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and the chance to see what works and what doesn’t for their farm’s future, as well as being able to offer vendors a place to display their products in an eclectic store. “We love interacting with our guests and vendors, meeting our neighbors, and helping to connect our community a little more by welcoming folks to the farm.”
They love to share their beautiful mountain view with visitors to the farm store – some folks come for the view, and then stay for the store! “We wanted to give people an excuse to come up to the farm, and the farm store has provided that,” said Amanda. “Every com- munity needs that.”
You’ll find maple syrup, locally roasted coffee (including Thompson Hill’s own custom blend), stained glass art, hand-painted wooden ornaments, handmade soaps, and many other seasonal items like apples, cut flowers, garlic, and herbs. They are open May through October, and you can check their Facebook page for current hours. They accept cash, or payments through Cash App.
Conant Acres
55 Canton Point Road, Canton
Conant Acres is a four-generation family farm, and on any given day, you’ll encounter multiple generations
of kinsfolk working together. Their family has been farming the same land along the Androscoggin River since 1936. Natalie Sneller, great-granddaughter of J. Carlton Conant who established the farm, says, “We’re blessed with beautiful views of the river valley, and customers often spend an extra moment on the front porch of the farm market to admire the natural beauty of the area.” She added that they also feel supported by a great community, with neighbors and customers that embrace local farms and local food production.
She admires the real sense of community and enthu- siasm among local farmers in the area, many of whom are working together on production or marketing efforts to sustain the local agricultural economy. “It’s really fun to be a part of!” she said.
This is an active dairy farm milking about 80 cows, and with over 200 total head of cattle. Customers have the opportunity to see the dairy herd first-hand (including the cute baby calves!), and connect to the source of their raw milk and cheeses. They started marketing directly to customers in the 1970s with a small roadside stand where they sold sweet corn each summer.
Three years ago, as the next generation of the family came back into the business, they made the decision to expand their direct marketing efforts and built a
Conant Acres Country Market is staffed by members of the family who are fourth generation on the farm, and they’re happy to answer questions about the farm and the products they are working hard to raise.
Natalie Sneller
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