Michelle’s path as a farmer and community leader began with her own vision for what food justice could look like in her community. Drawing on her lived experience and deep commitment to her neighbors, she built her farm and food work one step at a time — grounding it in dignity, sustainability, and shared leadership.
As she and her husband Nathan grew their farm business, Michelle navigated the realities of markets, production, and community needs with determination and insight. At the same time, they worked to create a new farmers market – one that was helping to serve the whole community, not just those able to purchase local food as a luxury. Her work created new points of connection: between families seeking fresh food, farmers looking for stable markets, and community members working for healthier food systems.
With growth came new challenges — not because she lacked skill, but because the systems surrounding farmers are often complex, under-resourced, or not designed with women farmers and small farmers. Michelle’s leadership has meant navigating those systems while staying focused on her mission and her community.
CFA walks alongside Michelle by offering spaces where farmers lead the conversation, share strategies, and shape policy and programs together. Through these partnerships, Michelle’s voice and experience help guide broader work on food access, regional markets, and values-based food systems. Her leadership is shaping the future of farming in Kentucky.