MEET OUR FARMERS

JOHN DINDIA AND BAILEY SAMP

John and Bailey met traveling in South America and quickly discovered their shared passion for good food, community, and traveling! Their love for NoMI, and passion for farming has drawn them back to Traverse City where they've been working hard to build a farm together since 2017. Bailey has a B.S. in Business Management and John has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies and a B.S. in Sustainable and Organic Horticulture from Michigan State University. These diverse educational backgrounds have helped them build a successful farming business in Traverse City and achieve their goals together.  When not on the farm, they enjoy hiking, traveling to new places, drinking beer at the beach, and cooking local food with friends.

JOSH MOLLIGAN

Josh Molligan was born and raised in the heart of cotton country in Lubbock, Texas. He earned his Bachelor's of Science in Plant & Soil Sciences from Texas Tech University where he also served as the president of the horticulture society. During his undergraduate studies he completed multiple farm internships in a wide variety of climates—from the islands of the Pacific Northwest to the Andes Mountains of central Chile. After three years of running his own farm in Lubbock, Texas where he hosted workers with special needs, Josh found his way to NoMI to pursue his interest in year-round greenhouse production. We’re happy to give Josh the opportunity to expand his knowledge of farming through a new climate and soil type!

DANIELLE SIDOR

Danielle has a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Northern Michigan University and has worked on many small-scale sustainable agriculture farms throughout Michigan. From the U.P. to Grand Rapids, and now Traverse City, she is excited to get back up north! When not farming, she spends her time outdoors with her dog, biking, practicing yoga, and traveling.

MICHELLE JACOKES

Michelle Jacokes earned a B.S. in Food Industry Management from Michigan State University, and a minor in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. Michelle has worked on large- scale biodiverse organic farms in Western MA and NoMI. She came to NoMI to serve as an AmeriCorps member with the GTRLC in a land stewardship role, and thereafter worked as a produce safety technician with the Manistee Conservation District. Her passion has always been for regenerative agriculture and she enjoys connecting with the ever-changing aspects of agriculture, as well as expanding innovative ways for farms to take steps to safer produce and conservation driven initiatives. When not farming, she loves to immerse herself in the great outdoors; cook; listen to records; and explore the wonders of NoMI!