Be Well Farming Team

Daniel Macphee and his family have been producing certified organic seed crops, perennials and grafted nursery stock in Central Maine since 2012. They raise seed for companies, growers and gardeners, and conduct on-farm breeding related to their passion for bioregionally adapted crops, medicinal and perennial herbs, and native plants for pollinator habitat.

Prior to becoming Project Director in 2006, Jennifer Hasley was the New Entry Project Coordinator for five years. Jennifer is a leader in local food systems work focusing on beginning farmer development.

Leslie Forstadt conducts educational programs and research about farm/family balance, communication skills, and stress and resilience. She is Director of the Maine Agricultural Mediation Program and a coach for on-farm communication coaching.

Steffen Schneider has over three decades of experience as a biodynamic farmer and herdsman. Currently he is the Director Emeritus of Farming Operations at Hawthorne Valley Farm.  He holds a masters degree in agriculture from the Justus Von Liebig University in Giessen, Germany.

Violet Stone sees farmer wellness as a much larger issue of society and culture. While farming has always carried uncertainty, a concerning array of global challenges have collided to create a system in which it's nearly impossible for farmers and producers to thrive. Violet is interested in creating reflecting spaces for farmers to connect, rest, and renew bodies and spirits.