The Salad Farm has been a family-run operation since 2013, when Ronald and Sonya started growing a little bit of everything. Their commitment to organic farming means they avoid toxic chemicals entirely, ensuring that every product is as fresh and healthy as possible. They harvest and deliver the same day, so you're getting the best quality straight from the field. Based in Bolivar, Missouri, The Salad Farm is a local treasure, and MaMa Jean’s is proud to partner with them. Be sure to try their seasonal offerings like crisp lettuces, tender spinach, and fragrant cilantro!
Here's more from Ronald and Sonya:
What brought you into farming?
We didn’t start farming with the intention of turning it into a business. We began by growing lettuce and other vegetables for our own use, but we ended up with more than we could eat. That’s when we thought, “Why not sell these at the farmers market?†And that’s how it all began. Now, farming is our full-time job. A few years later, a friend introduced us to MaMa Jean’s, and we started selling there too.
What do you grow?
We focus mostly on leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. In addition, we grow carrots, beets, turnips, green onions, cilantro, sweet peas, rutabagas, radishes, parsnips, and celery. During the summer, we also grow tomatoes, bell peppers, okra, cucumbers, onions, blackberries, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, watermelons, and cantaloupes. All of this is grown on two acres, using seven high tunnels to extend the growing season and protect our crops.
How do you deal with weeds and pests?
Organic farming comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to weeds and pests. We mainly remove weeds by hand or with a hoe, and sometimes we use plastic mulch to help suppress weed growth. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it for the quality of the produce we’re able to offer.
How do you see your role in the community?
Farming isn’t just about growing food—it’s about providing fresh, healthy, and locally sourced produce without harmful chemicals. We believe in supporting our neighbors and making nutritious food accessible. Our days start before sunrise and end after sunset, with constant work in the fields—planting, weeding, harvesting, and preparing for the next round. It’s a family effort, and even our kids pitch in. Sometimes friends or relatives help out too, which makes the whole experience more rewarding.
Any gardening tips for someone who’s just starting out?
From our experience, the quality of your seeds matters a lot. Better seeds may cost more upfront, but they lead to better results. Another piece of advice is to keep trying and stay patient. Success doesn’t always come right away, but with persistence and hard work, you’ll gain experience and see real rewards over time.
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