Name
Abby Schilling
Company/Organization
Mick Klug Farm and Schilling Family Farms
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
Our multi-generation family farms grow a wide range of fruit and vegetables to be sold through many different outlets throughout Michigan and the Chicagoland area.
Age
37
Accomplishments
- Proud parent of Lola, 7, and Beckett, 5
- Graduated with honors from both BA and MA programs
- Partner in two successful farming entities, one a third-generation farm, and one a fifth-generation
- Green City Market Board of Directors Secretary
- Collaborated to create a “Farm Forward Fund” for Green City Market vendors
- Created, implemented, and now manage a CSA (“Community Supported Agriculture”) program in both Southwest Michigan and Chicagoland
- Own and operate a farmstand in New Buffalo
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I hope to continue being innovative to create new business opportunities, including additional local farmstand locations, building and improving our CSA program, and expanding our processing capabilities.
Education
- BA in Communication, Michigan State University
- MA of Social Work, Wayne State University
Residence
St. Joseph, MI
Where were you born?
St. Joseph, MI
What was your first job?
Farmers market worker (of course!)
Best advice you ever got?
My dad taught me to always try to figure out a way to say “yes” when it comes to customers’ requests and new ideas.
Who inspires you most?
My dad.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I started my education in pre-nursing.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
I love spending time with my children – going on adventures with them like fishing, exploring the farms, and traveling.
What book are you reading now?
Currently, I am not reading much of anything besides customers’ emails and children’s books with Lola and Beckett.
Volunteer activity you love the most.
Supplying fresh fruit and vegetables to local food banks.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
I feel so fortunate to be able to grow fresh, quality produce and share it with the community. Providing healthy food to people who may normally not have access to it is amazing.
What Superpower would you most love to have? (for example, the ability to fly or to be invisible, or incredible strength, etc)
I would love to be able to control the weather!
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
The farms, as well as the knowledge, work-ethic, and appreciation to sustain them for generations to come.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
It is especially meaningful to me when people in agriculture are honored by the community. I am thankful that my nomination may remind people in Southwest Michigan to buy local!
