On Farm Fun in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: Slagle’s Family Farm

Slagle’s Family Farm, a staple of the Central Upper Peninsula Farming Community, is dedicates themselves to providing good food to their region. Owners Jennifer and Jason Slagle moved to their property in 2001 and began growing a wide variety of crops along with raising pigs and sheep. They officially started farming in 2009 and their children, Cody, Justin and Lauren, were all involved in all the daily chores for the crops and animals, but they’ve slowly been making their way into the workforce. After traveling to Marquette, Escanaba and Iron Mountain to participate in multiple farmers markets for several years, the Slagles made the decision to bring the customers to the farm! 

Thanks to a Rural Development Fund Grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2017, they converted a portion of their old potato warehouse into a 2,800 square foot commercial kitchen. After finishing the construction project in September of 2020, they were able to open their farm store and offer meals from their new kitchen. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, they offer a wide variety of burgers, wraps, and pizza available for carry-out from their kitchen. You’ll see items grown on the farm seasonally make it into dishes and as far as recipes go, Jason and Jennifer pride themselves on scratch made and the little details – from the batter on the fried chicken to the homemade BBQ sauce. They toss their hand-cut french fries with a housemade seasoning blend that will keep you coming back for more! 

Not surprisingly, their farm store is full of their fresh produce and greenhouse plants. But, inside the farm store you can also find their farm raised pork, lamb, and beef for sale alongside fresh, custom sausages. Plus, Slagle’s sells handmade frozen pizzas, with scratch made sauce and all your favorite toppings. You can find these seasonal items in their on-site farm store alongside other items such as jam and soaps.

The Slagles have always been involved in the community, and look forward to spending more time at home, serving their neighbors and welcoming visitors from around the region. This fall is a perfect time to plan a visit to Slagle’s Family Farm to pick a pumpkin and grab a meal to go! 

Check out the Dickinson County website to find camping or recreational areas for a Saturday picnic, or head to Downtown Iron Mountain for shopping and a brew at 51st Brewing Company

To stay up to date on everything happening at Slagle’s Family Farm follow them on Facebook or visit their website. Their farm store and  kitchen is open Wednesday 3-7pm and Saturday from 10am-4pm. 

Alex Palzewicz is the UP Local Food Coordinator for Taste the Local Difference. She highly recommends the Back 40 Burger topped with a Slagle’s farm fresh egg. Another pro-tip: take a frozen pizza home – you won’t regret it!