We are a family of four in Grand Rapids, MI, exploring a transition to partial farm income within the next 5–10 years. On our 1/10 acre city plot, we currently manage beehives, fruit trees, vegetables, native plants, and plan to add laying hens in 2026. Our long-term vision is a regenerative, diversified farm rooted in permaculture, community education, and applied research. We bring strong research and business skills and are interested in gradual, values-aligned land transitions.
Preferred location: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ottawa, St. Joseph, Van Buren
Desired Transitional Agreement: Farm Seeker/Farm Owner Partnership, Lease, Lease to buy, Mentorship, Working arrangement with future partner
Dec 20, 2025
Desired Acreage
- 11-25 Acres
Desired Infrastructure
Desired Land Usage
Goals, Values, Vision
Hello! We are a family of four currently in the exploratory phase of transitioning toward generating a portion of our household income from farming. While we are not ready to make the leap immediately, we are intentionally researching land access, business models, and mentorship opportunities with the goal of transitioning within the next 5–10 years (if it makes sense).
At present, we are maximizing the productive potential of our 1/10-acre city lot in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our home operation includes managed beehives, fruit trees, annual vegetable production, native plant beds, and plans to introduce a small flock of laying hens in 2026. This space serves as a testing ground for both production practices and record-keeping as we learn the operational and financial realities of (very!) small-scale agriculture.
Our long-term vision is a regenerative, diversified farm grounded in permaculture and ecological stewardship. We are particularly interested in models that integrate food production with community education, applied research, and partnerships with universities or extension programs. Ideally, the farm would support multiple functions: ecological restoration, modest farm income, hands-on learning opportunities, and intergenerational land care.
Our professional backgrounds are in research, evaluation, and data-driven decision-making, and we see these skills as a strength in building a thoughtful, well-managed operation. We are especially interested in learning from experienced farmers about farm business planning, land transitions, infrastructure development, and succession—whether through mentorship, gradual transition, or creative land-access arrangements.
As parents of young children, we are deeply motivated by the idea of stewarding land in a way that supports future generations and contributes positively to local food systems. We are inspired by the work of Joel Salatin (Polyface Farm), Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Leah Penniman (Soul Fire Farm), particularly their emphasis on ecological ethics, education, and community connection.
We are open to conversations with landowners and farmers who are seeking thoughtful, values-aligned stewards for their land—whether now or in the future—and who see potential in a gradual, collaborative transition rather than an immediate handoff.
Farming Status
Current Farming Status
Part Time
Farm Experience/Education
Farm owner
Mentoring
I am seeking mentorship
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming Method
Organic Practices
Our farming plans are centered on organic and permaculture-based practices, with a strong emphasis on soil health, biodiversity, and working with natural systems rather than against them. While we are still at the beginning of our journey in fully implementing these methods, we are actively learning through hands-on experimentation. We are particularly interested in low-input, regenerative approaches that balance productivity with ecological stewardship and are open to adapting our practices as we gain experience and local knowledge.
