Greener Pastures Blog

Doing It All for a Better Food System on Green Willow Homestead.

Maybe it’s her daily uniform of t-shirts that read “The Future is Female Farming.” Or her contagious enthusiasm and energy. Or her proud self-label as a crazy chicken lady. It’s hard to pick out just one reason why Kelsey Jorissen, the farmer and entrepreneur phenom behind Green Willow Homestead in Franklin, WI, is the bold voice in sustainable farming that you need to hear.

​Whether she’s raising pastured eggs or teaching farmers how to grow their marketing efforts, Kelsey is showing that you can truly be it all- fierce female farmer, advocate, and educator working for a kinder, greener food system...

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

4-H experience as a suburban girl, then unhappy city life fed Franklin woman's desire to farm full time.

Sustainability has to start somewhere, and for Kelsey Jorissen it begins with five acres in Franklin. 

Of course, that’s not exactly where it started. The Minnesota native went to college in Chicago, then found herself touring with national Broadway shows. She worked as a photographer. Still, the city wasn’t her haven. When her fiance, Paul Olesen, got a job in Racine, it seemed a perfect time to make a change.

Jorissen didn’t grow up on a farm, but it became her dream.​..

The Female Farmer Project: The Podcast 

"Mentors, Social Media, and Farming with Kelsey Jorissen"

Audra and Kelsey talk about the unseen side of farming, the struggle to find farming mentors, and how to be a leader in your community in the name of sustainability.

The Rural Woman Podcast

Learning About Online and Digital Marketing For Your Farm with Kelsey Jorissen Olesen

"On today’s episode of The Rural Woman Podcast, you’ll hear from a familiar farmer, Kelsey Jorissen Olesen. Kelsey is a first generation female farmer from Southeastern Wisconsin. She is a published author, fellow podcaster, chicken tender, and crunchy earth mama.

Today we’re talking about something a little different that I think you all are going to find super useful on your farm, ranch or homestead. – Marketing! – Its something that I know can be a big struggle for some people, including myself, so I am excited to share Kelsey’s interview with you all."

As Told By Women Interview of Kelsey Jorissen

"You Are Capable with Kelsey Jorissen"

What message do you think every woman should hear?
"That you are capable of anything you put your mind to, and whatever that goal may be you don’t need to bulldoze other women to get there. The larger you build your table, the more room you make for people to help you on the way to your dream. More often than not, that “big break” comes from a person who knows a person, that 2nd or 3rd degree of separation. Think about it, you would’ve already “made it” if the people in your life could help you get there. So get out there, get interested in what other women are doing with their lives, lift them up, and make your table a long one..."

The Small Queendom Podcast 

​​"Change Starts In Your Own Backyard with Kelsey Jorissen"

This episode will help answer the questions:
  • "How do I know if a farmer is raising their livestock responsibly?"
  • "What kind of meat should I be buying for my family?"
  • "Is organic really the best?"
  • "Is there a way to honor animals and still be a meat eater?"
  • "What if I want to homestead and my partner doesn't?"

And a whole lot more! Leah introduces you to her favorite "Farmher", Kelsey Jorissen. Kelsey is an Enneagram 3, former actor/filmmaker turned photographer turned lover of backyard chickens, organic farming, and leading a sustainable life.

It's always inspiring to hear each other's stories and Kelsey's is no exception. 

Edible Sci Interview 

"Simple Changes with Kelsey Jorissen"

Consumerism in the time of climate change, life on the farm, and why every little bit matters.
By Jeana Cadby
"The food that we eat has a dramatic impact on the environment, animal welfare, our health, and the footprint that we leave on this earth..."

Behind The Brand Podcast

"Sustainability in Life and Entrepreneurship
​with Kelsey Jorissen"

Kelsey Kerslake has such a special guest, Kelsey Jorissen, on the show. Kelsey seems like she has done it all-photographer, actor, entrepreneur...and a farmer?!

​Kelsey is a living example of envisioning success, following dreams, and living the life of your dreams.

​ In this episode, Kelsey shares how she got to where she is today, and how sustainable business practices can not only help transform your business but also your day to day life.