Jacob Quincy
Lead Grower

Jacob caught the bug for organic farming while attending college in Washington State. A class on medicinal botany landed him on the Skokomish Indian Reservation near Olympia and he ended up spending seven years there, soaking up the wisdom of amazing mentors and learning how to run an agricultural program. Jacob became convinced that he wanted to farm his own land, and in 2007, he moved back to the Midwest to do just that. Jacob has a wonderful sense for growing beautiful foods that taste incredible, and he is often drawn to unusual heirloom varieties with interesting stories and rich flavor. He also has an unworldly retention of Latin plant names and can see perfectly in the blackest of night. 

Krista “Bee” Isaacs 
Grower, Researcher, and Amazing Cook + Cocktail Maker

Krista is a professor at Michigan State University in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her research program in seed systems for smallholder farmers is rooted in a transdisciplinary perspective that integrates participatory processes, crop ecology and plant breeding with gender studies. This research focuses on improving smallholder access and availability to preferred, quality seed in Africa and Latin America. Methodologically, she combines elements of crop ecology and qualitative methods to learn with farmers and understand their preferences and needs so we can generate innovative strategies for improving agricultural livelihoods and maintaining genetic and agricultural diversity. She aims to practice an inclusive science, where the diverse and varied needs of all voices are heard and contribute to the process.

She also makes incredible bread, deserts, and cordials, which are particularly amazing when they are made from ingredients grown on the farm!

Laurie Smith
Farm Communications + Chicago Liason

Laurie grew up in upstate New York where her grandfather had been a potato farmer and her father worked in a General Store managing the lumber and feed departments frequented by all the local farmers. When Jacob expressed his passion for organic farming, Laurie immediately recognized it as an opportunity to plan a second career that would get her outside, connected with family traditions, and creating new ventures aligned with her passion for healthy food. A new family partnership was born, and in 2007, Jacob, Liz and Laurie took ownership of a beautiful piece of land in southwest Michigan that bore a strong resemblance to the softly rolling hills of Laurie’s childhood home.

The move to urban spaces in her young adulthood made Laurie a convert to city life, so now she gets to have the perfect life. She spends half her time in Chicago and the other half on the farm where the stars light up the entire night sky. Laurie does a little bit of everything, including working (at least) two markets, coordinating wholesale, interviewing interns, overseeing flower production, weeding, washing, packing, driving, working a day job, and having a blast! 

Donna Skrezec 
Long Island NY Liason of Enchanted

If you are in the NY area, you can go to one of Donna's events and see the artistic works of our talented family member. Donna deserves the credit for starting the Enchanted events hosted at Fat Blossom Farm in Michigan. Donna and Liz collaborate to build the elaborate houses for the trails as well as designing new products to inspire and help families connect with nature.

Vanessa Rosenbaum 
Resident Artist + Farmhand

A very good friend of the family, Vanessa helps out with all things art + design, along with a slew of other stuff. Lately she's been screenprinting posters that have been inspired by her work with the farm. 

Clayton Quincy
Entertainment

If you're ever up for a game of soccer or baseball while at the farm, Clayton is your guy. He can also tell you exactly where to find the Dragon's Underpants beans.