We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tiffany Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tiffany below.

Tiffany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I struggled with dyslexia growing up and had a lot of trouble in school. Teachers didn’t know what to do with someone who had a second-grade reading level in 6th grade but could comprehend at a college level. My parents were told I would be lucky to graduate high school. So, they went above and beyond to get me help. Getting my sister and I dyslexia tutors so we could learn how to cope with the challenges. Pushing me to do my best and to not allow diversity to hold me back. By the time I was graduating I was taking Advanced Placement classes while also participating in sports, band, and 4-H. I went from barely passing to graduating towards the top of my class and going on to have a masters in organic agriculture and food systems from University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart. They also instilled the importance of education and there is always something new to learn. And not all education comes from school or books. Some of the best education happens out in the field working alongside your elders. Growing up I was encouraged to have a diverse set of skills. I played multiple sports, multiple instruments, learned farming skills, rode horse, made art, and learned basic construction skills. My parents knew this would allow me to adapt and survive in any situation. It also gave me the confidence to try and fail sometimes because that is the only way new skills are learned. My job at the Wexford Conservation District is a great example of developing and using a diverse skill set. I do everything from accounting, writing newspaper articles, and teaching workshop.

Tiffany, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was raised on a small farm in Michigan, which is where I live now. My sister and I are the 5th generation to work the land we live on. Growing up we has a lot of diversity on the farm including cattle, horses, pigs, lambs, chickens, and bees. As a young adult I also worked on a swine farm and a dairy farm milking. When I was 23, I met a German farmer and moved to Germany when I was 25. I stayed in Germany for almost 6 years, where I lived on an organic farm with around 5000 laying hens and beef cattle. While in Germany I also graduated from the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart with my Masters in Organic Agriculture and Food Systems. Farming has always been a great passion of mine but so has art. Since I was very young, I would draw and paint. Taking art class in high school and college. I even applied to an art university after two years of college. I was accepted but unfortunately could now afford the tuitions. I ended up going on to receive my bachelor’s in environmental biology. But I never stopped creating or taking some art classes. While in Germany my ex encouraged me to continue making art and got me all the supplies I needed. I ended up starting an Instagram account and picked up a few commissions.
Unfortunately, my relationship ended in 2017 and I returned home to the family farm in February of 2018. Once home my family and I started preparing for farmers markets, where I combined my passion for both farming and art. We started off slow proving honey, fruit, eggs, and art. My sister and parents were already selling some grass feed beef at the time. And using the honey as gifts. The first year was a struggle, many days I would only break even. But many other farmer, family, and friends encouraged me not to give up.
Over the last almost 5 years we have increased our production. We offer many different sizes of honey, infused honey, and honey produces. Our vegetable gardens are now over an acre and are grown using organic practices. Last spring, we added a hoop house. I really enjoy birds, so in addition to the chickens I have added ducks, geese, and turkeys. Over the last 3 years my sister and her husband have added lambs and a CNC machine to the farm. With all the products on the farm we try to provide the highest quality of food as possible. We also want to provide diversity in what we offer. This allows our farm to be more sustainable and holistic.
On my own I create a lot of art, mainly doing paintings in watercolor and acrylic. Much of the work I do is sold at the farmers market, but I will occasionally do a commission. I also created the farm logo.
In addition to art, I have always had an interest in herbalism. Over the last two years I have started creating herbal products. Including salves, oil infusions, and tinctures. My future goal is to grow this part of my business. Eventually taking on clients and helping them using herbal remedies. I find it rewarding knowing I can help other in a natural way either through food, art, or herbal remedies.
Besides doing the farmers market, I’m also the district manager at the Wexford Conservation District. I have many responsibilities but one of my favorites is providing education in the form of workshops. These workshops range from beekeeping, paint&sips, homesteading, herbalism, etc… This has also led to me doing workshops privately on and off farm.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is being able to help others. whether it’s honey, art, or herbal remedies I’m helping someone in some way. With the honey I’m providing a high-quality food, and many take it for their allergies. The art brings something beautiful in the world and can brighten someone’s day. The herbal remedies help some to feel better and heal in a natural way.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Part of my mission that dives me with farming is I want to create the best quality food possible while develop a sustainable and regenerative landscape. Making sure the next generation has a farm they can be proud of to take over and grow of their future generation. I want to create something that helps provide of my future family just as my ancestors did. I also want to help shrink the supply chain by providing local food. I believe by shrink the supply chains we can help provide food security in the long run.

Contact Info:

• Website: jonesmoonlitfarm.com
• Instagram: farmingartist13
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072301325057
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-jones-06596011a/

Image Credits
Tiffany Jones