Frankfort farm first in county to earn organic honor
FRANKFORT – As more and more people look for produce and meats raised naturally and organically, a Ross County farm has received an important honor as part of that trend.
The Silver Maple Farm, owned by Bill and Sharon Steinhoff, is the first Certified Naturally Grown farm in the county. It's a distinction they sought out because they felt it was an important one to make for those who buy from them.
"When we moved here seven years ago I never would have thought I'd be caring for a flock of sheep, raising poultry, and growing vegetables and herbs for our family and friends," says Sharon.
Silver Maple has always sold chemical-free and non-GMO produce at the Chillicothe Farmers Market, but wanted to get the certification to make sure they were going above and beyond to provide for their customers.
The Certified Naturally Grown program is for direct-to-market farms that use natural practices to raise the items they sell in the local community. The inspections for the program are conducted by other farmers, who ask a variety of questions based on their local knowledge of area pests and challenges. It's a program that not only upholds the CNG standard, but "strengthens the farming community by connecting area farmers with one another," according to the program's guidelines.
The Steinhoffs — who also get help from three sons, Will, 17; Samuel, 15; and Nicholas, 13 — admit they had a lot to learn when they began farming and are still learning today.
"No one is ever an expert," says Bill. "There are always things to learn and questions to ask. CNG and our farming community have been invaluable resources for us."
The farm was also one of 20 farms selected to receive free logo design services through Stand Out in Your Field, a project funded through a grant to Certified Naturally Grown from the Farmers Market Promotion Program 2014. According to the project, Silver Maple was chosen for their demonstrated commitment to ecological practices and drive to take their business further.
To reach the farm
Silver Maple Farm, 1670 Sever Road, Frankfort, OH 45628
Producers: Bill and Sharon Steinhoff
Contact: thesilvermaplefarm.com
Phone: (740) 656-4592