That Guy's Family Farm: Growing Certified Organic & A Lifestyle

That Guy's Family Farm in Clarksville, Ohio, is synonymous with locally grown produce that's certified organic by the Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association. From nutrient-dense greens in the spring to plump tomatoes, sugar snap peas, green onions, zucchini, cantaloupe, and more in the summer, the Ashmore family brings a little bit of everything to our Produce department during the local season. The winding drive to Clarksville gives way to lush farmland as you near the Ashmore family's land. Depending on the time of year, vibrant flowers draw your eye toward the red self-serve farmstand with the words "That Farm & Flower Shop," which reflects the stream of what's growing now.

The farm that Guy & Sandy Ashmore started in the late 1980s has grown into so much more as their three children have grown up and started their own families. Just as Guy and Sandy sought to have the farm be more than just a living as they raised their three kids, their son Conard Ashmore and his wife Kelsey carry on day-to-day operations with the same mentality. "The kids are in the field constantly," says Conard. Oliver, 3, doesn't hesitate to pick fresh garlic to nibble on. Meanwhile, his sister Marjorie, 2, grabs fistfuls of kale to munch on. 

For Sandy, who now enjoys the farm alongside her grandkids, this way of life took root with her and Guy's decision to go certified organic in 1998. "We were conventional farmers raising corn and soybeans. Then we realized that we could have our kids around us and not worry about the chemicals," Sandy says. "We've never regretted it." Guy's passion for the local farming community shines in a new way as he sees his kids and grandkids embrace it and find their own way. "Dorothy Lane has helped us transition to another generation," Guy says. When you walk into the packing house, a large portion of the whiteboard is devoted to keeping track of the DLM deliveries. 

Conard, a young man himself, can say that he's been farming for 30+ years, as it's been a part of his daily life. As Guy points out, letting the kids share in the lifestyle in age-appropriate ways rather than running them off has garnered not just decades of knowledge, but a deep-rooted appreciation. Together, the Ashmore family hasn't just cultivated a successful multi-generational farm, but they've grown a beautiful lifestyle to share with one another.