About the Author: Farmer Terri

Hello, and welcome! I’m Terri, the voice behind Down Bell Road and the proud steward of the Bell Family Farm.

My roots run deep in the soil of Unionville, Michigan. I grew up with a profound appreciation for agricultural life, a passion instilled in me by my parents, David and Phyllis (Joles) Bell. Today, alongside my husband Brian, I have the absolute privilege of operating our 1919 Centennial Farm, working every day to preserve its rich heritage while cultivating a sustainable future.

I am a farmer, a homesteader, and an avid genealogist with a deep love for the history of Michigan’s Green Thumb. When I’m not digging into family trees or researching local history for projects like the Thumb Farm Heritage Trail, you can usually find me with my hands in the dirt. I am fiercely dedicated to synthetic-free, organic regenerative gardening and creating safe havens for wildlife. Transforming our property into an accredited arboretum and a botanical sanctuary has been one of my greatest joys.

Life on a 4-acre homestead means I wear a lot of hats—from coordinating conservation certifications to managing a rather lively menagerie. My daily coworkers include a very vocal donkey named Jack, goats, poultry, and my shadow crew of dogs: Buddy, Lulu, and Daisy Mae.

Beyond the daily chores and historical preservation, my true advocacy lies in the healing power of this lifestyle. I believe deeply in farm and plant therapy—the profound grounding that comes from sinking your hands into rich soil, nurturing a seed into a thriving plant, and working in rhythm with the seasons. Here at the Bell Family Farm, we champion the undeniable human-animal bond. Whether it’s finding quiet solace in the barn, sharing a laugh at Jack's antics, or enjoying the steady companionship of our dogs as we patrol the property, the connection to nature we cultivate here is deeply restorative. It’s a sanctuary not just for the wildlife and botanicals we protect, but for the human spirit as well.

I also have a lifelong love for reading and writing, which makes curating the Bell Farm Book Barn—our local Little Free Library—a perfect fit. Through this blog, I hope to weave together all these passions: the beautiful chaos of raising animals, the steady rhythm of sustainable farming, the importance of honoring the farm girls who came before us, and the stories that make our local history so vibrant.

Thanks for walking down Bell Road with me!