Common Ground Educational Film Screening & Conversation with Farmers

Movie Night: Common Ground

Join us for a special screening of Common Ground, a powerful documentary about the transformative impact of regenerative agriculture. This film explores how shifting from industrial farming—reliant on chemicals—to regenerative practices can restore soil health, increase food production, and combat climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil.

With compelling storytelling and expert insights, Common Ground makes a convincing case that regenerative farming isn't just for large-scale agriculture—it can also be applied to our own lawns and gardens. By embracing biodiversity and sustainable land management, we can help heal the planet and address global food challenges.

Don't miss this inspiring and thought-provoking film and conversations with farmers!!

We will have Zack & Annie Metger from Laughing Earth Farm joining us to share about their experience with farming in our region

Zack and Annie Metzger have farmed at Laughing Earth Farm in Cropseyville (near Brunswick in Rensselaer County) for the past ten years. On their certified organic farm, they grow vegetables and raise livestock* using regenerative agriculture practices for their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members and for sales at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market and at the farm. They farm in order to provide healthy food for themselves and their community and to feed the soil on which they depend.

Laughing Earth has been an active farm for over 200 years, and as of December 2017, is protected by an easement to be Farmland Forever. The easement is held by the Agricultural Stewardship Association, and would not have been possible without the funding from New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and assistance from Equity Trust and Scenic Hudson. Additional support came from American Farmland Trust and Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation. This farm is truly a testament to the power of community, and the importance of making connections.

Zack and Annie Metzger are the stewards of the land and the proprietors of the business since 2015/2016.

Chis Cashen and Katie Smith from The Farm at Miller's Crossing will also be joining us!

Chis Cashen and Katie Smith have owned and operated the Farm at Miller’s Crossing, a large farm in the town of Claverack in Columbia County, since 1994. They grow certified organic vegetables and plants, raise a small grass fed beef herd, and make maple syrup and maple products. They also manage a grain farm which will be certified as Regenerative Organic later this year.

The farm has been selling certified organic bedding plants/vegetable starts to Honest Weight since the 1990s.

Chris and Katie are first generation farmers. They raised their four children on the farm. In 2019 they protected 400 acres of food-producing land from development with a permanent conservation easement.

The Farm at Miller’s Crossing operates a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and a seasonal farm store, and also wholesales its vegetables.

Host or Publisher Honest Weight Food Co-op