Joe Jennings, J-14 Agricultural Enterprises
4600 Sorter Drive
Kansas City, Kan., KS 66104
Give him an inch of soil, and Joe Jennings will go the extra mile. He may be
78 years old, but this farmer works from sunrise to sunset, making sure every
nook and cranny of his eight-acre property — be it a tiny strip along the
gravel driveway or a parcel near the stairs to his back door — is flush with
organic fruits and vegetables. Nearly 10 years ago, the Texas native and
longtime Kansas City resident bought the land just northwest of Kansas City,
Kansas, after spending half a lifetime as a teacher. Before long, the lifelong
gardener was producing so much food that he had to buy industrial-sized
freezers because he still had produce left over, even after supplying the City
Mission homeless shelter with all the veggies it needed. Now, Jennings runs
his operation according to the community-supported-agriculture concept. City
slickers subscribe for $200. He gives them a key to the front gate, and they
can pick up to 500 pounds of produce over the course of the six-month harvest
season. Of course, Jennings doesn't just raise second-to-none, chemical-free
vegetables; he also cultivates inner-city youths. Thanks to his involvement
with Camp CARVER (City Agricultural Resourceful Visionaries Entering Real
Life), kids from the Kansas City core help out at J-14 Agricultural
Enterprises and learn that, thanks to farmers like Jennings, even the most
urban consumers don't have to look beyond their city zip code for fresh
produce.
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Mr. Jennings is an amazing man. I have come to know him over the past year and he is a living example of a man with a mission, passion and zeal for life. He is what Kansas City (and other cities) need, and provides an excellent example to the many youth of today and adults) whom seemed to have lost their way. My hats off to this living legend. I have been out to his establishment and it is awesome to see what one man can accomplish. He is positive, optimistic and willing to teach those willing to listen. If biofuel was a living being, Mr. Jennings would be that person.
What a wonderful example, not only for our youth but for everyone. Too often we complain about things we can change with just a little work. Mr. Jennings' dedication and drive show us what can and should be done with our resources. His work is the personification of the Law of the Harvest - Sowing and Reaping. Here in Cincinnati, Ohio, members of our church maintain a large garden out back and each year we have more than we can eat. I am encouraging that our next step be to put some of our young people into business selling some of the produce at a street market. Bravo! Mr. Jennings, and thank you.
Not only is Mr. Jennings an incomparable farmer his legacy encompasses many small contractors through his former career as a teacher. Mr. Jennings is a living resource for many of his former students who reach out to him for advice and instruction decades after they left his classroom. I cannot think of anyone I respect more than this living legend. His generosity of spirit knows no bounds. Congratulations Mr. Jennings!
Wow!! I am totally impressed with this gentlemen. He personifies everything that nature indemnifies. All the elements represented in one person; air, fire, earth and water. You don't get any better than that. Peace and blessings to you Mr. Jennings. As you continue along nature's path the road becomes filled with enlightenment you have given to others. Reminds me of my grandfather back in the 50's who would wake me every morning in the summer while visiting from NY and teach me all the essentials of farming. Fond memories that have lasted a lifetime...Connie Daily
Joe Jennings rocks the farm! Here's a profile of him that ran on KCUR:
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-602606.mp3