Written By: Jacqueline Bishop, Oryana’s Digital Communications Coordinator
Tucked into the rolling agricultural hills of Cedar, Michigan, Open Air Farms is more than just a beautiful place to grow food, it’s a labor of love, resilience, and innovation. Oryana had the chance to visit the farm, and we were thrilled to learn from this inspiring new generation of farmers rooted in both city and soil. When we pulled off the main road and followed a winding two-track through the fields, we weren’t sure if we’d taken a wrong turn. The farm, almost hidden in the heart of the landscape, slowly revealed itself like a secret oasis in Leelanau County. And what Jasmine and Ris have built there, entirely from scratch, is nothing short of extraordinary.
Open Air Farms grows a vibrant mix of produce and blooms. From a wide variety of greens and seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, radishes, and garlic, to unique varieties of turmeric and ginger, every crop is grown with care and intention. Their tulips, dahlias, and peonies brighten up the land, and their CSA boxes, bringing both nourishment and joy to tables across Michigan.
The farm is completely off grid, which adds another layer of complexity to an already demanding job. Every step, from building infrastructure to washing and packing produce, requires creativity and resourcefulness. But Jasmine and Ris are up to the task.
The pair started farming in 2020 while working full-time jobs in Detroit, gradually growing their operation from backyard garden beds to leased land, becoming vendors at the historical Eastern Market, launching a small CSA, and even supplying a few restaurants. Their journey eventually led them to northern Michigan, where they fell in love with the region while camping and exploring. That dream evolved into Open Air Farms, a place where they could grow food, build community, and share their love of nature and nourishing meals.
During our visit, one thing was clear: this next generation of farmers is approaching the land with fresh eyes. Jasmine and Ris are lean, intentional, and deeply invested in regenerative practices. They’re also realistic, most farmers don’t earn a full-time income right away. Many, like them, work multiple jobs to turn their farming dreams into reality. With Ris bringing expertise from the mortgage industry, and Jaz drawing on experience as a high school English teacher, college access and success coach, and even a stint in the craft beer world, the two took their love of growing from hobby status to full blast. And that’s how any great love story, or business, begins.
We’re thrilled to share that Open Air Farms is one of Oryana’s 2025 Microloan Recipients. With support from our Microloan Program, in partnership with Crosshatch and Grain Train, Jasmine and Ris were able to purchase a 10-gallon greens spinner from Neversink Tools. This investment has been a major upgrade to their wash and pack setup, increasing efficiency and reducing labor. In a farm that runs off grid and is being built from the ground up, every improvement counts.
Open Air’s CSA program continues to grow, helping feed households from Cedar to Detroit with fresh, nutritious food. Supporting farms like theirs is what the Oryana Microloan Program is all about, investing in local, sustainable agriculture and the people who make it possible.
Thank you, Jasmine and Ris, for sharing your story, your farm, and your delicious harvests with us. We’re so proud to be a part of your journey.
View the Video Interview Here:
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- Flowers peeking out in the pastures of Open Air Farms.
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- Greens in the Greenhouse.
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- Fresh Greens!
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- The 10 Gallon Neversink greens tumblr.
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- Close up of fresh greens!
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- Jaz (pictured on the left) and Ris (pictured on the right) of Open Air Farms.
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- Greens peeking out.
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- Radishes (yes we got to try some, fresh out of the ground).
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- More veggies!
