When you approach Schwede Farms, you might not think anything out of the ordinary. The winding gravel path that takes you up to a large storage barn is surrounded on all sides by a large field, several smaller garden plots, a large greenhouse, and small seedhouse.
Beyond the façade, you will find a local farmer working hard to produce food for his community and make a living. Dennis Schwede plants produce on about 3 acres of land near Auxvasse, MO, which he brings to Columbia Farmers Market. He has large plots of pumpkins, sweet corn, and watermelons, and smaller plots of everything else – from potatoes to eggplant, onion, cucumber, and brassicas.
Dennis does what is needed to make things go on the farm. He starts his seeds in a germination chamber and small heated seedhouse, and he direct seeds where he can. He rotates his crops to ensure balance for the soil and healthy crops.
Dennis, a former vendor at Columbia Farmers Market, has returned for another stint. Stop by his booth on Saturdays to get to know him or catch up.
