Our Roots: A Legacy of Hard Work and Hope The history of our farm is a diverse story, beginning with our ancestors who traveled by sea to America, seeking a familiar climate and fertile land. Some of the structures built by them are still standing today. Nate and Lou Ann Robinson — 6th-generation farmers — live in the Centennial farmhouse built in the 1890s. Our ancestors raised pigs, chickens, cattle, crops, gardens, horses, and even a donkey. Each generation carried the same devotion to the land.
Fifth & Sixth Generations: Pioneering New Beginnings A. J. and Harriet Robinson (5th generation) focused on raising pigs for profit. After 18 years on A. J.’s farm, his son Nate Robinson and wife Lou Ann moved to a nearby farm where they learned the art of raising turkeys — delivering fresh, dressed birds to local stores and communities. They eventually purchased their own farm in 1976, where they raised four children, pigs, cattle, sheep, crops, and gardens.1998: The Year Everything Changed In 1998, the hog market crashed to an all-time low. Many neighboring farms sold their land and livestock. Nate placed a for sale sign in the front yard, but Lou Ann tore it down within hours — a moment that changed everything. That feeling of defeat became a driving force to keep this family farm alive. They developed a new ideology: create their own path— one that supported both their farming practices and their values. The Beginning of Jake’s Country Meats Nate and Lou Ann, along with two other local families, dreamed up a new idea — a meat business focused on quality, pasture-raised products sold directly to consumers. They drew names from a hat and landed on the name Jake’s Country Meats, after Nate’s firstborn son. Though the early years were slow and costly, the seed had been planted. A logo was designed, print ads were created, and a partnership with a local butcher — still used today — was formed. A feasibility study with Western Michigan University showed that almost no one had heard of pasture-raised pork or understood its value. That didn’t stop them. The Robinsons had an uphill battle ahead — but they believed in what they were doing. From Farmers Markets to Whole Foods Jake’s Country Meats sold its first six pigs at the Cassopolis Farmers Market, where local families discovered the difference in flavor and quality. Soon after, Nate and Lou Ann partnered with Whole Foods Market, helping to develop early animal welfare standards alongside other small farmers and even members of PETA. The farm grew rapidly to meet the new standards, building new structures and scaling production. Then, suddenly — Whole Foods stopped sourcing from the region overnight. Farmers were left with thousands of animals and no market to sell to. It was 2008, and once again the market crashed. Another generation faced starting over. Rebuilding Through Relationships After the crash, Nate and Lou Ann downsized from 5,000 pigs to 1,500 and restructured financially. The little meat business — Jake’s Country Meats — became their focus once again. Every weekend they hit the road, attending up to 14 farmers markets each week, visiting local stores, restaurants, and cafes to share their story and product. Their commitment to consistency, flavor, and integrity built a loyal following. Each year, more of their herd was sold through Jake’s Country Meats — at prices that supported the farm and the land. Today: Continuing the Legacy Today, Jake’s Country Meats serves over 5,000 families and 100 stores and restaurants throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois — selling 100% of the animals raised on our farm. The business is now operated by Nick and Renee (Robinson) Seelye, representing the 7th generation of family farmers. Jake’s continues to support other local producers who prioritize transparency, animal welfare, and land stewardship. Each day, we’re fueled by relationships — building a better food system and focusing on what truly matters for our bodies, our communities, and the l
