Everything is Connected: Lessons from The Biggest Little Farm

Recently I rewatched The Biggest Little Farm and it is one of my favorite documentaries!

In The Biggest Little Farm, John and Molly Chester take us on an extraordinary journey from the hustle of city life to the unpredictable rhythms of nature as they attempt to build a sustainable farm on 234 dry acres in California. What unfolds is not just a farming documentary—it’s a profound reminder that everything in nature is connected, and everything has a role to play.

As they work to restore biodiversity to the land, the Chesters quickly learn that nature doesn’t follow a neat plan. Pests swarm their fruit trees, ducks threaten to overtake the farm, and coyotes hunt their livestock. At first, these predators seem like villains. But as the farm matures, they begin to understand the importance of balance.

One of the most powerful moments in the film is the realization that even the wild coyotes—initially seen as a threat—play a critical role in the ecosystem. Later, when gophers threaten the orchard, it's the return of predators like coyotes and owls that naturally curb the population, restoring harmony. Even the arrival of a pair of wolves, unsettling at first, becomes part of the greater lesson: in a truly regenerative system, no creature is unnecessary.

Every challenge leads to a discovery about nature’s intricate design. Ducks control snails, which protect the trees. Compost brings the soil back to life. Life and death, chaos and order—all are part of a vast web that supports everything else.

The Biggest Little Farm is not just about growing food—it's about growing awareness. It's a story of resilience, partnership with nature, and the humbling lesson that nothing is insignificant. Every being, from the tiniest worm to the howling predator, plays a vital role in keeping the system in balance.

This film is a love letter to the Earth and a call to remember that when we care for the whole, we thrive as individuals. If you're looking for beauty, truth, and a deeper connection to the natural world, this documentary is a must-watch.