My wife and I attended the October 2023 retreat hosted by Dancing Greens Farm. I wanted to go because I knew the food would be delicious and nutritious. Beyond that, I didn't know what to expect. As the retreat drew near, I received a thoughtful survey asking if I had any specific dietary restrictions. I don’t personally have dietary restrictions but I have loved ones that do and I always appreciate when people are mindful of that.

Quickly, the food was absolutely delicious 5-stars! There are a few things that exceeded anything I could have imagined. Our small group had the chance to hear from each of the three Dancing Green Farm founders: Jamie, Madi, and Madison. They are a powerhouse team, and their passion for their work is contagious! 

We visited the farm with Jamie and heard the story of Dancing Greens Farm in year one. Wow! I learned that quite a bit of thought goes into keeping the soil optimal for growing. One of my favorite parts was about how the irrigation system was installed, it seems that every square foot was carefully considered and that is admirable. Farming is hard work, I have a new appreciation for the time and energy of producing high-quality veggies. 

With Madi, we learned about food systems, how things work today, and what the Dancing Greens Farm approach is to change it for the better, from the bottom up. With one of the conversation cards at dinner, I accepted the challenge to find a farmer locally where I live. So far I found a goat farm that seems very promising and I’m excited to check out some others and meet the people who are growing my food and hearing how they are doing that. I was told that most farmers will be excited to talk about this if I ask. I was inspired to hear about Madi's work with outreach in the local community and the hard work of finding partners. I aspire to be half as fearless as Madi someday.

With Madison, the meals were 5-stars, as mentioned above. I'll do my best to summarize my favorite parts. After enjoying each meal we would learn little by little how we could also make excellent food simply. I loved that it was okay for me to try one thing at a time (no pressure or shame). We had several opportunities to ask questions, and the answers provided were given with kindness, which goes a long way. The last thing I'll mention, and this seemed like magic to me. There was a moment after an activity where Madison set up a table and filled it up with random veggies. She had us do a Choose Your Own Adventure menu with the available ingredients and even let the group choose what form (soup, salad, etc.) it would be. There was something about that specific meal that somehow made it better than all the rest. I like to think that collectively as a group we were all thinking the same thing, as we sat down to eat that meal "We did it!"

I don't know exactly what made this event such a delight. Deliberate or improvised Dancing Greens Farm has the recipe! If you are considering going or if your partner asks you to come along. I promise you, it will be a weekend to remember.

Thank You! Jamie, Madi, and Madison!

Greg L. (Sandy, UT)