Farmer John
Aliases : Lion John, Johannes, Johnny Pockets
Born and raised in Dearborn Michigan. Growing up I had dreams of being either a cartoonist or professional athlete. It wasn’t until my sophomore year at Grand Valley State University that I found my true passion: farming. While taking an environmental science class, I became an intern at an amazing vegetable farm just outside of Grand Rapids. After a couple seasons, we knew our goal was to start our own farm one day. Grad school for Brittany and a few different sales jobs for me finally got us here.
Farm life completely changed who I am. I found a career I was passionate about, and a lifestyle that suited me. There were real struggles at first, like intense back pain, insatiable hunger, and the occasional thought of “What the hell am I doing??” After the adjustment period, I have never felt better. I was in the best shape I had ever been in mentally and physically, I enjoyed my routine, including waking up at 5 am, and found a true appreciation for REAL FOOD!
Doctor Brittany
Aliases: Mouse, War Hammer, Stone Cold Mama
Born in Taylor County, Kentucky to parents who are both originally from Michigan. Her parents, John and Nanette, decided it was time to go when little Brittany starting saying things like "dowg" for dog and "royne" for ruin. Once in Michigan, little Brittany started thriving. Aside from poor marks for "running, skipping and jumping" she became an excellent student with a passion for reading and learning.
After completing her Bachelors in Biomedical Science at Grand Valley State University, Brittany earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Des Moines University. She now works as an independent physical therapist focused on improving the health of older adults through movement. In her spare time, she is the farm photographer, social media manager, and writes our weekly newsletters for members.
PT by day, farm girl by night, Liam, Caleb, and Elsie’s mom all day everyday.
Liam
Aliases: Big Liam, Super Liam, Liam Gee
Born in 2015, Liam hasn't wasted a minute of his ten years. Currently, he loves playing baseball, especially as a catcher, ice skating, playing Minecraft, and learning about video games. He is a great help at the farmer’s market, helping bag orders for our members and customers. If you’ve visited the farm stand at one of the markets, you’ve likely met our oldest junior farmer.
Caleb
Aliases: spinosaurus, batman
Caleb was born in 2017, and this little man is always creating something new! We usually find him occupying his time building LEGO ships and squids. He is much more interested in playing in the sand, puddle-jumping in the greenhouse, and searching for toads and fireflies than he is in any of the plants. He loves art projects and books about squids and other ocean creatures. He has such a fun and creative spirit with the most amazing laugh. He loves spending time at the market, visiting the splash pad and the playground while Farmer Daddy works.
Elsie
Aliases: Broccolini, queen of dragons
Elsie may be old enough to no longer be considered a baby, but she will always be “Baby Elsie” to us. Going on 6 years old, this girl can’t get enough of farming, no matter the weather. She is fascinated by the chickens and asks to go outside to spend time with them all day, every day. When she isn’t farming, Elsie loves reading all about axolotls, playing Minecraft with her brothers, visiting the park and the library, and climbing on anything she can. Elsie and Farmer John have an extra special connection because they share a birthday! She also loves to have a say in ordering flowers each season, and of course, hopes for them all to be pink :)