Michigan Memories

Located in the center of Michigan, the Los Family farm is surrounded by much more than the Great Lakes: they are surrounded by agriculture. Richard Los and family have been involved with pork production for the past 30 years. In the seventies, they moved from the suburbs of Detroit to their current residence, a 115 acre farm near Clare, Mich.

“We started from the bottom up,” Richard said. “We sell naturally raised pork, no hormones, antibiotics, or chemicals are used. As the trends of organically grown food started to become popular, niche production just made sense.”

The Los Family Farm has approximately 50 sows, and they raise feeder pigs each spring. Selling whole and half hogs, customers continue to come back, and make constant referrals to the Los Family Farms.

The Los Family Farm is exactly as it sounds: a family farm. The entire family pitches in to make it successful. They plan to remain a family farm in the future. “Our consumers appreciate what we do. But watching our seven grandchildren grow and love the land is one of the best rewards we could ask for.”

By producing niche pork from the very beginning, the family has discovered that the quality is excellent. Through their experiences, they have determined several effective ways to inform the public about the benefits of niche pork production. The Los Family has created a Web site, www.losfamilyfarm.websitexs.com, regularly distributes information about natural pork production at local events, as well as hosts a “Pig Catching Contest” each year in Farewell, Michigan.

“The flavor of niche pork is tremendous. It is very healthy food.” Richard stated. “The quality is impressive, which is why we engage in niche production.”

From complying with government regulations to battling the markets and economy, the Los Family continues to overcome many challenges that have faced them over the years in producing a niche product. Richard hopes that maybe one of their grandchildren will one day become a butcher so that they can open their own facilities.

For additional information about the Los Family Farm, visit their website at www.losfamilyfarm.websitexs.com. They can also be reached at 989- 386-7098 or jakpappas@yahoo.com

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If you are a niche pork producer and would like to have your contact information listed on the Niche Pork Web site, call the Checkoff’s Producer Service Center at 1-800-456-PORK.