The nine Chicago-area moms chosen as “field moms” tried their hand at growing soybeans in 2012. They joined seasoned soybean growers Ron and Deb Moore of Roseville in Western Illinois in the endeavor by planting soybeans in pots in their suburban backyards. In addition, the Moores dedicated one acre of soybeans on their farm as the “Field Moms’ Acre.”
Most of the suburban soybeans did not survive the drought. The field moms learned some valuable lessons, sharing that this experience marked the first time they had thought about farmers during a hot, dry summer. (The 2012 drought was the worst in nearly 25 years.) In the fall, the Moores harvested the Field Moms’ Acre. The field moms donated the profits – about $300 – to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry.
