WUWM
Farmer and filmmaker Charlie Tennessen worked as a software engineer before moving to a 4.6 acre homestead in Racine County to take up farming.
Since its inception, farming has been central to Wisconsin’s culture and economy. But farming comes with challenges. One small-scale farmer in southeast Wisconsin hopes he can inspire people to consider his approach through a film he created.
Charlie Tennessen s documentary
, 25 Weeks: A Wisconsin Pizza Harvest, will be featured in the Milwaukee Film Festival, which kicks off later this week.
An extended conversation with Charlie Tennessen. Listen • 10:07
His life did not start on a farm, the Milwaukee native worked as a software designer. Tennessen s desire to farm led him to a 4.6 acre parcel in Racine County.
MOUNT PLEASANT â Last March, Charlie Tennessen, owner of Anarchy Acres, a small farm in the backyard of his home in Mount Pleasant, set out to find the perfect wheat for the perfect pan of pizza.
But thereâs a catch. Tennessen didnât want to grow any âsuperwheat.â He turned to the small grains archive at the United States Department of Agriculture and planted wheat that stood the test of time.
âThey make new wheats today all the time, but if I were to grow one of those wheats, itâs had five years maximum of practice,â Tennessen, 54, said. âIt hasnât seen droughts, hasnât seen rainy years, super cold years.â