Mike Pearl is the proud fourth-generation owner of the Pearl Family Farm in Parkville, MO. He is however the sixth generation in his family to work the land.
His ancestors were enslaved on the farm, but saved enough money through extra work to purchase the property after slavery ended.
The Pearl Family Farm spans 87 acres and the family grows more than 25 different varieties of vegetables, including cabbage, asparagus, beets, eggplant, potatoes, leeks, and spinach.
“We sell our products at farmers markets, to a couple of schools, and we have a CSA, (a subscription model that gives members a package of produce each week during the growing season),” says Pearl.
The Pearl farm’s high tunnel is a large non-heated greenhouse that Pearl says extends the growing season to allow them to continue to sell to farmers markets and schools.
“The whole notion of ‘eat local,’ how in the heck are you gonna eat local in November in Missouri?” says Pearl. “You have to have a high tunnel (greenhouse) to do that.”
The Pearls use sustainable farming practices, like growing seasonally appropriate vegetables and avoiding harmful pesticides.
“We work in partnership with nature,” says Pearl. “We value being able to tell our customers directly about our production practices.”
Find Pearl Family Farm Produce
The Farmstand is located at the intersection of Hwy 45 and Jones Myers Rd. in Parkville, MO
Saturdays at the Overland Park Farmers Market
Seasonally at The Station Convenience Store in Parkville, MO
They sell directly to nearly a dozen local restaurants. See their website for a list. More info at PearlFamilyFarm.com.
