BLACK EARTH, Wis. — In Black Earth, Wisconsin, a dedicated queer couple has worked tirelessly to build an inclusive farming community for diverse genders, sexualities, and racial and ethnic identities.


What You Need To Know

  • In Black Earth, Wisconsin, Rev. Chacon, a first-generation Mexican American, and her partner Andrea Richardson, have opened their six-acre farm to marginalized communities, emphasizing sharing over ownership
  • The couple founded Firm Footing Farm a few years ago to provide a supportive space for queer individuals and people of color to experiment with farming and realize their agricultural dreams
  • Farmer Alex Booker expressed gratitude for the opportunities at Firm Footing Farm, noting his exploration of various collard green styles and the supportive community that helps him thrive despite initial worries about acceptance and financial viability
  • Firm Footing Farm thrives on kindness and collaboration, showcasing the benefits of an inclusive community where diverse individuals can connect with the land and each other

Rev Chacon, a first-generation Mexican American from Texas, brought her farming knowledge from the pecan and onion fields to Wisconsin.

“I’m grateful for the hard work because I learned a lot,” she said.

Chacon and her partner of 30 years, Andrea Richardson, opened their six-acre farm to marginalized communities.

“It became more than a farm. Like, I think that’s my American dream, not to own and hoard, but to share,” Chacon said.

“We live out in this beautiful area where so many people have been excluded from having access to the land and being able to connect with the land,” Richardson added.

A few years ago, the queer couple founded Firm Footing Farm.

“We’re always open to more queer, people of color to come out, and if they want to, try experimenting, growing things that they want to grow, and just live out their farm dreams. We have land for you,” they said.

One farmer, Alex Booker, expressed gratitude for the opportunities at Firm Footing Farm. He researched various styles of collard greens.

“People are like, I did not know there was like ten. I thought they were like two. And I’m like, actually there are 25,” he said.

Before finding Firm Footing, Booker said he worried about paying for a plot where his crops might not produce and also feeling unaccepted because of his own identity.

“Sometimes it feels like Madison doesn’t want a queer Black person to be doing in these types of things. I do believe, sometimes it is a thankless job. But surrounding myself around people that support me and surrounding myself with people who see the value in that type of stuff has been very helpful in continuing moving forward in those processes,” Booker said.

As Firm Footing Farm continues to thrive, its founders said they believe in the power of kindness and collaboration.

“If we do that, everybody will flourish because you’re doing your own thing,” Chacon said.

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