Acorn Vendor of the Week: Ashdown Acres Family Farm

The “Family” at Ashdown Acres Family Farm.

The Manchester Mirror is running a series of articles to introduce the many vendors at Acorn Farmers’ Market & Café to the community. Each week a different vendor will be featured, to highlight the wide variety of offerings at our local Market, both now and in the future. Watch for this regular feature to learn more about the people who make up the backdrop to this unique Manchester business!

Ashdown Acres Family Farm, owned by Christopher and Robyn Francis, has been located in Tecumseh since 2014.

There is a unique significance to the name of the Francis family’s farm. “With the names Christopher and Robyn, we have always had a special place in our hearts for Winnie the Pooh,” says Robyn. “The Hundred Acre Woods (referenced in the Pooh books) is located in Ashdown Forest in Sussex.”

The farmers learned about Acorn just as they were opening and connected with them as a vendor right away. They produce three main things on their farm: raw honey; organic-fed, free-range chicken eggs; and pasture-raised pork.

“The bulk of our pigs’ diet comes from grass and forage, supplemented with a minimal amount of grain,” Robyn says. “They live their entire lives, from farrow to finish, on pasture. During the growing months, we use a rotational grazing method to let each paddock rest for several weeks before the pigs return to it. Our goal is to produce the highest quality pork, eggs, and honey for our family, and we love that we can share it with other families looking for the same.”

Robyn and Chris love the people at Acorn. “Everyone is so welcoming and friendly,” she says. “We love their mission to bring as much fresh, local food to the community as possible. We also love having a market at which to sell throughout the winter months.”

When Acorn moves to its new location next month, Ashdown Acres looks forward to being part of the expanding market for healthy food.

“We love locally sourced food and are proud to be part of bringing it to Manchester,” Robyn says.

For more information, you can find them on Facebook at Ashdown Acres Family Farm.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.