The Millet Seed is a multi-site urban farm in Iowa City, Iowa, that produces vegetables supplying 20-30 CSA shares each year with no tillage. Mark Quee, farm manager at Scattergood Friends School and experienced organic vegetable farmer, interviews Jon Yagla, farmer at The Millet Seed, about the use of mulch as part of a no-till system.

Jon leads us through his production spaces to demonstrate how he uses leaf mulch in combination with winter-kill cover crops to create a soil rich in organic matter, nutrients and moisture capacity. With a carefully planned production schedule, each space supports multiple crop cycles, as well as cover crops, over the course of the season, maximizing both soil health and productivity.

Mark Quee has managed Scattergood Friends School Farm near West Branch, Iowa, for 16 years and is an at-large member of PFI’s board of directors. Mark’s job at Scattergood allows him to nurture his many selves: teacher, lover of books and films, outdoors explorer, organic farmer and one who appreciates living in community.

Jon Yagla operates The Millet Seed, an urban farm in Iowa City, Iowa. Since 2016, he has been operating a CSA that supplies a diversity of fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, fermented products, vinegar, cider and other specialty items throughout the season. His vision is to have an urban farm that is truly sustainable and provides a model for others interested in farming without going into debt or relying on heavy machinery and fossil fuels.

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