Featherstone Farm founders Jack Hedin and Jenni McHugh met while students at Yale University in 1988.  After graduation, they went on to work at organic vegetable farms from Pennsylvania to California for several years, before returning to the Midwest for good in 1994.

Jack and Jenni were among the 6 founding members of the Zephyr Valley Community Land Co-operative in rural Winona, MN, the first home of Featherstone Farm (1997-2007).  They had a number of farm partners in the early years, including Jack’s brother Ed and an old friend of Jenni’s from an orchard in New York, Rhys Williams.

In 2000 Jenni moved on from daily work on the farm to follow her passion for working with families and babies and now works as a childbirth and parent educator.  Even though she doesn’t get to spend much time in the fields or with the crew, she will always be connected to the rhythms of the farm and work that brings fresh, good food into people’s lives. 

Jenni and Jack have three sons, Emmet, Oscar, and Jasper.  Since flooding in 2007 [link to history page they have owned a home (near schools and Jenni’s work) in Winona.  In October 2010 they were able to purchase a 118 acre farm on the ridge above Featherstone’s shop.  Everyone in the family looks forward to enjoying a swimming  pond and big, beautiful woods right out the back door.

Last updated on March 4, 2011 by Featherstone Farm