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.
Helen can't help it. Yes, it is a weed, but look at how gigantic it is! All that growth in one year? And what is a weed anyway? Our futile attempt to classify the natural world according to our preferences? She loves to see creatures thrive and this is a great example.
The 2019 Team:
Here is Lizz, enthusiastically planting garlic! You can find her this year at the Saturday Ann Arbor Farmers' market.
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Lizz W.
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Janet H.
""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! " |
Janet has great focus and care in her work and her humor. You can find her this year on Thursdays at the Northville Farmers' Market.
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​Malcolm has a musical background and brings a rhythm to the farm tasks. He has lots of experience working with plants in a greenhouse setting and an excellent eye for plant health. You can find him on Fridays at our hometown Stockbridge Farmers' Market and on Saturdays at the White Lotus Farm Cart.
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Malcolm M.
"I was born and raised in Chicago where my relationship with the environment started out exploring woods and playing sports. My ancestors have had a deep and powerful relationship with the environment, especially agriculture. When I met Mr. Yordy for horticulture in high school his passion opened me up to a different understanding and connection with plants. After nerding out in college and seeing more truth, I found myself part of a lineage of naturalists, activists and farmers. After making some decisions, I now help grow food as my role in creating access to harmony." |
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." |
Tenacity is the word that comes to mind when thinking of Mattie. No matter what the task, her mind is fully engaged. You can find her this year at either Detroit's Eastern Market.
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With an easy going a attitude, Cody rolls through the days. He is adaptable and ready to laugh. You can find him on Saturdays at the Chelsea Farmers' Market.
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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." |
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." |
Sean has an intellectual interest in farming and the capability of exploring it through experience. You can find him Saturday mornings helping out at market Saturday mornings (which one? wait and see!)
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It could be YOU!
We are still looking for a couple more "part-time" farmer workers! Are you interested in learning the ropes of working on a vegetable farm? Send us an email to inquire!
Brianna G.
"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." |
​Returning for a second year to work part-time in our greenhouse and in the office, Brianna's attention to detail is invaluable.
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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.
Exie the Dog!
Photo by A.E. Scott Designs
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.
