise Costello
Wolcott, Ct.
I found the story on PBS about farmer John Peterson brought up many emotions in me.
The strong pull he and his family felt for the land. The heritage they had with the soil and farm crops. His history with leaving the farm to
get an education, but never going too far and always returning to his deep roots.
It made me feel as though we all have strong bonds with nature and we need to understand and appreciate them.
I was also touched by his close relationship to his mother, which made we realize tha we all need to feel connected and we need to feel that what we are doing on this planet is important and necessary.
John Peterson's search for himself reminded me of my own search for a place that makes sense and I applaud his ability to be himself no matter what the cost.
His is a great story of perserverance and a real snapshot of our rapidly changing world.
Thank you for this important program, I learned some profound lessons.
6/15/06
Eric Stickdorn
Cambridge City, Indiana
Having been exiled from our farm by the ruthless, suffocating terrorism of confinement feeding operators we could really relate to John's plight. Although we didn't get into farming ourselves until later in life, our parents and grandparents were all farmers. We began with a small (33 acre) farm selling eggs, produce, and beef products. Raising our food and drinking milk from our own goats we enjoyed the wonderful blessings the Lord provides for all of us in His earthly Creation. For a time now, however, much like John illustrated, we are out in the wilderness, while trying to reclaim what has been stolen from us. The film was great. We loved the home-grown music and the careful integration of the various scenes using black and white and the fading colors to correspond to the crushing emotional moments. What a wonderful son John was for his mother. How inspiring to stand in the face of such adversary and contempt from all around and persevere to the end. God bless you John, in Jesus' Name, and may your farming bless all those you meet. What a great film from your own heart.
6/15/06
gloria stecker
Glenbeulah, WI
Nothing happens just by chance, there's a rhyme and reason even if we can't understand it at the time. Last night, being in great need of some 'food for the soul', I found your inspiring story on mptv. I know it can be hard to maintain your hearts direction when those around you fight every move you make. Good for you for taking the time to listen & let the voice inside of you guide your direction in life. So many never slow down enough to hear it anymore. So many people seem to be threatened by the "Individual Thinker"... that's such a shame. I admire your spirit, farmer John, and applaud your determination to rise up from the ashes when others tried to distroy your dreams. May you continue to find joy in your efforts & accomplishments..and horay for you in sharing a "Natural way" with others! Where will our health be once our land is swallowed up by concrete & new developements? Our society should invest in people like you..less pills.. more natural remedies. We wouldn't need health care reform if more people invested in what our forfathers already knew. More people should read what the ingredients is in what they eat. You can't beat the taste or nutrition of "Home-grown" and "Home-made". I hope we cross paths one day. You truly are a giant among men!! May many follow. Best wishes.
6/15/06
E.S.
NY, NY
Please keep showing this film, especially in Chicago and in the rest of the farming "heartland". Airing this film in New York is just preaching to the choir. Many of us became New Yorkers because our rural communities refused to accept our creative lifestyles. The farmers of Kentucky and Oklahoma are the ones who need this inspiration. Through this one film you have the rare opportunity to change attitudes about food and farming. Please make the extra effort to air it in farming markets.
6/15/06
Barbara Marzette
Big Rapids, MI
I just wanted to say that this film absolutely captivated me. What a testiment of the human spirit and insight to rural America!
The people depicted were fascinating. I truly appreciate the way in which you expressed yourself. Definetly not Hollywood and absolutely a million times better. You deserve an Oscar. No wait you deserve something much better than that.
Thanks so much for sharing your life and experience with me.
6/15/06
Joyce Czarny
Boulder, CO
The farmer John story was so wonderful. Thank you. Angelicorganics sounds so wonderful. I want to go there and farm.
6/14/06
Debbie
I too stumbled upon this program last night. If more people ate foods that are locally grown (that have flavor,instead or the picture perfect food found in the grocery store), perhaps we could make some progress in the nation's obesity program.
It may be more expensive but as with most thing in life, you get what you pay for. Each summer I make jellies and freeze fruits and vegetables. There is no comparison between store bought and what you make yourself.
Thanks to all the local farmers.
6/14/06
Kassie Sabbi
Pottstown PA
This was such an interesting show about Farmer John! I have lived in Chester County, PA for my entire life; and for years now, I've been asking the same questions...what are people going to eat if all the farmland used up for corporate centers and housing developments? Getting the community involved with agriculture is the way to go; especially organic to beat!! The neighbors within his community should see the creative side of Farmer John & accept and appreciate that he can take stressful situations and make light of them and still come out on top--no matter what the odds. You go Farmer John! Too bad you aren't around in this area; I'd buy your produce and help out to boot!
PS: There's just something about getting your hands into the dirt, nurturing your plants & in the end, you reap what you've grown with those tasteful rewards!
6/14/06
Bonnie Spitzkeit
Kettering, Ohio
After watching the film (by chance since my PBS station airs Independent Lens only in the middle of the night & it's not listed in their guide!), I'm seriously curious to know if Farmer Peterson is really recruiting a staff person?! I would be interested!
I've been a CSA member locally (Bluebird Hills Farm in Springfield, Ohio) and am a true fan of the concept! I grew up overseas in a time & place where we essentially "homesteaded" in order to have fresh, nutritious food & help restore nature's beauty & bounty to a war-ravaged country.
(PS to Farmer Peterson: Though I'm not using my skills professionally at this point, I'm an experienced community organizer with expertise in "PR" & communications. Tho my computer skills are not "state of the art," I have been a graphic artist in the past.)
Thank you all for the film, and I look forward to the books =:) Carry on!
6/14/06
Mary Beacham
Conway, Arkansas
I used to belong to a CSA and it was a wonderful experience. I'm looking for one in our new location or even just local organic produce. I think buying locally helps us feel like part of the earth. Farmer John inspired a great team!
6/14/06
Lake Geneva, WI
Wow!!!
What a super and inspiring film!
The viewer was able to walk through the expectations and disappointments faced by Farmer Peterson. He suffered so many trials and mistreatment. What is most spectacular to me was his search and development of a creative solution that enabled him to return to the "spirit" of the farm life he once knew. He is a living testimonial to the belief that a spirit can be restored.
Blessings to his late mother. I admired her positive support and directness.
Where is this farm? Where can a person buy his products?
Jo
To find out more about Farmer John's farm, Angelic Organics, visit their Web site: http://www.angelicorganics.com/
4/06
Terri Bartlett
I agree with thinking outside the norm. Many times, restriction creates a stretching of the imagination.In this case John created a building of community which is what farming defined and was supported by many years ago. It can be accomplished in many ways and does not need bounderies to define its presence. I applaud his sticktoitveness.
I would like to know if the special is to be repeated.
Please check the broadcast schedule for additional showings of THE REAL
DIRT ON FARMER JOHN on your local PBS station(s).
6/14/06
linda schutt
houston, alaska
Incredible film that I must share with my forth generation family farmer granddaughters. Having been a farmer's wife for over 26 years, I have lived so many aspects of this film. Now I watch my son and his daughters in the fertile San Joaquin Valley of California struggle to maintain the family farm and attempt to have a life. It is so encouraging to see community involvement as more and more acres are engulfed as the land is "developed" into cracker box homes. As a young girl, my father used to say that my children would see the day that houses were removed and the land was returned to food production. I wonder . . .
6/14/06
Philadelphia, PA
I stumbled upon this program. It was amazing. The loving relationship of the mother and son (his mother was a big part of the beauty of the program)and the evolution of the man and the land and the wonderful rebirth was beautifully told. It had the essence of the American spirit.
6/14/06
K.B.
Toledo, OH
Amazing film. I was moved, educated and entertained. To hear John's perspective was eye-opening - that the farm is a living organisim... He's an organic, kind-hearted capitalist/artist.
What a kind heart.
6/14/06
This was absolutely fantastic. I was exhausted after the night before of dealing with the wind and rain here in Florida from TS Alberto, but stayed up and watched. Every community needs to support their local CSA. We have gotten so far away from our food supply with the large corporate farms and supermarket chains, that CSA farming puts us back in touch with the Seasons and food chain.
I applaud John for his work and think he's great.
6/14/06
Eugene, Oregon
What a pleasure to hear so many parts of my own story told with such truth and compassion. I appreciate that John Perterson has made a life long committment to allowing the farmers of the midwest have their stories heard.
I too grew up on a hog farm in Northern Illinois; loving the land, the hogs, the seasons, and my 4-H projects. I loved whatching our hog houses being built and my dad was my hero. For a while I believed the farm and our farming community was the pinnicle of the world. I still don't know if that was the innocencent view of my childhood or the way of the times.
All that changed in the 70's when the family farms began being sold off to industrial farmers and the rural country roads that were scattered with the homesteads of brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins were left empty and rotting away like the community.
I escaped to college in the early '80s and studied art about the same time my father was selling our farm and auctioning off all the machinery. I didn't attend the auction.
One path lead to another and I found the studies of Rudolph Steiner in the city of Los Angeles. I became a Waldorf Teacher and took my class on a feild trip to what was then my area CSA farm in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I was greatful to have an opportunity to work the earth again, something I had not done for what seemed like 5 lifetimes. It was great seeing how the third grade students responded to working the land.
Thank you, John, for telling the stories of so many midwest farming families. I could totally appreciate so much of their heartache. There was a time when most family members lived near each other in their homes on their farms and we were all part of the community. Now most of us live in different states in different parts of the country and we make our own communities very separate from our families and our farms. Sometimes it feels like there's barely a thread holding us together.
Thank you also for giving people the opportunity to create community through your CSA Farm. It's good to know that there is thriving community back 'home'.
6/14/06
Eugene, OR
I was weeping with joy by the end of this film. An Iowa girl with dreams of organic farming I never made good on, I am so thrilled with Farmer John's success, and his panache. Inspiring on so many levels. So much of what he went through was what I couldn't have borne, and he did it with such grace and poetry. I am currently reading The Omnivore's Dilemma (Michael Pollan) - I think Farmer John and his ilk have solved the quandary. Thanks to all for a fascinating film and especially to Farmer John for his stick-to-it-tiveness.
6/14/06
Hanorah Bushek
Hyde Park, NY
I cant sleep and just happened upon the story of Farmer John on one of the local PBS channels. I feel so lucky to have seen it - to have been able to learn of his sad story and the miraculous rebirth of the farm and his life. I feel just wonderful! Continued good fortune and geat happiness to Farmer John and Angelic Organics.
I've have been concerned for a long time about our food supply in this country, about the hardships our farmers endure and how many of them lose their farms. Ive wondered how we can help them - and help ourselves, too. I dont like buying food that I KNOW has been produced by big corporations that spray and alter genetically and all that awful stuff. And I dont trust the big supermarkets labeling of certain things as organic - I dont trust them. After watching the film about farmer John, I logged into PBS.org and found exactly what Ive been looking for - a link to "Local Harvest" - where I found a farm nearby, that you can join and work on, exactly like Farmer John's. I'm amazed and delighted. I join tomorrow - and my daughter and I are going to do this together!
And, as for being an outcast...yes, I can relate. I was an outcast in my own family. Still am - I'm an "oddball", "weirdo" - don't carry a cellphone, hate rude people....how do I deal with being an outcast? I just smile and keep on doing what makes me happy, as much as I can. You cant change anyone - ever.
Thank you PBS for the gift you have given me tonight. To all reading this - if you havent seen "The Real Dirt on Farmer John" please do. It is so moving, so uplifting!.
6/14/06
Michael George
I saw this film last year at the Bend Film Festival. The edited version that was presented on OPB is shameful. It ends without telling the whole story and does not even advise the viewer that there is more to the story. I just can't figure why you would do this and I expect better from PBS and from OPB.
6/14/06
David
Colorado
What struck me most about this film and The Farmer himself was not much about farming, but more about a quality of farmers. Time after time they start over again, their lives in some way mirroring the life of the seasons, each year beginning again. Yet there is also that quality with John to not be comfortable with the status quo. Else he would have been just like all his neighbors. It is that , that they mistrust as well. Somehow he became an outsider to them. In some way then he is caught between two worlds, and striving to bridge them. Succeeding to my mind. In this vast world not everyone can make what he has made, any more than Mega-agriculture can begin to do everything. We believed they could for a while, and we saw the small farms go away, and the small towns dwindle to abandoned storefronts. It may be that we can never go back, in truth. What we CAN do is move foreward, and John [among others] has shown a bit of a path for that...
I for one will be recommending this doc to all my friends... even
those that have seen their own families lose that connection, even those that have lost their own family farms.
6/14/06
DB Martin
Austin Texas
I chanced upon this program on the evening of Tuesday June 13, 2006. I was pulled in and found this story to be the thing that great human interest stories are made of. Even if youre not a farmer I think you can take away from this program many lessons. Lessons I shall take and apply to my songwriting career that is very similar to what happened to Mr. Peterson. A Great film. Kudos! Note: I did grow up in upstate Indiana surrounded at one point of my childhood by golden fields of corn. My father and brothers worked on a turf farm that my father was hired to manage. I met a milk farmer named John. Farmers are unique people. It's in their blood. I love them!
6/14/06
Dan LaVorgna
Covington, Georgia
I found the film very moving and inspiring. Thanks for the great film.
6/14/06
Hank Fullmer
Kansas City, MO
Hey Folks, I saw the film on tonights PBS. It was really good and brought back alot of old memories of when a few of us tried to "GET BACK TO THE COUNTRY" on a small place south of Jefferson City, MO. back in the 70's.
It would be nice once again to try to do the same now that we have the money to make it suceed.
You've got my email John, maybe we can work something out ton service the people of St. Louis and Kansas City plus all of Missouri.
Thanks.....Hank
6/14/06
Johnnie Turner
Gainesville, Missouri
As a fourth generation hillbilly, I found it both sad and strangly poetic to watch the lifecycle of a farm. Living,dying,being reborn,like a person. I found John to be unafected by anger at his treatment by his neibors and by life.moving,thought provoking.sweet.
6/14/06
Drew
Little Rock, Arkansas
Let me just say how moved I was by "The Real Dirt on Farmer John". This was great television.
I'm reminded somewhat of a documentary I saw on Link TV called "My Father's Garden", another fantastic show.
6/14/06
Robert Schroeter
Kalamazoo,MI 49009
Dear John,
On the way home to my 55 acre farm from a small 41 acre field farmed I stop to get a lotto ticket. Once home turn on TV and caught your story on PBS " The Real Dirt on Farmer John". It made me cry. It was great to see you succeed in the end. Needless to say I did not win and my time is running out.
God bless u John Peterson
Robert
6/14/06
M. Weaver
North Dakota
Clicking around the channels among the detritus of reruns, I stumble across this program on public tv (of course...where else would it be but on my favorite network) and stopped clicking. I was in a trance watching the show. It was not only a personal narrative and a universal narrative, because it is a story about humans, whether they be farmers or scientists or ditch diggers, but it was a beautifully made film, a film in the sense of being art. It is so well photographed, edited, narrated, etc., that it was like watching a great old Alfred Hitchcock movie. Every frame of the film was important, every word, every image. It will stay in my mind a long time.
6/14/06
Joshua Williams
Knoxville, TN
The Real Dirt on Farmer John was an entirely captivating and evocative film. During the "hippie heyday" of life on John's farm I was dividing my time between politically turbulent New York City and the rectitude of a Mennonite dairy farm in Pennsylvania. Despite great farmer ingenuity the family farm I lived on also passed under the auctioneer's gavel. A long but abortive attempt at homesteading in Canada ended with the men of my Mennonite family having to work for a lumber company that never sleeps.
John's ability to transcend the cultural chasms of higher learning, artistic expression and solid old fashioned farming is remarkable. I'm very excited to know that he is out there - keeping the farm alive and bringing it to city kids and their families. I am awed by John's boundless energy and optimism that has allowed him to write his way through the daily exhaustion of farming.
6/14/06
Al & Nancy Raffetto
Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin
John,
Nice program! I guess that in lots of ways we haven't changed from those Beloit College days. On the other hand we sure have a lot more stories to tell. Glad we got to see/hear yours.
Best regards from the guy who thought you should learn more of psychology as he taught it. Oh well!
Al and Nancy Raffetto
6/12/06
Stuart Cody
Boston, MA
I was lucky to see the 83-min version at the Telluride MOUNTAINFILM Festival this spring.
It is a very captivating film that works on many levels, touching sexuality, community, work ethic, spirituality, and of course working the land.
I was anxious to see how FRESH AIR would handle an interview with Farmer John, whom I was pleased to meet and hear discuss the film at Telluride.
Terry Gross covered about three layers of the onion-peeling, less deep than she usually goes. She missed the conflicts between the neighbors' suspicions of "free love and hippie orgies" and the sensitivity of the main focus, John Peterson. Here is a rugged guy who cannot help showing his feminine side, dressing in outlandish costumes and driving one of his beloved farm machines (he said he had 11 tractors)
In the closing title credits, a whole rank of marching tractors, unmanned, drives through the frame and out the other side. There's the kind of mirth that offsets the bad stuff that he battles throughout the film.
I'm wondering what could be cut and still convey the whole story of the rise and fall of American family farming.
5/18/06
Scott Keesling
Los Angeles
EXCELLENT. Nostalgic for farmers; educational for consumers; entertaining....it's got it all. Kudos to the producers and to ITVS!
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