The Good Shepherds Story
We started as a passion project by a man who knew no boundaries and never took no for an answer. Louis P. Ferris, Jr’s dream was to create a farm that would provide sustainably grown, grass-fed meats to the local community. With our profits, we work directly with other food access groups in Washtenaw County to either provide funding or food to those in need. Today we are proud to say we are a public 501(c)(3) non-profit farm.
What makes us different is that we raise premium cattle and sell it at retail prices. With the profit earned from selling high-quality beef, we continuously work towards containing the farm-to-table process within the local community.
We understand the efforts it takes to get meat from a farm to a grocery store hundreds of miles away. By purchasing from your local farmers, the eco-footprint is significantly reduced, you are supporting humane farming, and you are ensuring that the farmer will continue to support your community by providing food for you and your family.
Without supporting your local farmers, many must shut down, forcing communities to rely on large, commercial farms that are not sustainable in the long run. We must focus our efforts on rebuilding small farms and not let them get pushed out of our communities.
Black Angus cattle
What We Believe
We believe that everyone, regardless of race, creed, identity, or socio-economic status, deserves access to clean and healthy food. So, we’ve created a sustainable model that addresses this problem in a unique and effective way:
Animals that are humanely raised are better for the earth and become a healthier food source.
Those who have the means to purchase high-quality foods will favor a product whose profits support those in need.
Selling at retail and buying in bulk amplifies our impact, allowing us to reach more people with enhanced buying power
About Our Founder
Louis P. Ferris, Jr. started Ferris Farms, a 100-acre sustainable farm just outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan in Superior Township. Besides being the foundation of the initial herd of cattle, Ferris Farms provides quality, naturally grown, chemical free, fresh-picked food to the local Ann Arbor community.
While driving by acres of vacant land next to the highway, Louis asked himself: Why is no one doing anything with this land? A businessman with a passion for sustainable farming, Lou wanted to apply what he had learned from decades of building successful businesses to give back to local communities. He decided to use his expertise to form a nonprofit organization using humane farming to combat food insecurity in local communities.
Although Louis passed away in April of 2022, his vision lives on in The Good Shepherds as the team continues to carry on its mission, with his passion shaping their path.
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