For nearly two decades, Micah Anderson has devoted his life to helping Oklahomans grow their own food. He began this work in 2005 with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, planting gardens and teaching families how to produce healthy, fresh food at home. For 12 years he worked across the state with a passion for addressing hunger and strengthening our communities through gardening and agriculture.
For the past eight years, he has served as a Horticulture Educator with Langston University Extension. Micah teaches hands-on gardening classes in both rural and urban areas, walking alongside people through every stage of the growing season—soil preparation, planting, irrigation, pest control, wildlife management, harvesting, and even marketing their produce. Helping others succeed has always come first. Many seasons, he has planted his own garden late or not planted at all because he spends so much time assisting others.
Three years ago, after decades of farming on rented and leased land, Micah was blessed to purchase his own 11-acre farm through the FSA farm ownership loan program. Owning this land represents his life’s dream and the foundation for continuing his work of helping people grow food.
He did not expect a dramatic jump in annual property taxes—from $2,000 the first year to an unexpected $6,000 this year. That increase along with ongoing medical expenses has put his family in a very difficult position.
This has also been one of the hardest years for the Anderson family. Their handicapped daughter has been in and out of the hospital and caring for her has made it nearly impossible for Micah and his wife Barbara to maintain their garden. They rely on produce sales to supplement income and cover essential expenses like property taxes. This year they simply weren’t able to grow enough.
Micah is doing everything he can to prepare for next year—planning earlier, and improving garden beds, to make sure he does not fall behind again. But right now, he fears he is at risk of losing the farm his family has worked so hard for.
He is humbly asking for $5,000 to help cover this year’s unexpected property tax bill. This support would keep the farm secure and allow him to continue the work he loves—teaching, growing, and helping Oklahoma families learn to feed themselves.
Thank you for reading his story, and thank you for any support or prayers you are willing to offer. Your help truly means more than words can express.
As a friend of Micah’s, I have seen him help so many people get started farming. If he has ever helped you or anyone you know, please help share his story. Help Micah keep his farm and ability to keep helping others farm!
All funds raised will be transferred directly to Micah’s bank account to help him pay his property taxes this month.