Just a short drive outside Traverse City, we had the pleasure of visiting Anavery Fine Foods, the local farm that supplies Oryana with some of the best pasture-raised pork and lamb in the region. But what we saw on the farm went far beyond just good meat. It was a glimpse into a truly humane, sustainable way of raising animals, led by a passionate family with a big dream. Local farmers are critical to supporting a resilient food system and providing ready access to certified organic meat, but the process of crafting a viable business is never easy.
Anavery Fine Foods’ Fresh Start
Adam Weinrich and his wife, Dandan, left their big-city Wall Street jobs in 2019 to start a new chapter on 78 acres of farmland. It certainly wasn’t a traditional path to farming, but they put their faith in the local market, transparent production methods, and quality. They served local restaurants and had the support of early retailers like Oryana Community Co-op. As operations grew, they added additional livestock, including beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and farm-fresh eggs. The farm’s success is largely built on a commitment – call it a conviction – that isn’t up for compromise.
In the spring of 2024, Anavery opened their own Farm Store on-site. It features their pasture-raised meats and eggs, wild-caught Great Lakes fish, and other locally made products. While they still attend farmers markets and sell direct from their farm, most of Anavery’s products reach northern Michigan households through retailers. You can also find their pork and lamb right here at Oryana, which helps bring their food to even more families in our community. Even as they scale, the Weinrichs won’t sacrifice quality, flavor, and transparency as operations grow.
The Future Is Now for Anavery Farms
The farm has come a long way since it opened in 2019. Today, pigs roam open fields, cows graze peacefully with their calves, sheep welcome farm store visitors, and chickens lay eggs in a calm, spacious environment. Every part of the farm is designed with the animals’ wellbeing and the health of the land in mind. They use rotational grazing and natural fertilizer from the animals to support soil health and regeneration.
We got to see firsthand how involved their three children are in daily farm life, how their working dogs help keep things running smoothly, and how nothing is wasted. Even the seeds from the animals’ feed sometimes grow into vegetables right in the pastures.
We’re proud to partner with a farm that puts so much care into everything they do—for the animals, the environment, and the families they feed.
Local Always Matters at Oryana Community Co-op
Want to support local, ethical farming? Look for Anavery Fine Foods and other locally-sourced meat and produce products at both Oryana locations. Our co-op owners are committed to supporting local farmers and makers, and our goal is to make local products accessible and successful. Learn more about our buying standards, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more stories about local farms!
