Farmers do not get enough credit.
That’s not the message The Biggest Little Farm sets out to deliver but, boy, it’s impossible to watch this inspiring documentary without developing a whole new appreciation for the people who till the land and grow our food.
Director John Chester and his wife, Molly, decided to start a farm — a longtime goal of hers — after they were evicted from their L.A. apartment because their rescue dog, Todd, wouldn’t stop barking while they were at work all day.
Chester documents the process from dream to reality, and, although that process was full of hardships and challenges that would make the average person give up and head right back to the city, the movie itself is a joy to watch.
And a testament to the human spirit.
The Chesters bought an abandoned farm in Moorpark, California but had to build from scratch because the soil was hard-as-rock dead. In fact, it soon became obvious to them that life and death are recurrent themes in farming.
Thankfully, they hired farm whisperer Alan York, who led them through the first few years and taught them everything he knew. His vision, based on the importance of biodiversity, was complex and seemingly impossible, given the foundation from which they were beginning. It caused them to blow through their budget quickly but it worked and it truly seems like you’re watching a miracle occur as the land turns from concrete-like dirt to 200 acres of lush greenery.
Because no farm is complete without animals, the Chesters brought in chickens, goats, cows, more dogs and Emma, a pregnant pig who steals the movie — along with your heart. (Note: You may have seen some of the animals from The Biggest Little Farm in short films on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday.)
One touching scene — and one that will deter most people from ever considering owning a farm — is when Emma gives birth, and the babies keep coming. As number 17 enters the world, John sits there like a shocked father, wondering how he will be able to feed these hungry new mouths.
The responsibility of all of these lives — of all this life — is overwhelming.
Nevertheless they persisted.
They come up with innovative solutions to every problem, although nature has its own agenda and each solution often leads to a new problem. Having to be on your toes around the clock is exhausting and often frustrating, but it’s also deep down rewarding.
In many ways, Apricot Lane Farms — which features Biodynamic Certified avocado and lemon orchards, a vegetable garden, pastures, and over 75 varieties of stone fruit — is representative of the world at large. With climate change threatening civilization, we all need to find new, less harmful ways of doing things in order to survive and thrive.
The success of the well-balanced ecosystem model also makes a much broader statement about the need for diversity in society.
With its gorgeous cinematography and empowering messages, The Biggest Little Farm is just beautiful to watch. Like the nutrient-dense crops it grows, it’s food for the soul.
I saw this movie and liked it, very interesting concept, and it did seem to work for them after many trials. However in the end they never talked about costs and profitability.