Hi, I’m Katie — founder of Nine Oak Farms.

After years of working in a demanding career caring for others, I felt a deep pull back to my roots — quite literally. My great-grandfather immigrated to mid-Michigan and started a farm, which my grandfather and grandmother proudly continued. I grew up spending my days at their farmhouse, helping in the garden and learning the value of hard work, community, and connection to the land.

Something was always missing for me, though — animals. By the time I was old enough to join in, chickens and rabbits were no longer part of the farming efforts. After years of study, earning a master’s degree in business management, and plenty of time spent “chasing the next goal,” I decided it was finally time to build something of my own.

In late 2024, Nine Oak Farms was born on the site of my grandparents’ farm. With the help of my family and some ancient but mighty farm equipment (read: Farmall), we started with two 12×6 hen houses (affectionately named Louie’s Henhouse and Gloria’s Henhouse - a tribute to my grandparents), a chicken run, and a batch of 20 chicks. Since then, we’ve grown our flock to 49 happy hens, 1 charismatic rooster (Cluck Daddy), and 4 curious bantam chicks — all pasture-raised, well-loved, and part of the family.

Nine Oak Farms isn’t just about eggs — it’s about creating a space that brings joy, sparks connection, and makes people smile. We officially received our nonprofit status in 2025. Our dream is to eventually donate a portion of our eggs to local groups in need, giving back to the community that raised me.

When I’m not tending to the flock, you can find me wrangling my three rescue dogs or dreaming up the next step for the farm.