Brooke Salvaggio, Founder and Owner

After 18 years of mid-western suburbia (SUV’s, plastic bags, fertilized lawns, and microwaves) a jaded Brooke Elizabeth Salvaggio left home in search of “the meaning of life”. She traveled throughout the US and abroad in New Zealand, Peru, Southeast Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. In order to sustain her travels she worked on organic farms in exchange for room and board. After years of endless oceans, fires, mountains, religions, mind-boggling flavors, faces, and food, Brooke realized that the “meaning of life” had always been right under her feet in the sacred soil of her homeland. She returned home to Kansas City in 2007 to grow food for herself and others. Today BADSEED Farm is an ever-growing community of plants, animals, and people including her beloved husband, Daniel, whom (along with the fruits and veggies) keeps her healthy, happy and full of vitality.

Daniel Heryer, Co-owner

Dan married into BADSEED Farm in 2009. Before BADSEED, Dan managed the Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture’s intensive vegetable production at the Kansas City Community Farm. He also worked for two years on a large commercial fruit orchard in Pennsylvania. He loves his wife, his family, and apples, in that order.

“Pawpaw” also known as Mr. Nicholas Salvaggio, Benefactor

Brooke’s grandfather, Nick Salvaggio, has lived at the property where BADSEED grows for over 30 years. He has generously allowed Brooke to rip up his beloved backyard to grow food for the community. When he was 14 years old, he began driving deliveries for an automotive company that he would take over only ten years later. BADSEED thanks Pawpaw for the use of his land, his tools, his skills, and un-relenting humor. His passions include eggplant parmesan and cruising around the farm on his riding lawnmower.