About

Our History

Hirzel Canning Company (https://deifratelli.com/) & Farms was founded in 1923 by Carl R. Hirzel. In 1963, following a change in labor classification, Hirzel Farms became a separate entity, though still owned by the Hirzel family. The leadership of the late John E. Hirzel then guided the company, with John serving as president from 1970 until his untimely passing in February 2000 at the age of 55. While the farm primarily grew conventional cabbage (for sauerkraut) and processing tomatoes during his tenure, John’s passion for the environment and dedication to sustainable agriculture set him apart. Guided by these principles, he started to explore alternative cropping systems. By 1981, half of the 1,800-acre farm was converted to Certified Organic production, making Hirzel Farms the second farm in Ohio to do so. John’s philosophy—”take care of the soil by giving back more than you take”—inspired the use of cover cropping, a practice that continues to shape our operations today.

The Present

Today, the farm is led by John’s nephew, Lou Kozma Jr., a fourth-generation family member. Hirzel Farms remains committed to John’s vision of feeding people while nurturing soil biodiversity. With a dedicated, loyal, and hardworking team, we continue to lead in vegetable production, certified organic farming, food-grade grain processing, composting, and research and development, all while embracing the latest advancements in agricultural technologies.

Mission and Values

To be a farming organization that sustains itself and its investors financially in order to provide a safe, healthful, challenging work environment conducive to the financial and personal growth of all persons associated with it, and to promote environmentally and socially responsible farming practices.