When I first visited Springfield, I didn’t expect to find a city embedded with such a rich farming culture full of farm stands and pastures.
According to the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture, the Show-Me State is home to about 95,000 farms, covering two-thirds of the state’s total land acreage. On average, Missouri farms are about 291 acres and almost all are family-owned and operated.
If you want to root yourself in Springfield farming culture, check out these farms in the surrounding area to see how they’re growing a name for themselves.
Millsap Farm
Curtis and Sarah Millsap, along with their eight daughters and young son, operate Millsap Farms–a 20-acre diversified farm four miles north of Springfield. Since 2008 when they bought the farm, they have grown 2 acres of flowers and vegetables, raised 400 turkeys, 30 goats, 40 hogs, and cattle. They use organic practices and offer their produce for sale through a year-round, 185 member CSA, farmers’ market, local farm stand and restaurant sales.
Besides homegrown produce, what makes this farm really stand out is its seasonal pizza nights. Every Thursday night, May through October, you can snag a ticket for a night of delicious wood-fired pizza and live music. Pizzas are cooked in their handmade New Mexico style oven at ~800 degrees taking only a few minutes. The pies vary each week, as they harvest seasonal, fresh, organically raised produce and create different kinds of flavor combinations that feature other local meats, cheeses, sauces and vegetables from the farm and the area.
Address: 6593 Emu Ln, Springfield
Terrell Creek Farm
Terrell Creek Farm is one of three licensed farms in the state that make goat cheese, and the only goat cheese farm in the Ozarks. Soft and hard cheese favorites like chevre, feta, The Dude (similar to bri), and bleu goat cheese, can be found in restaurants and shops like MaMa Jean’s Natural Market, Culture Counter, Farmers Gastropub, Gilardi’s, the Order at Hotel Vandivort, and others.
Visitors can check out the farm by attending Terrell Creek Farm Cheese Nights complete with appetizers, cheese and live music, or attending the occasional cheese-making classes offered once or twice a year.
Address: 508 Fordland Hills Dr, Fordland
Finley Farms
Modeled after family farms that once dotted the Ozarks landscape, Finley Farms urban farm supports the on-property restaurants with seasonal produce. A buzzing apiary, bloom-filled flower fields and a wooded mushroom yard make the farm a top attraction for workshops, classes and farm tours. The property is also an ideal location for small events and elopements.
Tour the grounds, sign-up for one of their monthly classes, or dine at their farm-to-table establishments.
Address: 802 Finley Farms Ln, Ozark
Urban Roots Farm
Urban Roots Farm is a Certified Naturally Grown four season urban vegetable farm located in downtown Springfield Missouri. Owners Adam and Melissa Millsap have worked this 1.7 acre farm in the middle of Springfield since 2010 growing vegetables year round using natural and sustainable techniques. They believe in growing vegetables for their community as naturally as possible. Shop their self-serve, honor system Farmstand at your leisure between 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Check the event calendar for fun events such as their farm-to-table dinners and cocktail workshops.
Address: 823 W. State St., Springfield
Fassnight Creek Farm
It’s not often to find a farm smack dab in the middle of a city. Fassnight Creek Farm is the exception. Fassnight Creek Farm is about 15 acres and sits just off busy Sunshine St. in Springfield. The farm is family-owned and grows many vegetables, fruits, and flowers. In the autumn months, the farm really shines. The property is decorated with hundreds of pumpkins, gourds and mums to take home with you. The farm also carries ornamental, herb and vegetable plants to start your own garden at home.
Address: 1366 S. Fort Ave., Springfield
Black and Blueberry Farm
@lovespringfield Have you ever been to a lavender field near Springfield, Missouri? #springfieldmo #springfieldmissouri #travelbucketlist #traveltiktok #lavenderfield ♬ Way down We Go - KALEO
Black and Blueberry Farm is the only farm in the Ozarks that offers both u-pick lavender and u-pick blueberries, making for an undoubtedly sweet summer. Visit the farm for their u-pick events, live music, and the occasional photography event between June and July. If you’re hungry, stop by the cafe in the barn for delicious homemade items like blueberry ice cream, blueberry lemonade, lavender lattes, cheesecake, muffins, cinnamon rolls and so much more. For more souvenirs to take home, their mercantile houses a variety of lavender teas, essential oils and merchandise.
Address: 5313 S. Farm Rd. 241, Rogersville
Gooseberry Bridge Farm
Jeremy and Staci Hill followed a dream in October 2016 and moved their family from their house in the suburbs to an old farmhouse on 11.6 acres south of Rogersville, Missouri. They haven’t looked back since.
Since then, Gooseberry Bridge Farm grows over ten thousand flowers per year varying in about 30 different types from zinnias to yellow sunflowers and dozens of farm animals. Grab your bucket and clippers and step out into the summer heat to arrange your bouquet. Your visit isn’t over yet until you’ve played with some baby goats and bunnies. Arrange a farm animal play date and take a farm tour before you head to Mollie’s farmhouse bakery. Sample some baked goods such as made-to-order fresh-baked bread, cinnamon rolls, and soft pretzels.
Address: 177 Elm Grove Rd., Rogersville
Lavender Falls Farm
After a police training accident ended Thor's career, he and his family were left wondering about their next move. In a pharmaceutically induced moment of insanity, Thor ordered 768 lavender plants. Although everyone failed to understand Thor's foolish idea, family and friends rallied and planted the lavender. Together, they evolved the company into retail, wholesale, and a staple festival brand. In June 2017, the duo opened the doors to their farm and a renovated barn turned cafe, store, and bar. Lavender Falls began hosting weddings and special gatherings and haven't looked back since.
The farm is open May-June and is currently reservation only. You can make your reservation here.
Address: 3016 State Hwy M., Clever
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