Story and photos by Nicole Mezeske
You know what I love about living in Northern Michigan? Each season provides us with new and abundant gifts for the senses.
I’ve spent most of my life in places without four seasons. Where growing seasons are year-round, but food systems are so disconnected that I was unaware of what was in season. When I met Zac and heard the stories of Northern Michigan, I was smitten ⸺ with him and this place.
He told me about picking asparagus and morel mushrooms in spring, fresh strawberry shortcake and tart cherry pies in summer, the crispest sweet apples and the “fall color tour,” and the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree in winter. The tastes, smells, textures and incredible views make this among the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. When I visited Bear Lake for the first time, I knew right away that I wanted to live here, that I wanted to raise our children here.
And several years later, here I am, co-owner of Z&N Farm. The screen door is open and I’m listening to the birds sing, watching and smelling the apple and cherry trees blossom. When the farm came alive with spring greens, a customer of ours said that our salad greens were becoming a new sign of the turning of the season. What an honor it was for me to hear that, to feel so connected to a place, a community, a season.
I was raised in a military family, so I never stayed in one place for more than a few years. I don’t have a hometown in the traditional sense of the word. To be given the opportunity to grow roots in this wonderful place means more than I have words to express. I watch my daughter at 2-and-a-half years old picking morel mushrooms in the woods her great grandparents foraged and holding fresh asparagus with the biggest smile, as she proudly says, “I LOVE ASPARAGUS.”
Spring into summer chores
We are over here growing hearts, roots and lots of veggies. My daily commute consists of a quarter-mile trail through century-old apple trees with farm dogs and a toddler at my side. We are greeted by robins and killdeer in the fields.
By the time I arrive at the farm with our toddler in tow, Farmer Zac has already been down at the farm for a couple hours, working by the first sign of the rising sun. Every morning the crops, especially those in the greenhouses, need watering. Currently, we are nursing transplants that are not yet ready to plant in the fields. They require hand watering and careful attention not to dry out, especially with the hot spring days we have had.
This time of year, our lives revolve around prepping beds by cultivating (removing weeds), top dressing with compost, transplanting or direct seeding. All our amendments (compost or organic fertilizers) are added by hand. All the transplanting is done by hand, and direct seeding with hand tools. Much of the work is physically demanding, and the planting requires precise spacing to be able to cultivate and water efficiently for optimal growth.
Farming is planning … and hard work
As charming as a life of farming may seem, it also requires a high level of resources and dedication. Much time, thought and research are put into the planning and implementation of each crop. But I am regularly amazed at the beauty and magic of how a tiny seed grows into food that nourishes our bodies and how these plants are so perfectly designed to provide for us.
Our soundtrack for the farm consists of the birds singing, farm equipment humming, and the sweet ticking of sprinklers working properly. Each day we must be prepared for the unexpected; we start each day with a plan, but what the farm needs can often change by the minute. Whether that be a broken sprinkler or tractor needing repair or specific crop requiring more water than another. Life on the farm keeps us on our toes, there is never a dull moment, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
A true sign of the season for us is marked by the start of farmers markets. The hustle and bustle of harvest: wash, pack, market, repeat. Surrounded by other talented farmers, bakers and makers who constantly inspire and amaze. There is so much dedication, passion and creativity in this community. No doubt, all of us inspired and fueled by the gifts of this shared place we call home. Want to see for yourself? Head to your local farmers market!
Meet Nicole at the family’s Z&N Farm booth on Thursdays at the Elberta Farmers Market and on select Saturdays at the Manistee Farmers Market. Details at: www.zenfarmllc.com/farm-stand
