Director John Murray profiles an Illinois couple who have built their lives around sustainable farming. Wes Jarrell and Leslie Cooperband run Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery in Champaign-Urbana. Jarrell's motivation stems from a desire to leave a better world for his grandchildren. He and Cooperband provide an alternative to contemporary agribusiness (which is characterized by automation, subsidies, and growth hormones). Jarrell grew up on a fruit farm in Oregon, while Cooperband was raised in New York City, although she studied biology and ecology in college. Jarrell and Cooperband met in Madison, WI, where they worked in academia. After securing the land, the pair started with fruit trees and berry plants. Since they love goat cheese, they added goats (celebrity chef Rick Bayless, their most famous cheese customer, appears here to praise their work). They also produce preserves, salsa, honey, and other canned items. During the film, they sell their wares at a farmer's market, meet with a state senator to discuss concerns, and help a pregnant goat who is having trouble giving birth. On their farm, they employ five people, and they admit to carrying some debt (other issues include variable weather conditions and health problems related to overexertion). With a grant, they were able to build a professional kitchen, allowing them to host themed dinners with guest chefs during which they can educate diners about their work. Effectively capturing the pleasures, perils, and benefits of a fully sustainable life, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)
A Farmer's Road
(2016) 75 min. DVD: $38.99. Dreamscape Media. PPR. Closed captioned. Volume 32, Issue 1
A Farmer's Road
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