Our Story

If fate hadn’t brought us together the way it did, we might have met anyway – in space. Or maybe on our way to space. Because before either of us wanted to live the farm life, we wanted to be astronauts. What kid didn’t?

Tyler is a 4th generation farmer. Growing up a farm kid was pretty awesome – chickens, tractors, lots of time outside. When it came time to go to college, he pursued a double major in agricultural business and economics, then went to grad school in Sweden for a masters in environmental studies and sustainability science. Upon coming home, he entered the workforce first as a research consultant and eventually as a fellow on global food and agriculture for a prestigious Chicago think tank. Following his passion in food and agriculture, Tyler now manages a new non-profit focusing on driving innovation in Illinois’ agri-food system while running the farm on the side. It was the initial contract job at the think tank, however, that landed Tyler in the path of his future farmer in crime.

Jacalyn grew up in the near northwestern suburbs of Chicago, then moved to Florida around the age of 10. She studied sociology and public health at the University of Florida, where she developed an interest in nutrition and food policy. After moving to Chicago, she worked in development and fundraising and eventually ended up at the same think tank that Tyler would later join. Having left the nonprofit world in 2013, she now works in corporate buying, but her favorite job is Mommy.

Eli Strom, our newest addition, arrived in 2016. He's been quick to catch the farm bug and has already taken over the sweetcorn business. He can't wait until he can reach the tractor pedal.

The decision to farm was surprisingly easy. Tyler wanted to farm. Jacalyn wanted to bring people nutritious food. It was a good match. As a family, we share a passion for serving fresh, healthy food in our community. In our farming endeavors, we aspire to be strong proponents of sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, and we treasure the opportunity for our son to experience the joys of growing up on the farm. We’re endlessly thankful for having the opportunity to share our passions and extend our roots locally in our community.