Just north of Lowell, Michigan, down a quiet dirt road, Chimney Creek Farm stands as a beacon of sustainable, organic agriculture. Managed with love and passion by Deane and Linda Brengle, along with their youngest daughter Tory Nagelkerke, the farm offers a wide variety of nutrient-dense, non-gmo vegetables, grown to organic standards. It’s not just a farm—it’s a community hub, connecting local families to their food through a successful Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Chimney Creek Farm and was greeted by vibrant patches of colorful flowers and abundant vegetables. As this father-daughter team showed me around, I quickly saw how dedicated they are to providing the community with fresh, high-quality produce.
“We do everything by hand — no large equipment, no tractors,” Brengle explained. “We use rototillers and a lot of planning to make sure everything is as fresh as possible.”
Their CSA program, which they’ve been running for 15 years, is the backbone of their farm. Through the CSA, members prepay for either a full or half box of vegetables delivered weekly or biweekly throughout the summer and fall seasons.
“The vegetables are so fresh, they’ll last a long time,” Brengle noted. “Some are picked a little early so they last until the next box arrives.”
Nagelkerke, who manages the spreadsheets and handles much of the logistics, added that they put a lot of thought into what goes into each box.
“We do a farm walk every Monday to see what’s ripe,” she said. “We’re always rotating so customers get a good variety. It’s a lot of planning—we figure it out in the fall and winter, then work backwards to make sure everything grows on time.”
The farm’s offerings are diverse, ranging from nine varieties of cherry tomatoes (a local favorite) to less common vegetables like kohlrabi and bok choy.
“Our customers really love the cherry tomatoes,” Nagelkerke shared. “We only grow three types of slicers, but those cherry tomatoes? People can’t get enough of them.”
One standout feature of Chimney Creek’s CSA is their delivery service. “We’re the only local CSA that delivers,” said Brengle. “About a third of our customers come to the farm to pick up their boxes, but the other two-thirds love the convenience of delivery.” Farm pick-up has its perks, too—customers can often grab extra vegetables available on-site.
The family’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their farming practices. They use plastic mulch to conserve moisture and drip tape for irrigation, which reduces water waste. Additionally, they avoid pesticides unless absolutely necessary, relying on organic sprays made from chrysanthemums.
“We only spray early in the morning or late at night when the bees aren’t active,” Brengle said, showing a strong commitment to protecting pollinators. The farm also employs natural solutions like netting and beneficial insects, such as predatory wasps and ladybugs, to protect their crops.
Chimney Creek isn’t just about vegetables—it’s about building community. The farm hosts a spring open house, welcoming the public to tour the farm. In the fall, they hold a members-only pumpkin day where families can pick pumpkins, enjoy farm-fresh food, and celebrate the harvest season. Nagelkerke also shares her passion for cooking by posting between 30-45 recipes each week that use the vegetables in that week’s box.
“We want people to enjoy their vegetables,” Nagelkerke said. “The recipes and unboxing videos help members understand what they have and how to use it.”
When asked if they plan to expand, Brengle shook his head. “No, we’re comfortable with the size we are. It’s important to us to maintain this personal connection with our customers.”
Nagelkerke summed it up best when she said, “The CSA isn’t just about healthy eating—it’s about supporting small businesses, buying local, and building community.”
Chimney Creek Farm isn’t just a place to get your vegetables; it’s a place where sustainable farming practices, community values, and healthy living intersect, making it a true gem right here in our own back yard.
To learn more about Chimney Creek Farm and their veggie box program, visit their website. The fall season begins in mid-Oct., but new members can join at any time.
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