I’m Chris Jaeger, a commercial carpenter and fabricator based in Walled Lake. I’m looking to work alongside an experienced Michigan farmer who wants to step back over time and teach someone how to run the operation. I can bring hands-on skills in building, repairs, and maintenance while I learn the farming side. My long-term goal is to own and operate a farm with my family. I’m open to a working partnership or lease-to-own if it’s a good fit for both of us.
Preferred location: Alcona, Alger, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Barry, Bay, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Houghton, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Iron, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Keweenaw, Lake, Lapeer, Leelanau, Lenawee, Livingston, Luce, Mackinac, Macomb, Manistee, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Menominee, Midland, Missaukee, Monroe, Montcalm, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Ottawa, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac, Schoolcraft, Shiawassee, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne, Wexford
Desired Transitional Agreement: Farm Seeker/Farm Owner Partnership, Lease to buy, Mentorship, Working arrangement with future partner
Nov 8, 2026
Desired Acreage
- < 1 Acres
- 1-5 Acres
- 5-10 Acres
- 11-25 Acres
- 26-100 Acres
- 101-250 Acres
- 251-500 Acres
- 501-1000 Acres
- >1000 Acres
Desired Infrastructure
Desired Land Usage
Goals, Values, Vision
Long term, I want to own and run a farm with my family and build something my kids can carry on if they want to. I want them to know what it feels like to put in a hard day’s work, look back at what they got done, and be proud of it. I want them to learn to keep their word, do things right even when nobody’s watching, and take care of the land and the people who count on them. The best way I know to teach that is to work alongside them.
I’m new to running a farm. I’ve raised poultry and harvested goats and deer, so I have some hands-on experience and a basic understanding of what goes into that work. I’ve also spent my life since 11 years old in carpentry, working alongside my father. I know how to build, fix things, run a crew, and figure things out when a job doesn’t go to plan. I've run my own small contracting company as well. Im no stranger to putting the work in and can put those skills to work while I learn how to run a farm day to day and keep it going as a business.
I’d like to work alongside a farmer who wants to step back over time and cares about what happens to the place after they do. If we work well together, I’d like to take on more responsibility as I earn their trust and work toward owning the farm down the road.
Farming Status
Current Farming Status
Not currently farming
Farm Experience/Education
Farm internship/apprenticeship, No experience farming
Mentoring
I am seeking mentorship
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming Method
Conventional
I’m open to conventional farming and willing to learn other methods if they make sense for the farm. I’ve raised poultry, and I’d like to build on that experience. If I’m stepping into an established operation, I want to learn how the owner runs it and why they do things the way they do before I start changing anything. I care about taking good care of the land and animals and keeping the farm going as a business.
