We were lucky to catch up with Taylor Schomaker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

To start a business from the ground up requires mass amounts of dedication, perseverance, and focus. We purchased the farm with no idea how far we would come over the past several years; transitioning a cash crop farm into a produce operation is no small feat. Our first year we sold produce off a small wagon and cultivated with a 1943 Farmall H Ryan had restored in High School for his Grandpa. Fast forward 4 years and it is amazing to see how the farm has flourished.

We are inspired by the community members that continue to support and enjoy the produce and environment we are creating. Over the years we have been known to provide u-pick crops, educational opportunities, and free events. We do this because our main goal with the farm is to foster community connection and education with an agricultural basis. We hope that Schomaker Farms is known for being an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment where you can not only buy fresh produce but also learn about agriculture within the local community.

We truly believe that we do better together and as a result we are constantly thinking of ways that we can help other small businesses in the area. This was our inspiration for creating the Thomas Township Farmers Market among many other ventures that will unfold over the next few years.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Schomaker Farms is a produce farm in Saginaw, MI. The young couple purchased the centennial family farm in 2018 and transitioned from a cash crop operation to a produce farm. The farm grows an array of produce items including: tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkins, assorted squash, cucumbers, and so much more! During the season, harvested produce items are available in a roadside stand that is open daily from 8 am – 8 pm.

Be sure to stop by where you will likely be greeted by the young smiling couple hard at work with their 1.5 year old son, Bennett, and puppy, Aspen! The self-serve roadside stand is conveniently located at 1103 Leddy Road in Saginaw, MI.

Be sure to follow the farm on Facebook (@SchomakerFarms) for more information on in-season produce and event updates!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Farming is an expensive endeavor, especially when starting an operation that has no equipment or supplies for the products you are attempting to grow. We have had to remain working full-time positions alongside our role as local produce farmers to fund our venture and growth over the past few years. Ryan is a lineman apprentice with less than a year left in the program. Taylor is a registered dietitian nutritionist in private practice.

Every year the money that we make on the farm we pour back into the farm to help improve the next season. We cannot tell you what a game changer it was to have a tractor after using the Farmall H for the first year… or upgrading to the Rain-Flo Mulch Layer our 3rd year after 2 years of manually hand planting and weeding all season. Every year we look to improve the equipment, supplies, or processes to help foster a more successful season the next year.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

We are told that community members look forward to the positive environment that comes with any trip they make to the farm. Whether it’s from being able to communicate directly with the farmer, observe where and how we pick the produce, or even just enjoying time with the goats!

Our customers are what keep us going – we enjoy their trip to the farm and positive words of encouragement just as much as they enjoy supporting! We will continue to work hard to foster community connection and education around fresh produce.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @schomakerfarms
• Facebook: @schomakerfarms

Image Credits
Winsome Glimpse Photography Britanie Marie Photography