We are Nick and Christy Ortins aka Geary Farms LLC. We started this company with only one goal in mind, to make an impact. We believe no matter how big or small, individual efforts can have a ripple effect beyond comprehension. Geary Farms is committed to partnering with nature to provide restoration, refuge, and sustenance for all. We choose to measure by the metrics of sustainability and ecological health, above all else. What’s good for nature is good for all of us. We practice a no-till approach to farming, we up-cycle items into the garden when we can and we never deal in -cides. If it kills, it kills indiscriminately. We work with nature to provide for you.
We are Richard Ascolillo and Danielle Gomes of Back to Nature Farm. We started our small farm right here in Candia in 2022, with the intention of getting back in touch with our community and to live in alignment with nature.
As we looked around we saw nature dissolving, and our society becoming disconnected from our roots. As the population increased and consumerism invaded the minds of all, we pillaged our forgiving planet. We began factory and monoculture farming, spraying pesticides into the land and destroying our top soil. The world’s Farmland, and the health of those who eat from it, have greatly suffered.
It is now up to farmers and consumers to correct the path we are on, and to feed the future in a sustainable manner. We believe it is not a privilege, but a right for all people to have access to affordable locally grown food. We know the key to this is working with nature, as a humble equal, by employing regenerative farming practices. On our farm every animal and plant plays a key role in the success of our farm. Each product you see has been selected to fulfill the needs of our small farm. We raise chickens for eggs, and the beautiful compost that their manure provides. We raise ducks for eggs, and their natural ability to control pests when allowed to free range. We raise geese because they are raised best on a one-hundred percent grass diet. In large numbers we raise quail, as they are a delicious and a sustainable alternative to chicken. Quail only require one-eighth of the feed that chickens do, in turn bringing down gas emissions from outsourced grain.
Here on Back to Nature Farm we also grow fruits and vegetables with equally as much passion. From a young age Farmer Rich grew vegetables in his garden, a tradition passed down by his family from Italy. Today he uses his natural green-thumb to grow heirloom tomatoes, summer squash, peppers, eggplants, watermelons, cantaloupe, radishes, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, scallions, mushrooms, cucumbers, garlic, spinach, kale, carrots, swiss chard, basil, winter squash, potatoes, sweet corn, pumpkins and more. Perhaps his favorite are his fig trees, a specialty that is hard to come by this far north. Each crop we grow is something that we personally enjoy using in our own kitchen. If you see us, ask about our favorite recipes. Some of which have been handed down through generations from Italy.
We are only in our second year farming and have high ambitions to expand our operation. Our next endeavor will be to add a flock of sheep for both meat and wool. It is our goal to be able to feed Candia and all of our animals right from our own land. Today our power lies in where we shop. By supporting our farm you make it possible for us to continue expanding, and to continue feeding New Hampshire the right way. Our community is stronger together.
You can find us on Facebook at Back to Nature Farm and on Instagram at @backtonaturefarm_. Or visit us at our farm stand at 613 High Street for fresh meat, produce and eggs every weekend.
My name is Melanie Critchett Gray, and I’m a lifelong resident of Candia. I grew up on Critchett Road and later moved 5 miles away to Currier Road where our family has resided for 30 plus years. Our farm name, Graymare came from the blending of my husband’s family and mine. Gray, (Jim and his children) + Melanie + Ashley +Rebecca + e.
Graymare Essentials was established seven years ago when my longtime desire for a healthy, cleaner lifestyle crossed paths with essential oils and herbalism. The results are a healthier, happier family & momma.
I enjoy making our family, salves, soaps, serums, wellness syrups to support our health, using therapeutic grade essential oils and organic ingredients. Up till last year, I have been sharing with family, friends, and neighbors; and now you. (What we apply to our skin, breathe in, and ingest goes to every cell in our body in under a minute.) Because of this, our beauty, bath, and skin products should be of the best quality.
I joined the Candia Farmers Market in its first year in 2021 and I’m thrilled to have joined at the beginning. It was a pleasure seeing old friends, meeting new ones. And of course, talking about oils, health and wellness.
Since 1972 I have been producing quality maple products the old fashioned way, over a blazing wood fire. My syrup is pure maple sap boiled down to make it contain 67% maple sugar.
“Re-Wired” Farmer, Farmer Lee Miner of Flying M Farm, Fremont NH
I grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts and spent many weekends at my grandparents farm in West Newbury at the Flying W Farm. Their W was for Walker. Spending time with my grandparents, chasing geese, hanging out with the goats, and watching the sheep in the field it’s no wonder I caught the bug for farming. And the food!!! I grew up on goats’ milk and will never forget the taste of homemade boursin cheese. At home there were fresh eggs from the neighbor and home cooked meals from a huge garden. As I went through college and on to a career as a geologist I travelled extensively. Hotels were home and farming was always something I wanted to do some day… some way…
In 2005, Larry and I moved to NH and once again tasted fresh eggs. Up went the first coop and the seed of my second career as a homestead farmer. By spring of 2019 I bid a terrific career adieu and jumped into farming up to my waist where I enjoy a much different, but no less challenging life as a farmer.
Flying M Farm was formerly established as an LLC in 2018. The M is for Miner as in Larry and Lee. I am the farmer, the processor and the butcher and take pride in providing you with the highest quality poultry and rabbit meat with my very own hands. Larry takes care of me and everything else around the homestead so it works! What drives me is the joy of raising healthy happy animals who live out their natural animal life with minimal stress at the inevitable end. Believe us, happy and healthy animals are tasty animals.
Our approach to farming is to raise a little a lot. High frequency, low volume farm-raised chicken, duck, goose and rabbit. Small, but mighty… we are a homestead operation, but we’ve got what it takes to deliver the highest quality poultry… a nutritious garden to supplement an all-natural high-quality feed and on-farm abattoir where we are able to quickly and humanely prepare food for you and your family.
We were thrilled to be part of Candia’s inaugural year and look forward to seeing everyone in 2023! Come see us and learn where real food comes from.
