Bonz Beach Farms

About Bonz Beach Farms

Bonz Beach Farms began in 2011 when Gary Shepherd purchased a neglected piece of farmland with a remarkable past—including its role as winter housing for the Mackinac Island horses. What others saw as worn-down land, Gary saw as possibility. Drawn in by an abundance of maple trees and guided by a hands-on background in farming and machine repair, Gary began restoring the property with determination and care. From the very beginning, the farm was shaped not just by hard work, but by Gary’s generosity, curiosity, and deep connection to his community. By 2013, the farm’s maple potential became reality with the official launch of the sugarbush, producing its first 30 gallons of pure maple syrup. In 2017, years of learning and persistence culminated in the farm’s first recorded 1,000-gallon season—a quiet but powerful confirmation that the operation had matured. Then in 2019, the farm faced its greatest personal trial when Gary contracted West Nile Virus and spent months hospitalized. During that season, Dave Morgan and Sue Madden carried the farm forward as if it were their own, ensuring it not only survived—but thrived—while Gary fought his way back, buoyed by family, resilience, and sheer will. Gary's 3 daughters: Heather Beyerlein, Misty Shepherd, and Amber Anders had no choice but to begin making extremely tough decisions while they themselves were preparing for (what they thought) what would be the loss of their father. There were many others who generously offered their time, effort, and resources to ensure this comeback: The entire community of Onaway rallied. Elmer Shepherd and Tyler Shepherd made the trip 3 hours north (from Hemlock) & spent 3 sun-up to sundown days in the woods to get all the taps cut from the lines so that fresh, new taps could be put on. Wayne Tucker, Bill Dymond, Jim Dymond, Steve & Tammy Grandstaff, Tom Zemke, and many more. The challenges continued into 2020 and beyond as COVID-19 reshaped how small businesses operated, forcing Bonz Beach Farms to make difficult, people-first decisions—most notably closing its maple open house to protect an aging boiling crew and the broader community. In 2021, the farm responded with an act of long-term stewardship, planting well over two thousand sugar maple trees in a large-scale reforestation project rooted in responsibility rather than immediate return. In 2025, Northern Michigan faced a catastrophic ice storm that once again tested the strength of land and people alike. Across every season—growth, hardship, and recovery—Bonz Beach Farms’ story remains one of resilience, community, and deep respect for the land. In January 2026, Gary’s nephew, Dr. Jeff Shepherd, took over stewardship of Bonz Beach Farms.

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