Pleasant Hill Farm

5859 124th Avenue
Fennville, MI 49408 Pleasant Valley Farm

John VanVoorhees and Joan Donaldson have been organic farmers at Pleasant Hill Farm since 1975. The land has been in their family for nearly 70 years, beginning when John’s grandfather bought the farm in 1937. Currently, John and Joan have 50 acres, and 300 acres belong to John’s parents.

John and Joan’s two sons grew up farming. One of them, Carlos, has kept bees for eight years. Now in college, he tends to the forty hives and helps out around the farm while at home. The family grows raspberries, blueberries and a little hay. John and Joan take care of pruning, spraying, and harvesting the berries, and sometimes friends pitch in to help with the packing. They also have a couple dozen chickens for producing eggs, and goats for making cheese, butter, and milk. Let’s not forget Rosie, resident housecat; Robin Goodfellow, beloved corgi; barn cats Spencer and Gracie; and a bevy of ducks.

Joan reflects on farm life in personal essays that have appeared in such publications as Christian Science Monitor and Ideals Magazine.

Why is growing organic a priority for your family?
As Christians, we believe in being good stewards of the land. For this reason we chose to be organic over 25 years ago, though at that time few were seeking organics. We feel this is our calling.

What is your favorite part of being an organic farmer?
We are privileged to live a simple lifestyle on a beautiful farm only five miles from Lake Michigan. We love to nurture plants and meet the u-pickers who come back each year. We are blessed.

Why should people buy organic products instead of other options?
We believe our fruit tastes better and has more nutrients due to years of organic practice.

What makes your farm special?
The setting–rolling hills, woods, and forty acres of wild flowers (from our son’s bees!). We are blessed to live in our own little world complete with a pond.

Where can consumers get your products?
Our products are available on location at the farm. Customers can call us to make arrangements for a visit.

For more information about Pleasant Hill Farm, send an e-mail to sparrow@i2k.com, or call (269) 561-2850.