It’s Fiona Macauley and Jillian Edwards from Norfolk Hearing Clinic – Growing Up On The Farm; local families building the future of agriculture – one generation at a time… fueled by Kubota.
Today we are looking at Kent Creek Orchard.
Frank and Natalie Hahn are proving it’s never too late to start a new chapter in farming.
After operating a 122-acre orchard on McDowell Road for years, the couple recently downsized to a 47-acre property on Charlotteville West Quarter Line, where they’re building Kent Creek Orchard into a farm focused on direct-to-consumer apple sales.
Their new operation features several acres of apple trees, a retail store currently under construction and a vision centered on connecting with customers right on the farm.
Although both have agricultural roots, Frank spent much of his career as an industrial millwright before taking a leap into apple farming.
He says the opportunity came after spotting a local orchard for sale and being mentored by its previous owner.
Today, the couple says growing apples is a year-round commitment involving everything from pruning and pest scouting to irrigation, harvesting and weather management.
While the work is demanding, Frank says there’s a unique satisfaction in producing quality fruit and meeting the people who enjoy it.
Kent Creek Orchard currently operates a roadside stand while construction continues on its retail space, with hopes of opening the new store later this fall.
The full interview with Frank and Natalie Hahn is featured in the latest episode of the Growing Up on the Farm podcast.
