Where would be without our produce vendors? These folks grow the good stuff. As small family businesses, many of our farmers cannot afford organic certification. However, their standards are just as rigorous, with a minimal use of organic-approved pesticides, careful crop rotation, and natural fertilizers. The result is colorful, fresh veggies and fruit that are the foundation of our recipes.
B & H Produce is owned and operated by Brian and Heidi Groner in New Haven, MO. B & H grows their produce in two hydroponic greenhouses, without the use of pesticides. The hydroponically grown tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuces have an increased amount of vitamins and minerals compared to those grown in soil. You can find them in the Spring at the Washington Farmer’s Market.
Bohlen Family Farms is owned and operated by David and Thomas Bohlen, they have farms in Ferguson, MO and Perryville, MO. Along with their farm fresh products, the Bohlens get some produce by foraging the land around their farms. Their produce is available every Saturday at the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market and Ferguson Farmer’s Market. Some of our favorites are their large and unique variety of greens and heirloom vegetables!
Darryl Charleston and Kelsey Power started with a potted pear tree in their apartment, now they have 26 different kinds of fruit trees, vines, bushes and plants. They also grow vegetables, herbs, nuts and edible flowers. Darryl and Kelsey met in the restaurant business and are excited to sell to former colleagues. You can also find their wares at City Greens and Local Harvest Grocery.
Double Star Farms is located in the southern Illinois town of Benton. Double Star’s mission is to give their community access to local and healthy produce and farm fresh products. Double Star Farms has partnered with other local farms to increase sales for local farmers and the products available to consumers.
Earth Angel Mushrooms is located in Pacific, MO. They cultivate oyster and shiitake mushrooms, just to name a couple from their gourmet selection. Earth Angel also forages edible wild mushrooms when the season is right. Their mission is to provide the finest gourmet mushrooms at an affordable price as well as educate people on the great benefits mushrooms have on our bodies and our environment.
As a teenager, Molly Rockamann’s father took her to visit Mueller Farm in his hometown of Ferguson, MO and that set a course for her life! After studying around the world, Molly returned home to St. Louis and in 2008 started EarthDance. Since 2009, EarthDance has been operating a seasonal apprenticeship program, training participants in sustainable agriculture from seed to market. In 2012 EarthDance bought Mueller Farm, guaranteeing to preserve a farm that has operated for over a century.
In 1994, Vicky and Kevin McGraw bought 15 acres of farmland in St. Charles, MO. At first they weren’t sure what to do with it then Vicky’s dad suggested pecans, little did they know that Missouri has more than one native pecan tree! It was a slow start with the first harvest of about 4 pecans to this year when they harvested about 6,000 pounds! You can find McGraw Hilltop pecans in many local restaurants and markets, they make a great pecan pie!
Steve McKaskle and his wife Kaye are carrying on a family tradition as the fifth generation of farmers at the McKaskle Family Farm. In 1973, they started with cotton and soybean farming. In 1992 the McKaskles became an early pioneer of Missouri organic farming with more than 2000 acres of organic farmland today. You can find McKaskle Family Farm products nationwide! They currently cultivate popcorn, Basmati and Long Grain rice varieties, corn, oats, along with their soybeans and cotton.
Ozark Forest Mushrooms is a family owned farm located in the Missouri Ozark Big Springs region. The vast oak forests and clear clean springs of the area make a perfect climate for Ozark Forest to grow their delicious shiitake mushrooms.
Founded 2016, Red Fox Farm + Apiary is a collective small scale market farm, providing fresh produce and local honey for the St. Louis area.