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 greenhouse 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

As the head farmer, Helen's job involves crop planning and carrying out those plans. She is in the field and at the computer. She loves being outside everyday and nurturing the land and her community.

Helen grinning at the joy of it all. Photo courtesy of A.E. Scott Designs

Jim working his magic!

---

---

Brianna G.
​Enthusiastic and in the right place at the right time, here is what Brianna has to say about her farming aspirations:

I have had a fondness for growing plants and observing nature at work since I was very young. I love to be outdoors and farming has always been a dream of mine. My family started small with home gardening and canning. The idea of someday owning my own small farm is thrilling and sharing that love and wonder for nature with my local community is my mission. I hope to learn much about growing a business with Helen and Jim as my mentors. In my free time I enjoy watching documentaries or reading, going on backpacking trips or for a bike ride.​​

Lizz W.
Lizz brings great communication skills and a full laugh to the farm. Here are some of her on thoughts why she farms:

​Born in Kentucky and raised in Michigan, I've been playing in the dirt since 2012. In this classic Coming-Of-Age-In-America tale, I hop off of the stage and into the tractor seat. Jokes aside, feeding people healthy delicious food is very important to me. From growing it to cooking it, I've found food is the most delicious of the arts and it brings people together in the most beautiful way. When I'm not farming you can find me drinking a beer, most likely with a dog.

Tony G.
Even keeled and attentive, Tony smooths out the edges of a complicated work day. This is how he describes his relationship to farming.

I was raised in Port Huron, MI and have spent the last three years working on farms in mid-michigan and Colorado. My love for farming was born in my childhood backyard garden and grew with my passion for a sustainable environment and delicious local food. When I'm not farming I am cooking, hiking, kayaking, travelling or generally spending my time outdoors. My favorite vegetable is broccoli!

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. 

Exie the Dog! Photo by A.E. Scott Designs