John Kaiahua Mentorship Award honors Mr. Michael Pearl 

In 2025, Mr. Michael Pearl of Pearl Family Farm was presented with the John Kaiahua Mentorship Award. This award honors one of Kansas City’s beloved organic farmers, John Kaiahua, who passed away in 2017, by recognizing farmers and gardeners in our region who exemplify John’s finest qualities: Mentorship and Inspiration.  

At the 20th Annual Farmers & Friends Meeting on February 1, 2025, Lydia Nebel, Farm Director of KC Farm School, who nominated him for the award, presented the honor. Lydia’s heartfelt words, resonated with all who have crossed paths with Mr. Pearl:   

“Many of us in the room know, have worked with, and have learned from Mr. Pearl. Thank goodness he chose to come back to the Land and share his story with all of us. I feel a special connection with Mr. Pearl, since part of my journey also includes living in the Big Apple, then returning to the prairie where our roots had been established.” 

“Every time any of us have called on him, Mr. Pearl has offered his support, wisdom, and friendship, cheerfully participating in KCBUGs–Kansas City Black Urban Growers; the KC F.A.R.M.E.R.S. Coalition–Farmers and Ranchers for Mentorship, Education, and Resource Sharing; the Overland Park Farmers Market, and hosting the KC Chapter of the National Young Farmers Coalition on several occasions.”

“While it is well known what a good grower he is and how kind he is to be around, what led me to nominate Mr. Pearl for this award is how quick he is to take the time to mentor the next generation of growers. At KC Farm School, he has shown this care to our Farm Crew, to the Farmers on the Rise Youth apprentices, and to other farmers vending at our market.”

“No matter his to-do list, he is intentional when he sees me, to really check in on how I am doing and listen when I share any problems or questions. It is so humbling and honoring how he interacts with me as a colleague, talking shop and asking questions, as if I truly have something he could learn from me. ”

“Mr. Pearl is the kind of mentor that makes new and young growers want to farm. He inspires us to stick with it when the season is at its toughest, and reminds us that we have so much to be grateful for being farmers together during this time.  I know others in the room have similar gratitude and respect for Mr. Pearl. Each of us in the Kansas City food community is better off because he came home.” 

“Michael Pearl is a fifth-generation farmer and owner of Pearl Family Farm, which has been in his family since his great-grandfather Milton Paxton started growing food on the land after relocating to Missouri from Kentucky with his slave owner. Although Michael grew up farming, he attended the University of Kansas on a football scholarship and graduated with a degree in advertising. He spent years working in New York and with large brands throughout the country. Eventually, his work led him back to Kansas City and to his family’s land. Being back on the land felt right and soon he began to plant vegetables for his family and friends. Before he knew it, his vegetable crops blossomed into a business, and Mr. Pearl has become a staple in Kansas City’s farming community.” 

Learn more about Pearl Family Farm at pearlfamilyfarm.com.  

We honor outstanding grower mentors with a poi pounder because John Kaiahua had his own and loved to share its story with visitors. The base for the Kaiahua Award was created by the youth at Build Trybe.  

Previous recipients: 

2018 Recipient: Linda Hezel, Prairie Birthday Farm 

2019 Recipient: Alicia Ellingsworth, KC Food Hub & The Farm School at Gibbs Road 

2020 Recipient: Dre Taylor, Nile Valley Aquaponics 

2021 Recipient: Katherine Kelly, Cultivate KC 

2023 Recipient: Dina Newman, UMKC Center for Neighborhoods 

2024 Recipient: Ben Sharda, Giving Grove 

2025 Award Winner: Michael Pearl, Pearl Family Farm 

Learn more about the award: https://www.cultivatekc.org/john-kaiahua-award/