Outstanding in the Field, a traveling farm-to-table dinner, returns for a third time this year to KCFC member farm Fair Share Farm in Kearney, MO. This nation-wide program, started in 1999 by artist Jim Denevan, brings guests together to share a meal “in celebration of the farmer and the gifts of the land.” The dinners are hosted on farms, ranches, vineyards, etc. and feature the work of highly acclaimed local chefs who utilize the produce from the site.

The OITF crew have chosen Ted Habiger of Room 39 for this year’s feast at Fair Share Farm. The farmers - Tom Ruggieri and Rebecca Graff - and their crew will provide produce for the meal, make the farm as pretty as possible, and give a short tour of the farm at the beginning of the event.

“It is always a bit surreal to go from working up a sweat in the field in the morning to being wined and dined in the same spot in the afternoon,” says Rebecca. “After the crazy season we have experienced we are looking forward to an enjoyable evening to cap off the year on a high note.”

The open-air feasts are susceptible to weather - not unlike farming itself - and Fair Share Farm has been host to both the hottest (in July 2011) and the coldest (in October 2012) dinners in OITF history. The forecast for this year’s dinner shows a high of 75 and a clear, sunny day. The event will be at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 14 at Fair Share Farm in Kearney; purchase tickets HERE.

“The OITF crew is super organized and professional plus really fun and creative,” said Rebecca, “and we look forward to welcoming their traveling caravan to the farm once again.”

Fair Share Farm's van "Sweet Pea" - July 2011

the tradition of the plates (July 2011) OITF diners are encouraged to bring their own plates which creates an eclectic and personal touch to the beautifully set table.