Ben Hartman (b. 1978) grew up in LaGrange County, Indiana, on a corn and soybean farm. After graduating from Goshen College (Goshen, IN) with degrees in English and Philosophy, he lived and grew vegetables on several farms before starting Clay Bottom Farm (Goshen) with his wife, Rachel Hershberger, in 2006. He contributes regularly to Growing for Market magazine. Clay Bottom Farm is recognized as a pioneer in employing the lean production system in a farm context. His first book, The Lean Farm, was published in 2015. The farm has twice won edible Michiana's Reader's Choice Award. When he is not farming or writing, Hartman enjoys camping along with coast of Michigan with his family.