The Millet Seed

The Millet Seed is an urban farm located in Iowa City's Longfellow neighborhood. Jon Yagla, who has over ten years of experience growing organic fruits and vegetables on small-scale rural and urban farms, founded the farm. The name 'Jagla' is Polish for millet, one of the oldest human foods and believed to be the first domesticated grain. The farm aims to reconnect with subsistence agriculture and reduce participation in an economy and culture that relies on exploitation and oppression. Jon, along with his dad Steve and friends, grows food for home use and the neighborhood CSA. The farm is deeply rooted in the local community, with Jon living just three houses down from where he grew up.

The farm operates on several small plots in the neighborhood, using no chemicals, no tillage, and no machines. All gardening is done with hand tools, actively working on systems to reduce the use of fossil fuels. The focus is on building healthy soils and growing nutritious food with minimal fossil fuel usage. The farm does not own an automobile, tractor, or tiller, which significantly reduces its energy consumption. The CSA offers a diverse mix of fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis on salad greens, familiar root crops, and herbs. Additionally, the farm provides some fermented foods, foraged fruits, and mushrooms throughout the season.

The farm offers 20 CSA shares for 24 weeks (May-Oct), with the majority of members living in the neighborhood. Weekly pickups occur at the farm's home in a farmer's market style. The farm also holds a plant sale featuring fruit trees, shrubs, and more. Jon is passionate about sustainable energy, water catchment, and natural building, and he hopes to encourage more mini farms and less lawns throughout the community. The farm fosters neighbor-to-neighbor networking and skill sharing through its homesteading efforts and CSA. Community members are encouraged to visit the farm and see the gardens in person.