Meet the Lake Divide Farm Team!
Every Lake Divider is critical to the function of the farm. Each individual brings unique skills and perspective to the job and makes it possible to grow all the food that we do. Here is a glimpse into who we are and why we do what we do.
Jim Neumann
Office and washstation manager, mechanic and coordinator, builder extraordinaire, Jim is the guy who keeps things moving smoothly. We all count on him to get the details right. Jim pulls joy from constructing and tending the farm's various systems and enjoys guiding the farms development toward a place of sustainability and permanence.
Helen Chandler
Flow master! She sets people up for their jobs and offers course correction through the day. As the head farmer, Helen's job involves crop planning and carrying out those plans. She is in the greenhouse, field, and at the computer. She loves being outside everyday and nurturing the land and her community.
Malcolm M.
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The 2020 Team: All together now!
It was a crazy year, between Jim's surgery and lengthy recovery and the global pandemic. We got through it together, rough and tumble as it was. We are so luck and grateful to have had such a tenacious team.
We had returning team members Lizz, Malcolm, Shana, and Kat, plus a whole new slue of brawny brains.
We had returning team members Lizz, Malcolm, Shana, and Kat, plus a whole new slue of brawny brains.
Fabulous Crew from Previous Years!
Lizz W.
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Janet H.
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Sean P.
"I turned to farming as a next step toward a closer relationship with ethical, sustainable food sources and living a life respectful of the natural world. I'm a storyteller at heart, a photographer by trade, and I always strive to push myself out of my comfort zone. I enjoy cooking (my partner is very grateful,) teaching myself to sew (currently patterning a pair of overalls,) getting lost while driving on backroads or walking game trail (my true passion), backpacking (wilderness and travel) and seeing how far I can hike in a day." |
""Recently, I came across an old story I wrote about wanting to be a farmer when I grew up. And now, here I am, 25 years later, fulfilling my fourth grade dream! A close relationship with nature has always been important to me and a significant factor in my career/personal choices. I worked for the National Park Service for six seasons and later for Arizona State Parks. In between seasonal ranger stints, I worked for two nonprofit organizations, running mobile farmers markets in food insecure neighborhoods. Last fall, I moved back to Michigan after ten years. I’m excited to be a part of the Lake Divide team, in the field, and farming in my home state! " |
Mattie K.
"I'm an Ohio country kid who ended up in Chicago doing environmental & other social justice organizing for the last six years. Incredibly wise and generous Native people, activists and friends showed me a different knowledge and connection to this world, universe, life and plants and how to care for and respect them. I left the city and some misinformed ideas of careers and success, found farming and growing, and here we are. I believe that all people should have access to the knowledge and means to feed and heal themselves and the earth that sustains us, and will work to do that for as long as I can." |
Cody S.
"This is my first season working on a farm. I am a Michigan native who recently relocated back to the mitten. After studying environmental science, I knew that I wanted a sustainable profession and organic farming seemed to fit that bill perfectly. I am looking forward to learning as much as I can this season and meeting more of the community." |
Brianna and Tony from the 2018 Crew!
Brianna and Tony, along with Lizz, worked on the farm in 2018, one of the most critical growth years of the farm. We added markets, expanded crop production, and developed our communication abilities! We learned a lot together!
Tony G.
Tony is the one and only Lake Divider (besides Helen and Jim) to ever live and work at Lake Divide Farm. He was always liable to turn up during an evening weeding session and keep me company.
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Brianna G.Motivated and task oriented, Brianna kept the ball moving, even when it was uphill!
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It could be YOU!
We are still hiring for the 2020 season! This could be your chance to get in on the ground floor of a growing community.
Exie the dog!
Master morale booster, crop protector, comic relief – Exie is our fearless companion!
Jim and I adopted her from a rescue in April of 2011 when she was four months old. Now, at six years, she is a polished farm dog. She stays off the beds, escorts visitors and guards our vegetables. She is still as willful as when she was a puppy, exploring the world on her own, but we all have our quirks, and Exie wouldn't be Exie without hers.
Jim and I adopted her from a rescue in April of 2011 when she was four months old. Now, at six years, she is a polished farm dog. She stays off the beds, escorts visitors and guards our vegetables. She is still as willful as when she was a puppy, exploring the world on her own, but we all have our quirks, and Exie wouldn't be Exie without hers.
Boomer the dog intern!
Boomer bumbled into our lives and fit perfectly. He is a wild snuggler and hunter of all small furry, vegetable eating creatures. His legs are wild, he adores Exie, and he is up for anything.
Jade the Dog intern (feat. Boomer)
Jade comes to work with Malcolm and Mattie and learns the tricks of the trade. She is a hilarious and loving dog with a secret move called the seal where she lets her rear legs drag out behind her. A good reminder to stretch! Boomer and Jade are getting along great, learning to romp and play on the farm without causing damage.