Screening to spotlight small farms

Even in a region filled with farmers, it’s not often that one makes a mark on the big screen. John Peterson, a third-generation farmer from Illinois, did just that.

Columbia premiered “The Real Dirt on Farmer John” at the True/False Film Festival in February, and Peterson’s film is returning. This time, Farmer John himself is along for the ride. Peterson will be at the Missouri Theatre on Tuesday evening for the showing of his film.

In a documentary spanning over 50 years of Peterson’s life, “The Real Dirt on Farmer John” shows how innovation and nonconformity allowed Peterson’s farm to overcome obstacles, eventually finding its place as a Community Supported Agriculture farm that provides fresh produce to about 1,500 families in the Chicago area.

Paul Sturtz, from Ragtag Cinemacafe, said he’s amazed that so many parts of Peterson’s life were captured on tape. Much of the film’s footage comes from Peterson’s mother’s home movies.

“People really respond to John’s life story,” Sturtz said. “He’s not a straight-arrow farmer, but he’s charismatic enough to start one of the largest CSAs in America.”

Sturtz said that although the film is a true story, there clearly was collaboration between Peterson and director Taggart Siegel.

“It’s not just a fly-on-the-wall type of film,” Sturtz said. “Some theatrical elements make it a more entertaining documentary.”

The film begins at 7 p.m., but events begin with a food and wine reception at 6 p.m. The Root Cellar, Rick Goodman’s Rainbow Produce CSA and the Katy Trail Slow Food Convivium are providing food for the reception, and Glazer’s Midwest is providing the wine.

Walker Claridge, co-owner of the Root Cellar, said his store was more than happy to get involved in the event.

“The movie kind of showcases CSAs, which are important,” Claridge said. “They support the local community and the local economy.”

Local CSA farmer Guy Clark, proprietor of Fertile Crescent Farms, said the Farmer John story is true to life, but it’s also very “idiosyncratic of Peterson’s life.”

“His is not by any means an average life,” Clark said. “But his story isn’t an uncommon story.”

“The Real Dirt on Farmer John” is presented by the Ragtag. Tickets are available in advance at the Missouri Theatre box office for $12 or for $14 on the day of the event.