Mad Farmer Tour Brings National Spotlight to Chicago Block Leaders Reclaiming Soil and Community

DENVER, May 9, 2025 ~ Chicago, IL - This Saturday, Tractor Beverage Company will be bringing its national Mad Farmer Tour to the city, honoring two grassroots leaders who have transformed vacant lots into thriving community gardens. Dianne Hodges of South Merrill Community Garden in South Shore and Patty Carillo of Jardin de las Rosas in Humboldt Park will each receive a $5,000 community grant as part of a $20,000 investment in South and West Side gardens.

The Mad Farmer Tour is an ongoing commitment by Tractor Beverage Company to uplift food system changemakers who are making a positive impact in their communities. Inspired by Wendell Berry's iconic poem, the tour celebrates farmers, organizers, and everyday changemakers who are reimagining what is possible in their neighborhoods. With stops across the country, the tour aims to celebrate and support those who "walk contrary to their times."

According to Jahmal Cole, Founder & CEO of My Block, My Hood, My City - an organization that activates thousands of volunteers across Chicago each year - the gardens created by Hodges and Carillo serve as oases that not only interrupt trauma but also replace it with hope and possibility. He states that these gardens create a ripple effect of change that extends far beyond just their immediate communities.

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Alex Ring, Director of Community at Tractor Beverage Company, believes in supporting these "Mad Farmers" who are turning soil into hope. He states that this tour stop is about honoring them and helping their work flourish.

In addition to recognizing these community leaders, Saturday's event will also feature a community meal prepared by local vendors and a preview of free monthly cooking classes hosted by Chef Helmy Saadon from Miru at The St. Regis Chicago. 100 produce vouchers from Urban Growers Collective will also be distributed at the event for attendees to redeem at mobile markets.

The event details are as follows:

Date: Saturday, May 10

Time: 4-6 PM

Location: 1130 N. Monticello Ave, Chicago, IL 60651

Also featuring: Jardin de las Rosas, Humboldt Park

Tractor Beverage Company's Mad Farmer Tour is a part of their larger mission to close the "Hope Gap" and build a more transparent, equitable, and organic food future. The company partners with community members like Jahmal Cole to support local impact and scale their mission.

For more information on Tractor Beverage Company's Mad Farmer Tour, visit www.drinktractor.com.

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