As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) in a rural village, I was adopted by several kind, good, Christian ladies whom I affectionally call my Silent Generation Midwest Grandmothers. These upright and practical women taught me so much about work ethic and righteous living along with what womanhood is meant to be. They filled my out of school time with song and music, gardening and harvesting, and making useful things.

Every summer and major holiday was spent on Grandma and Grandpa’s Farm. The Winslow family has been farming in Hemlock, Michigan since 1866, answering the calling of the soil. Our blood has never forgotten the covenant of labor, and those summers were spent learning to crochet and sew, bake and can, and feed a hungry army.These skills saved me as a young parent during the recession, helping stretch dollars as far as possible. I was always passionate about our food sources and ensuring my family had the healthiest quality food possible, whether we were living in the country or the city. I continued to be curious about self-sustainability, ethical and healthy food sourcing, and committed to learning a new skill every year.

In 2018, I won a hive set-up at HABA’s bee school, starting hands-on with bees that I kept on a family friend’s farm in the City of Holland. I absolutely loved spending time on the farm; bees softly humming as they pollinated the buckwheat, the sun warming the side of the hive in the cool morning air. When I lost my bees in my 2nd season I hung up my veil.I never forgot the calm of the bee yard, but I was certain I wouldn’t want to keep bees again. It felt like I was always racing towards the next goal, task, or destination, and I found myself often thinking about those brief moments of everyday life where everything was still. I became homesick for the pasture; the garden and field; the lake; but most of all, for the bee yard. Winslow Heritage Farm was hatched in Spring 2025, with the purchase of some used woodenware, 2 Golden West packages, and 10 chicks. 

Today we focus on bringing delicious honey, farm-fresh eggs, and other healthy foods to our dear friends and neighbors. We hope every bite brings you that moment of stillness, connecting you back to your food’s origin. By doing so, I hope to share the wisdom and example of my favorite Grandmothers. As a young parent I cooked meals from scratch and pinched pennies wherever I could while trying to source local, ethical food that was healthy and nutritious for my family. That journey has brought me to this current resting place, a small homestead in Sheridan (right outside of Greenville) where I raise my own chickens, ducks, and bees. When I’m not outside in the garden, you can find me at the typewriter, or fishing across the road.

                                                                           –Kristie Winslow