North Harvest CSA was founded in 2013 by Jake and Ashley TenHarmsel, two passionate individuals who shared a common vision: to create a farm that not only produced high-quality, sustainably grown produce but also fostered a deep connection with the local community. What began as a modest agricultural endeavor has grown into a flourishing example of sustainable farming and community-driven agriculture. This year marks 10 years since the couple undertook their first Calumet farmer’s market, with nothing but a table and some produce from their backyard garden. Today, the established farm on Tikkanen Road in Calumet spans 2 acres of land and 5 hoop houses.
From the outset, North Harvest CSA was committed to environmentally responsible and sustainable farming practices, having first gained meaningful experience working as farmhands in Colorado. North Harvest Farm produces a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs that are free from chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. A mix of pelletized chicken compost, local composted cow manure, and worm castings are amendments used to fertilize the soil, as well as low-till methods and crop rotation. Jake and Ashley harvest our produce by hand with loving care so you can be sure that what makes it to your dinner table is as fresh as possible.
Their favorite veggie to harvest? Peppers!
“There are so many pepper varieties to try out! They never get boring, and they are fun to pick,” said Ashley.
At the Co-op, North Harvest is our handy late-season heavy hitter for peppers: green and purple bells, poblanos, anaheims, jalapeños, and Italian frying peppers. North Harvest is also our regular local supplier of rich, peppery arugula, picked at the young stage for maximum flavor. You can catch other staple greens from North Harvest on the produce shelves, like Napa cabbage, bok choy, lacinato kale, green kale, mustard mix, lettuce, and more.
As North Harvest CSA grows, so grows its impact on the local community. The farmers offer resources on cooking and preserving fresh food, are involved in local farm-to-school efforts, host farm tours on their property, and had a hand in developing the Calumet Community Free Fridge. The folks at North Harvest are a crowd favorite not only for their fresh produce but their down-to-earth personalities, as they continue to lift up fellow business farmers and be a source of fresh food and knowledge for the entire community.
“They’re just a lot of fun,” said Andy Whitman, our Produce Coordinator. “They’re really good people. Some of my favorite to interact with, in whatever capacity.”
906-370-2007
26262 Tikkanen Rd, Calumet Twp, Michigan, 49913
Website: https://northharvestcsa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northharvestCSA/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northharvestcsa/
Photos & Article by Lily Venable
Our co-op utilizes the Policy Governance Ⓡ Model to clearly distinguish between the governance responsibilities of the board and the operational management responsibilities of the General Manager (GM). The board delegates operational responsibilities to the GM who has sole responsibility for them. For more about how the Board supervises the General Manager through policy, see our Governing Policies Page
Our staff work to keep the store running smoothly and ensure our community has access to high-quality food. We strive to offer a wide range of local, organic, and environmentally friendly products to support healthy and sustainable living. We’re here to support you on your journey towards a more conscious and delicious lifestyle.
As Shoppers, Owners relate directly to the staff team who are responsible for store operations. As voting Members, Owners elect the Board of Directors who, in turn, hires and supervises the General Manager (GM).
The Board of Directors hires and supervises just one operational employee: the General Manager. All subsequent staff supervision is fully delegated to the General Manager, who has sole discretion over all subsequent operational decisions.