The Biggest Little Farm

by

Two city folks, zero farming knowledge, a patch of dirt, and a bunch of animals—what could possibly go wrong?

In 2010, Molly and John Chester leave their lives in LA to buy an abandoned, 234-acre farm.

It’s a promise they made to their dog “Todd”. Coyotes are now on the attack!

Biggest Little Farm is equal parts heartwarming and WTF as you watch them try to turn their mess into a magical ecosystem.

I rank Biggest Little Farm #1 in my list of “The Best Farming Documentaries” (I’m up to 15!).

Thanks to the great Eben Pagan for first pointing this doc out to me.

FYI — If you love the gardening part of farming, please let me know what you think of my The Best 15 Gardening Documentaries (Ranked) article.

Trailer for Biggest Little Farm

 

Where to Watch Biggest Little Farm

You can watch the Biggest Little Farm on:

Vitals

  • Genre: Environmental, Agriculture
  • Released: May 10, 2019
  • Director: John Chester
  • Narrator: John Chester
  • Duration: 91 minutes

My Review

“The Biggest Little Farm” is an inspiring, down-to-earth documentary that chronicles John and Molly Chester’s bold journey from the chaos of Los Angeles to the unpredictable rhythms of farm life.

It’s not just another doc about homesteading or sustainable agriculture—this one immerses you in the struggles and small victories of two people who decide to reshape their lives and revive 200 acres of barren land into Apricot Lane Farms.

The Dream Begins… With Challenges

John Chester, a wildlife cinematographer, and his wife Molly, a chef, are living in a cramped apartment in Los Angeles when they make the life-altering decision to leave it all behind.

Tired of the city grind and yearning for a more meaningful connection to the earth, they purchase a plot of dried-out, neglected land about 40 miles north of L.A.

But farming isn’t as romantic as it sounds. Right from the beginning, they face a cascade of challenges. The soil is poor, erosion is rampant, and the ecosystem has all but collapsed.

But it’s this very challenge that fuels their determination.

With the help of expert advisor Alan York, they learn about regenerative farming. York encourages them to foster biodiversity and mimic nature’s systems instead of relying on traditional, industrial farming practices.

This sets the stage for what becomes a long, unpredictable adventure in balancing nature’s forces rather than dominating them.

Wildlife vs. Farm Life

Over the course of the documentary’s 91 minutes, directed by John Chester himself, we watch the farm evolve—and it’s anything but smooth. Coyotes threaten their chickens, birds raid their fruit trees, and a snail infestation nearly wipes out their crops.

These encounters show the Chesters struggling to find harmony with nature while being tested at every turn.

A key turning point comes when they introduce ducks to the farm to control the snail population.

This quirky, creative solution is emblematic of the larger theme of the doc: working with nature instead of against it.

One of the more poignant aspects of the film is its willingness to embrace failure.

When their beloved dog Todd dies, it’s a heartbreaking reminder that life on the farm isn’t just about achieving perfection; it’s about weathering the emotional and physical toll of setbacks.

The Characters: Animals and Humans Alike

While “The Biggest Little Farm” is a documentary about farming, it’s also filled with rich characters, both human and animal.

Emma, their stubborn but lovable pig, becomes a symbol of resilience and stubborn grit.

Watching her survive various health scares adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the human-animal connection that makes Apricot Lane Farms more than just a place to grow food.

The human characters are equally compelling. John, with his background in wildlife cinematography, has an eye for the visual beauty of the farm.

His footage captures not only the big-picture transformation but also the smaller, more intimate moments, like the way a drop of water clings to a leaf after a rare rain.

Molly, with her culinary expertise, brings a different perspective. Her passion for creating a biodiverse, healthy ecosystem is matched by her desire to grow food that nurtures both body and soul.

A Visual Feast

Visually, the doc is stunning. John’s cinematography background shines through as he captures everything from sweeping drone shots of the California landscape to up-close, detailed shots of insects and plant life.

One standout sequence is when the camera tracks the slow recovery of the soil, highlighting how each layer of earth is essential to the overall ecosystem.

Over the span of eight years, we see how a once-barren landscape turns into a thriving, diverse farm, teeming with life.

Lesser-Known Details

A few lesser-known moments give the film even more depth.

For example, the couple’s decision to stop farming certain crops after several failed harvests shows their adaptability and willingness to change course, even when it means admitting defeat.

Another underappreciated aspect is the complexity of water management on the farm, a constant struggle in drought-prone California.

The irrigation techniques they employ—especially their use of contouring the land to reduce water runoff—are crucial but understated in the narrative.

There’s also the fact that they had no real farming experience when they started.

Many might think the couple had some hidden expertise, but in reality, they were learning as they went.

This is what makes the story so relatable.

They’re not seasoned farmers; they’re dreamers and doers figuring it out as they go, with the stakes growing higher with each season.

A Story for Everyone

Though it’s set on a farm, “The Biggest Little Farm” is not just for those with an interest in agriculture.

The universal themes of perseverance, innovation, and the struggle for balance resonate with anyone who’s ever faced adversity.

It’s a documentary that reminds us that harmony with nature is possible, but it comes at a cost—time, patience, and endless hard work.

By the end of the film, you can’t help but root for the Chesters, not just because of what they’ve built, but because of how they’ve grown alongside it.

The farm might be the star, but the heart of this story lies in the people who refused to give up on a dream, even when it seemed impossible.

If you care about the environment, want to better understand where your food comes from, or just love a story about beating the odds, “The Biggest Little Farm” is well worth watching.

My Favorite Parts (Includes Spoiler Alerts!)

  • Will the predator coyote keep killing 100s of their chickens? Who will take care of the starling birds that are eating all their fruit? 3 wildfires surround their property…mom and son flee. Their mentor had a vision for their farm, provided guidance but had to leave.
  • Emma the pig is one of the most memorable characters (making friends with the rooster!)
  • Diverse Ecosystem: They employ regenerative farming practices, reintroducing diverse flora and fauna to create a balanced ecosystem.
  • Pest Challenges: The farm faces a significant snail infestation. Instead of pesticides, they introduce ducks, which naturally and efficiently eat the snails.
  • Coyote Dilemma: A pack of coyotes threatens the farm’s chicken population, forcing the Chesters to make difficult decisions about coexistence and farm safety.
  • Wildfires: The California wildfires approach the farm, showcasing the broader environmental challenges and the impact of sustainable farming practices during such crises.
  • Soil Health: The documentary delves deep into the importance of soil, highlighting the transformation from lifeless dirt to a thriving microbial environment.
  • Guardian Dogs: To protect their livestock from predators, the farm raises guardian dogs, emphasizing the balance between nature and farming.
  • Bees and Pollination: The farm’s orchard flourishes with the introduction of bees, underscoring the essential role pollinators play in food production.
  • Circle of Life: A scene where an old sick pig dies, but its death nurtures the soil and helps in the growth of a lemon tree, beautifully encapsulating the circle of life and the interconnectedness of all beings.
  • The Biggest Little Farm has a great soundtrack including Sun, Flood, Or Drought from The Avett Brothers

There was a sequel to Biggest Little Farm called “The Biggest Little Farm: The Return” — I haven’t watched it yet. It’s on Disney+ here: https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/the-biggest-little-farm-the-return/LZhCt9pDxWT7

Thanks for reading!

-Rob Kelly

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