Fannin Family Farm Visit with Kindred Market: A Local Farming Success Story

Last week, we had the pleasure of visiting Fannin Family Farm, located right off of Route 691. As part of our commitment to supporting local farmers at Kindred Market, we went to learn more about the farm’s history and the hardworking farmer behind it all, Ben Fannin. With fall in full swing and Halloween around the corner, there’s no better time to highlight the incredible pumpkins and fresh produce coming from this local farm.

A Journey from Garden to Farm

The story of Fannin Family Farm is rooted in passion and persistence. The farmer began his journey in 2015, starting with a small garden, working alongside the Amish. By 2016, he had upgraded to a larger plot in Nelsonville, right next to the Hocking River. It was here that he began taking farming seriously, but his true dream was realized when he acquired the 10-acre property we visited. Of those 10 acres, 3 are still undeveloped, but there are big plans for expansion, including flattening the land for more farming space.

Farming is in his blood. His love for the land and the art of growing produce comes from his parents, who always had their own personal gardens. He also spent time working on his buddy’s uncle’s farm, where he discovered that working outdoors was his calling. Farming allows him to do what he loves—being outside, caring for plants, and producing fresh food for the community. Seeing people enjoy his produce and hearing their praise for the freshness of his crops is what makes it all worth it.

Challenges and Triumphs in Farming

Farming isn’t without its difficulties, and Fannin Family Farm has faced its fair share of challenges. Ben spoke about the trial and error that goes into growing produce on a larger scale. This year, the farm had to deal with a drought, but thanks to the water lines running through the fields, the crops thrived, and they still produced beautiful pumpkins. In fact, the farm yielded 20 full bins of pumpkins this year! Along with pumpkins, the farm grows an abundance of other crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, watermelons, and green beans.

One of the keys to the farm’s success is crop rotation, which helps maintain healthy soil and maximize yields. All his crops are grown organically.

Ben also swears by soil cover crops and green manure to keep the soil healthy, which is essential for maintaining a productive farm long-term. He also uses cow and horse manure, which he tills and breaks up to amend the soil with carbon and essential nutrients. This process not only enriches the soil but also helps fight off plant diseases, ensuring healthy crops for the future.

Flowers and Garden Products

In addition to the delicious produce, Fannin Family Farm is also home to a beautiful selection of flowers. The farm sells baskets of petunias and other flower varieties, perfect for brightening up any garden. They also offer garden starts, succulents, and decorative baskets, adding a splash of color to the fall season. In the future, the farmer plans to expand the farm’s offerings by growing more pumpkins and possibly experimenting with microgreens.

Looking to the Future

The future of Fannin Family Farm is bright, with plenty of room for growth. In addition to flattening the 3 undeveloped acres, the farmer is exploring the idea of planting berries in high tunnels. He has experience growing black raspberries and blueberries and might expand to sell strawberries, which can be planted in the fall to be harvested in the spring. There are also plans to make better use of the ½ acre plot of land at the front of the property, potentially filling it with even more produce.

Pumpkins for Fall

As fall approaches, Fannin Family Farm’s pumpkins are the star of the show. These pumpkins are grown with one thing in mind: durability. According to Ben, the best pumpkins have thick, sturdy handles—this ensures they last longer. He also shared a great tip for keeping pumpkins fresh: wash them to remove microbes, and some people even dip them in a small amount of bleach water. This helps extend their shelf life, keeping them looking great throughout the season. 

At Kindred Market, we are proud to feature these pumpkins in our entryway, offering a range of sizes for all your fall decorating needs. Whether you’re carving them for Halloween or using them as festive décor, Fannin Family Farm’s pumpkins are a must-have.

Shop Local, Support Local Farmers

As the seasons change and we embrace fall, it’s more important than ever to support our local farmers. Fannin Family Farm is a prime example of dedication and hard work, producing fresh, high-quality produce for the community. When you shop local, you’re not just buying food—you’re supporting a family and their dreams. So, stop by Kindred Market and pick up some of Fannin Family Farm’s incredible pumpkins, tomatoes, and more. Let’s celebrate the fall season with fresh, locally grown produce that brings the best of the farm straight to your table.