Heritage & Tradition
A family tradition of excellence, passed down through three generations.
At our core, we are built on pride, heritage, and reputation—values that have been earned over generations, not claimed overnight. Families who trusted us with their birds in the 1970s, ‘80s and '90s still walk through our doors today and our father Chris Neff is still raising chickens and bringing them to us. That kind of loyalty doesn't happen by accident—it's the result of doing things the right way, every time.
Our story begins long before this business had a name. It began in 1936 when our grandfather Elmer Neff's appendix burst at just 16. He was "rushed" to Alpena, MI in a borrowed Model T where the doctor stuffed him full of sulfur and some c-clamps and sent him home to die. Lucky for us, he defied the doctor and lived, but a lifelong side effect took hold — Grandpa was only able to eat chicken and turkeys. His mother was not going to meal plan around only one of her 8 kids, so Grandpa began to raise poultry, buying a picker in 1955 and eventually raising over 3,000 turkeys a year for Thanksgiving which he would bring to the Detroit meat markets.
Lucky for him, he would meet our grandmother Cecilia Dorozinsky whose roots in Detroit supplied connections for Grandpa to sell his turkeys. Her instincts helped shape the direction of the operation and the foundation of Freedom Valley Acres Poultry Processing was born. When asked about their marriage, she simply called it "a good business deal." That was her way: practical, honest, and rooted in results.
She also set the tone for what we now call the "Grandma Ceil," our seal of approval. While we never sat on her lap, we always knew we were loved. It wasn't about praise or comfort—it was about meeting a standard. You knew you did well because the job was done right. That mindset still defines us today.
Over time, the business evolved from raising birds to processing them—a thoughtful shift driven by both opportunity and sound decision-making. Today, that evolution continues. While one generation remains dedicated to raising, the next is focused solely on processing—refining the craft, improving efficiency, and continuing to serve others with excellence.
As we step into a new chapter—including "firing Dad" on January 1, 2026—we do so with respect for everything that came before and a clear vision for what comes next. Operating from the original location off M-33 in Comins, MI, we carry forward a family tradition of excellence, high standards, and genuine care for the farming community we serve.
Choose Freedom Valley Acres
We provide reliable, custom poultry processing and a generational knowledge of best practices to ensure the most for your birds and you. Our years of expertise and commitment to quality keep our customers coming back for knowledge they can lean on and worry-free products they can trust.
More Than Just Processing
For farmers, producers, and families seeking options for poultry processing, we are a family-owned, multi-generational business that delivers more than just your typical service. Our standard of quality exceeds expectations — no feathers on our watch! — and we offer more than just your typical 6 or 8 piece cuts. By providing recipes incorporating typically-tossed parts we maximize the bird while minimizing waste, and with options like ready-made packaging, our services extend yours from beyond raising to retail.
Our Promise to You
In trusting your animal to Freedom Valley Acres, you get a promise to honor them with uncompromising quality and a commitment to care. Our customers are our community and our community makes us family, for generations to come.