In the age-old tradition of apprenticeship
We learned about cold weather farming from other farmers.
Before Bluestem Farm, we worked on a biodynamic farm outside St. Petersburg, Russia. Then a diversified organic raw-milk dairy in northern New England. Even when we lived in New York City, we kept chickens and had a container garden.
We moved around a lot, but it looks like farming just kept following us.
In 2012, we grew up, moved home
and started Bluestem Farm.
Aaron
Each year, Aaron leads a team that grows thousands of pounds of certified organic vegetables and raises thousands of animals on pasture. Formative experiences include thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail as a young man, hitchhiking, and fatherhood. He's got a great memory for books. If you think he’s a quiet guy, go ahead and ask him about soil health sometime.
The Crew
If you’ve read about what we’re doing and think this place could be a good fit for you, reach out to us—we’d love to hear from you.
Mary
Mary's past is littered with partial careers in teaching, cooking, and writing. She usually has salad dressing on her shirt.
bluestem farm in the news
Local Food Heroes - Petoskey News-Review
We wrote a year-long column for Edible Grande Traverse Magazine that followed the travails and successes of an early year at Bluestem Farm. Read the whole series here: Fall, The Holidays, Winter & Spring at Bluestem Farm
What is Organic Farming, Really? - Clean Eating Magazine
First-Generation Farmers Set Deep Roots in East Jordan - Petoskey News-Review
New Program Brings CSA Shares to the Disadvantaged - Traverse City Record-Eagle
What is a CSA and How Do They Work? - Petoskey News-Review
Foodies of the Month - Traverse Magazine
Local Food All Year Round - GrowerTalks Magazine
Local Band Supports Farm with a Cause - Grand Traverse Insider
Farmer Heroes - EcoCentric blog
Groups Join Effort to Subsidize Food for Low-Income Families - Charlevoix Courier
Bluestem Farm Grows Roots in East Jordan - Petoskey News-Review