Dan and Ann Trudel moved to the 5 acre property located in Fredericktown, Ohio’s Amish Country, back in 2004. The thought of a raspberry farm didn’t cross their minds until that Fall after experiencing what this new place could offer. Living in the Amish Country has always been a dream of both Ann and Dan, and their dream finally came true after finding the farm for sale. Dan, a market researcher, grew up in Montreal, Canada, far from any “real” country life. Ann was born and raised in Akron, she too didn’t realize the country sides potential.

Raspberries have always been a fruit well known to the Trudel family. Even before moving to Fredericktown, Ann would travel to local berry farms in Michigan to pick and make her famous Raspberry Jam back home. Moving to the wonderful five acre farm sparked amazing ideas between Dan and Ann. They agreed on starting a U-Pick, but what would they grow? A cash crop that would be in demand, but didn’t cost an arm and leg to support. Not something large scale, but something family oriented and made a statement that they were serious about the environment along with small-scale farming, at the same time. Ann remembered the warm summer days out in a green field, picking red raspberries in Michigan. The idea of this being possible in her own back yard was a no-brainer. 2,000 plants later, and Ann’s Raspberry Farm was born.

Despite many challenges by Mother Nature, Ann’s Raspberry Farm continues to follow organic farming practices. Introducing environmentally safe trellis and irrigation systems to the berries, and only using organic products such as Fish Emultion. Ann and Dan travel to several farmers markets throughout the week such as the Mt. Vernon Farmers Market and Clintonville Farmers Markets on Saturday mornings. With the success of the berries, Ann’s Raspberry Farm has opened its soil to new crops such as Brussels sprouts, yellow and purple beans.

Dan and Ann plan to continue their future in small-scale farming, organic practices and providing an environment for families to come and enjoy a summer afternoon picking fresh red raspberries.