Welcome to Lakestead Farms
A veteran-owned family farm proudly rooted on the shores of Lake Freeman in Monticello, Indiana.
We’re not a homestead — we’re a Lakestead — because the lake is where our story grows.
Lakestead Farms didn’t begin with a business plan — it began with Farmer Ed. Raised on a Michigan farm with generations of knowledge behind him, he grew up learning the rhythm of the seasons, the value of hard work, and the pride that comes from growing something worth sharing. Farming isn’t a hobby for Ed — it’s who he is.
What started as a small garden and a few hens has grown into a lakeside labor of love. We bring the freshest locally grown produce straight from our land and from our trusted friends’ farms — families who share the same values Ed was raised on. Thanks to his lifelong connections up north, Lakestead proudly offers Red Haven peaches, Michigan cherries, and pure 100% Michigan maple syrup each season.
Every animal here has a name and a personality. Our hens — Betty White, Gemma, Ginger, and Misty — strut around like they own the place, while Lucy, our loyal “farm security,” keeps watch over the shoreline. It’s a joyful mix of feathers, fresh air, and honest work that makes Lakestead feel like home.
We take pride in being veteran-owned, community-driven, and inspired by the lake that surrounds us. Every season brings something new to the hilltop — juicy fruit in the summer, crisp apples in the fall, and Christmas trees in the winter — and everything we share is done by hand, the way Ed’s family taught him.
Because Lakestead Farms isn’t just about produce or products. It’s about legacy, community, and building something small and special with heart — the kind of place where the roots run deep and the welcome is real.
OUR SERVICES
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Christmas Trees
Available only during the holiday season — fresh-cut trees chosen with the same care we put into everything at Lakestead.
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Canned Goods
From apple pie filling to peach jalapeño jam and our signature pickles, our canned goods are made in small batches with whatever’s growing at Lakestead.
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Fresh Eggs
Fresh eggs collected daily from our very opinionated hens — Betty White, Gemma, Ginger, and the rest of the crew. They work hard. They expect snacks.
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Fresh Produce
Fresh, seasonal produce straight from the farm or Michigan growers we trust. Always picked at the right time for the best flavor.
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Peaches & Blueberries
Fresh, sweet, and picked at peak ripeness — our Michigan peaches and blueberries are juicy, fragrant, and perfect for snacking, baking, or canning.
Available during season only.
OUR FAMILY
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Ed Gilmore & Andrea Pearman
Andrea and Ed built Lakestead Farms one small project at a time.
Andrea brings intention and care to everything from the stand to the kitchen, while Ed brings the fixes, the tools, and the quiet determination that keeps the farm moving. What they’ve created isn’t just a farm — it’s their Lakestead, shared with the community around it.They run the farm the same way they live life on Lake Freeman — steady, simple, and together. They grow what they can, fix what needs fixing, and keep things honest. It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. It’s just them, doing the work.
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Lucy- Head of Security
Lucy is the smallest member of the team, but also the most dedicated.
At 6 pounds, she manages all security operations, from hen supervision to driveway monitoring. Her methods are gentle, her presence is calming, and her loyalty never wavers. Payment is accepted in the form of sausage and treats only. -
Kitty
Kitty handles two departments: Relaxation and Hunting.
When he’s on break, you’ll find him stretched out in a sunspot. When he’s on duty, he’s quietly patrolling the property with the precision of a seasoned hunter. He’s efficient, independent, and very committed to both jobs. -
Shelby Case
As Lakestead Farms’ self-appointed Director of Hen Relations, Shelby keeps the flock in check, negotiates peace treaties between feisty hens, and ensures every egg is laid in a stress-free, drama-free environment. When she’s not managing coop politics, she’s stocking the stand, chatting with customers, and spoiling the girls rotten.