Our story

From Bob and Nancy's first herd to Ogemaw Pure Beef™

Griffin Farms has been a family operation from the very start — and every generation has added its own chapter.

Griffin Farms™ was started in the 1950s by Bob and Nancy Griffin. Bob grew up farming and raised cattle his whole life; Nancy's father was the local veterinarian. He grew the farm alongside his other business, Griffin Beverage Company, though many who knew him would say farming was always his preferred job.

Bob Griffin Jr. grew up helping with daily chores and bought some of his own cattle while still in grade school — later selling that herd to attend Michigan State University to study business and marketing. Upon Bob Sr.'s passing in 2019, Bob Jr. continued the family farming tradition, and today the farm raises Hereford, Angus, Hereford/Angus cross, and American Wagyu cattle.

Our belief has stayed the same across all three generations: a steak is only as extraordinary as the practices that bring it from pasture to table. We finish our beef with fine marbling and no added hormones or artificial ingredients, and we're proud to keep a close connection between producer, processor, and the families we feed.

📷Photo: Bob Griffin Jr. / family
The Griffin Farms timeline

Seventy years in the making

1950s
1950s

The farm begins

Bob and Nancy Griffin start Griffin Farms, raising cattle alongside the family's Griffin Beverage Company.

1982
1982

A barn joins the family

The Griffin family purchases a timber frame barn from the Gildner family, who worked on the farm for decades — the start of a long-running barn preservation effort.

2019
2019

Bob Griffin Jr. carries it forward

Following Bob Sr.'s passing, Bob Jr. continues the family farming tradition and grows the herd.

2022
2022

Barn of the Year

A restored timber frame barn at the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds is awarded Barn of the Year by the Michigan Barn Preservation Network, dedicated to Bob Griffin Sr.

2023–24
2023–24

Ogemaw Pure Beef™ and beyond

Two more historic barns are relocated and restored, and the farm launches Ogemaw Pure Beef™ to bring its beef and hay direct to local tables.

📷Photo: restored timber frame barn
A family side project

Saving old timber frame barns

Beyond cattle and hay, the Griffin family has restored and relocated several antique timber frame barns across Ogemaw and Saginaw counties — including one now used for public events at the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds, and one honored as the Michigan Barn Preservation Network's Barn of the Year. It's a lot of work, but we think these old structures are worth saving.

Ask us about the barns next time you visit — we love telling the stories.

Meet the herd for yourself

See how we raise our beef and hay, and what makes it worth buying direct.

See our beef