Meet your farmers.

Zachary was born and raised in Bear Lake, MI.  His Maternal Grandfather, Floyd Bowling Sr., was an award winning farmer well known for his strawberries.  His Paternal Grandfather Carl Mezeske was also a Michigan farmer who raised cattle and grew corn, hay and strawberries.  Z&N Farm is located on Grandpa Bowling’s former cherry orchard which had been out of production for close to 30 years. Zac is proud to continue to build upon the legacy of his Grandfathers and hopes to pass down a passion for farming to his daughters. Zac has spent most of his life with his hands in the dirt. He has always had a passion for watching plants grow.  He has years of experience using natural and organic growing methods including the use of composts, vermicomposting, soil amendments, crop rotations and organic pest management methods.

Nicole was raised in a military family and lived in Texas, Alaska, Oklahoma, California, and now Michigan. Nicole’s Maternal Grandparents live in Central Maine. Growing up she loved visiting their farm where they raised horses and chickens and made their own maple syrup and jams.  Nicole spent most of her early years in the Mojave Desert but was always drawn to greener pastures. The forest called her to Humboldt State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Masters Degree in Social Work. The experience of living and learning on a campus known for it’s social and environmental justice programs enhanced a desire to create a better world.   She researched food politics and practiced in backyard gardens.   She has several years of experience in community service programs and in public relations.  Nicole served two years as member of The Elberta Community Farmers Market board of directors and two years on the board of directors for Manistee Farmers Market. She also served as Elberta Farmers Market Manager in 2021. She is committed to building a healthier community and showing her daughters a way of life that reconnects us to the land and our food.