At Flotsam Farm, the focus is on community
SYCAMORE, MO. – Just a hop and a skip away from the historic Hodgson Mill in Ozark County, Missouri is a small, seemingly insignificant piece of land called Flotsam Farm. But owners Amelia LaMair and Eric Tumminia have proven that hard work and passion can stretch just eight acres into an intricate hub of farming and community.
Back in 2011, Amelia and Eric hoped to use their newly-bought farm for a market garden, but quickly discovered their very rural area didn’t quite meet the demand they needed. So, they shifted their focus to raising as much of their family’s food as they could – chickens and ducks for eggs and meat; goats for milk and meat; and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Some day-to-day chores are typical: tending to livestock, milking, planting, harvesting, food processing, equipment maintenance – and so on. But Amelia said they work to live an ecologically-conscious lifestyle, meaning some tasks might not be as mainstream – hanging laundry on the close line, emptying the humanure buckets from their composting toilet, gathering firewood, and maintaining their solar system.
“I believe that we can all be happier and healthier by engaging directly with the plants and animals that we eat. I consider what we do at Flotsam Farm to be a bit of an experiment, where we try to figure out how to live in a way that is fulfilling, sustainable, and just.”
While they sell produce and goats sporadically to various markets each year, Ameilia said the main focus of their farm is community.
“We have a large network of folks within the sustainable agriculture community and provide lots of outreach in the form of connecting people to each other and to various opportunities,” Amelia said. “Flotsam Farm serves as a hub of information, as well as economic exchange with people regularly bringing plants, books, clothes, tools, and other items to share.”
Currently, their largest garden plot is dedicated to growing staple crops to feed their small rural region. Maintenance feels less like work, though, as the community itself cares for the plants.
“Basically, we are bypassing the whole idea of hiring labor to produce something to sell, and instead just having the eaters help grow the food!”
One of their next goals is to take sustainability to the next level, and learn how to grow their own livestock feed. Amelia said they hope to expand their community facilities and offer even more homesteading classes.
“My interest and educational background is actually in social science,” Ameilia said. “And I am very interested in how sustainable agriculture fits into culture.”
The events they host at their farm “highlight a culture of inclusivity, radical self expression, helping one another, and celebrating good food, nature, and the arts.” Every Thursday, Flotsam Farm invites guests to The Sycamore Salon, a community potluck and educational program on the property. There are often guest speakers on agricultural, environmental, or social topics, as well as activities such as soapmaking, fabric dying, and skits.
“Folks of all ages come regularly, and it has been a great way to build community, learn together, and share some amazing food!” Amelia said.
In addition to their weekly gathering, Flotsam Farm hosts a multi-day music festival called Slacker Solstice, which invites over 30 musical artists and concludes with a float trip down Bryant Creek. Amelia said hundreds of friends attend and relish the opportunity to spend time on a farm, enjoying potluck-style meals featuring meat and produce from their land. Around Halloween, families are invited to a costume party to celebrate garlic planting time. There’s music, kickball games, and food – all of which provides a safe space that is welcoming to all. While events are free, a suggested donation is appreciated.
Nevertheless, Amelia said they are grateful for programs such as the Climate Smart Fieldscapes program through Missouri University’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture, conservation programs through the Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education – these provide funding which enables operations such as Flotsam Farm to make improvements and offer educational outreach. Just last year, Amelia received a SARE Youth Educator grant for a project called “Seed to Syrup” where she was able to grow sorghum with a group of kids, press it using a horse-powered press from the 1800’s, and make syrup.
Amelia and Eric feel empowered by the amount of community that comes together in times of need and enjoys wholesome company in celebration.
“We would like to leave this land better than when we moved here, inspire and teach folks how to grow their own food, bring together a community of people who can work and have fun together, and instill a lifelong love of nature in our children,” Amelia said. “We also hope that people remember Flotsam Farm as a place they had fun and felt welcome.”
