Our Farm
The Story of LaFever Chestnuts starts decades ago with the founder, Ken LaFever. Ken grew up on a farm in rural Tennessee and from a young age had a knack for working in agriculture. After graduating the 10th grade, he bought a one-way bus ticket to seek his fortune in Detroit, Michigan. With a keen mind, a strong work ethic and five dollars in his pocket, Ken bought an algebra and taught himself trigonometry. He used this knowledge to work a lathe. Ken sought employment at Detroit Tool and Gauge. He worked there faithfully for 43 years which helped him raise his family. Ken never lost his love of farming.
In 1996, a recently-retired Ken and his son Mike, who currently runs the farm, attended a hazelnut seminar by Dennis Fulbright at Michigan State University. The seminar intrigued them and stirred Ken’s agricultural spirit and curiosity. In 1997, Ken and Mike began planting chestnut trees. While there were bumps along the way, they successfully planted their first crop which soon began to grow and produce fruit (as well as the seeds of LaFever Chestnuts).
Several years went by as the small family project grew when LaFever Chestnuts was approached by a journalist inquiring about the chestnuts. During the interview, the journalist suggested doing a U-pick program in the fall. After some consideration, the LaFevers opened up the farm as a U-pick attraction for Southeastern Michigan. The published article brought many East Asian people to the farm, seeking the familiar tastes and feelings of home and childhood. Word of mouth spread quickly and today people from all walks of life come to LaFever Chestnuts. It is not uncommon to hear people speaking half a dozen different languages as you sit around a the bonfires—all united by the humble chestnut.
Four generations, one family tradition
Today, Mike and Norma, their son Wade, and Wade’s son Ezra carry Ken’s love of farming forward. What began with the first chestnut trees in 1997 has become a place where families return to enjoy the harvest together.
In 2027, LaFever Chestnuts will celebrate 30 years of chestnuts, community, and memories.
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