our team
jeanne (she/her)
Based in Chicago, I'm a land access practitioner, community organizer, and party planner that aims to center collaboration, abundance, care, and systems change in my work. I helped start our chapter in 2021 through a desire to make new farmer friends and tap into the agrarian community I knew existed and thrived here. I have a deep belief in collective involvement and people power that has been strengthened through watching my fellow organizers put their energy and passion into this chapter and through gathering with fellow farmers at NIYF's annual event, Our Midwestern Farm-ily Reunion.
My go-to farming knife? Easy. Victorinox, Serrated. Adaptable, accessible, sleek unfussy luxury. Seems like three words you could also use to describe NIYF... Find me behind the pancake griddle at the next reunion to chat about organizing, land access, collective grief, or puppets!
shane (they/them)
Shane is a co-owner of Ramshackle Farm, a queer and trans owned farm that has been in operation since 2021. They operate a year round farm, growing hydroponically, in high tunnels, and in a diversified no-till market garden to offer local, pesticide free food to our community throughout the year. They are passionate about building community, and supporting a resilient, accessible local food system. They prioritize queer joy on the farm and aim to craft a safe space for LGBTQIA+ folks within the landscape of rural agriculture. Their business practices are guided by a fundamental belief in anarchism, anti-capitalism, diy punk rock, and mutual aid.
Favorite 🔪: #8 Opinel
alyssa (she/her)
Alyssa is a farmer, gardener, yogi, and friend. She learned the basics of urban farming at Loyola University where she received her BA, then she moved on to learn the basics of rural farming (and life) in Washington and northern New Mexico. Motivated by the need to restore food sovereignty, land access, and community well being, she continues to farm the earth. She believes to fuel the food revolution, we need people to feed the revolution, and those people need friends.
Alyssa is passionate about NIYF’s work, as it provides farmer friendships a space to be nurtured. She now farms in the Chicago area, and can be found enjoying many yummy foods, slacklining between trees, drinking water, and smiling at strangers. Expect an email from her soon about this year’s Farm-ily reunion!
Favorite 🔪: Hori hori
laura (she/her)
Laura’s bio ….coming soon.
Laura is amazing so it’s worth the wait ;)
ben (he/him)
Ben Jaffe has worked in the farming, food and non-profit sector for over twenty years. He is the co-owner of Earthlore Farm, a small family-owned market farm 70 miles southeast of Chicago. Earthlore distributes its local products for retail and wholesale outlets in the Chicagoland area as well as partnering with local farms and institutions. Prior to jumping full-time into managing their rural farm Ben worked in various roles in Chicago's urban farming scene; Director at Chicago Lights Urban Farm where he worked to provide a variety of programs to the Cabrini Green/Near North community over 8 years, Instructor of the 9-month program at Windy City Harvest and Community Garden Liason at the Chicago Park District. Ben moved to the midwest some 15 years ago to be with his wife Caitlin but is originally from Massachusetts, where he also spent many seasons working on rural farms of various sizes and types. Ben loves his 2 daughters, age 3 and 7 and also likes to play music, build useful things and take walks in the woods.