Lesley Marsh was just three years old when her parents, Butch and Dee Dee Smith, moved to Waldo in 1978. A new hobby took root in 1994 when Butch planted an orchard in their backyard.
“My dad took his inspiration from his uncle. The original orchard contained 21 fruit trees including various apple varieties, cherries and peaches,” Lesley Marsh remembers.
When the orchard bore fruit, the Smith family shared with friends, neighbors and local food pantries as well as area farmers’ markets.
Family Tradition Continues
Lesley graduated from River Valley in 1994 and became a sonographer. She married fellow alumnus Eric Marsh, an officer for Marion Police Department until his retirement. Eric now serves as a school resource officer at Ridgedale Schools. In 2018, the couple bought a farm at 2840 Salem Road.
“There was an unused acre behind the big old barn that was just perfect for an orchard expansion. Country Road Farms was created as a collaboration between my parents’ orchard and our new orchard,” Lesley said.
In 2020, Country Road Farms was born.
The Secret to Success: Rolling Up Your Sleeves
“We all pitch in and get the hard work done. We don’t have employees. We hand-planted all 1,100 trees between the two locations. We started as a hobby and are working very hard together to build a business that can be handed down and enjoyed by the community for generations to come,” Lesley said. “There’s a saying out there I love: ‘Opportunity is often missed because it’s dressed in overalls and looks a lot like work.’ Be willing to put in the work and see where your dreams take you.”
Left to right: Butch Smith, Dee Dee Smith, Lesley Marsh, Eric Marsh
Farmers Markets & Fall Festival
Country Roads Farms sells produce at area farmers’ markets and added their own weekly market at the farm on Sundays.
“We are passionate about our community having access to fresh grown produce and homemade goods,” Lesley said.
The annual Fall Festival is coming up on October 19 with food trucks, live music, games, hayrides, pony rides and pumpkin painting.
“We want everyone that comes to the farm to have a great time and meet new people. We want them to laugh when our chickens and turkeys block the driveway so they can’t leave (it happens a lot). We want them to eat our apples, drink our cider and enjoy picking from our trees. We want to offer an authentic farm and orchard experience,” Lesley said.
Vibrant, Growing Local Economy
Marion’s growing economy makes space for new ventures.
“I think every orchard and farm is an important part of this community. The more the merrier! Lawrence Orchards is run by wonderful people. They are a great asset to Marion County. We want to add to an already thriving agricultural community by introducing brand new apple varieties,” Marsh said.
Marsh is excited to help Marion grow.
“Marion is making great strides in bettering and beautifying its downtown. We love seeing the growth happening. We are proud to be a part of that growth,” Marsh said.
Giving Back
Country Roads Farms donates fresh fruit to the Peanut Butter Jelly Truck for hungry children. They support the River Valley Farm Program.
“We love to support our community in any way we can. Sharing our blessings is one of our favorite ways to give back,” Marsh said. “Your passion for what you do and the support of family is what will get you through the tough times. It’s about family and perseverance.”
Left to right: Bill Smith, Marlane Smith, Ryan Smith, Butch Smith, DeeDee Smith, Finley Smith, Anthony Brown, Quinn Marsh, Coen Marsh, Aiden Brown, Tyler Calbert, Callie Calbert (Marsh), Camden Marsh, Erin and baby Violet Marsh, Eric Marsh, Lesley Marsh
Local Customers Make a Difference
They appreciate their customers.
“Local business owners are your community. They are your neighbors, friends and family. When you spend your money in your own community, that money gets to stay here. It puts uniforms on our athletes. It puts braces on smiling kids’ faces. It puts dinner on tables. By shopping local, you get to play a part in making sure that the community you live in thrives and the businesses can stay in the community. Everyone should want to strengthen the economy of their own community,” Marsh said.
For More Info:
- Visit 2840 Salem Road, Marion, Ohio 43302
- Follow the Country Road Farms Facebook page
- Email countryroadfarmmarket@gmail.com
- Call or text Lesley at (740) 341-9663
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
