Syd St. John has been farming on and off since they were 16 years old. Starting in 2018 with growing microgreens and tomatoes in a greenhouse environment with an urban farm in Detroit, they continued to farm after moving to Franklin County in 2020. Upon arrival, they worked at Red Fire Farm and developed relationships with Mycoterra Farm, Song Sparrow Farm, and Just Roots. Learning by doing, St. John has gotten their hands into all aspects of farming: in the fields, greenhouses, packaging and distribution.
In 2024, St. John and their partner moved to Greenfield. While settling into 2.71 acres on Highland Avenue, they turned lawn into flower beds and plantings that preserved soil and water. From those early plantings, their vision for a micro flower farm in Greenfield was born. St. John says, "We have the knowledge to turn this parcel into something productive. We landed on flowers even though we had never done flowers before."
For St. John it is not just what they are growing that is important, it is also how they are growing. St. John says, "I spent a lot of time on organic farms. When we till, it's very intentional because we are on a hill." Thoughtful tilling manages erosion and water retention while protecting the roots of plants. Nettlepoint Farm also raises chickens for eggs, which are part of their strategy for thoughtful growing.
Read more at Greenfield Recorder
