Fifth-generation Sage’s Apples farmer continues pursuit of agritourism dream in Chardon

Ben Sage doesn’t mind a good challenge. In fact, it’s one of the things he enjoys most about farming.

So, in 2017, he jumped at the chance to buy the rolling landscape he grew up exploring next to the family’s Sage’s Apples property, along Route 6 in Chardon.

Where some would see acres of untamed dirt and meadow, he and wife Polly envision an agritourism business to pass on to their children.

“Since the property adjoins the Sage’s farm, I have always wanted to buy it and work it as an extension of our farm,” he said. “It is also a great fruit site because of its high elevation and low frost danger. These fruit sites are hard to find with rapid development (going on). It is so important to save them for our communities.

“Personally, this farm is an investment for my own family, both for their future and their present.”

The dream started small with a pick-your-own operation — involving pumpkins, wagon rides and plenty of apples — launching on Saturdays last fall. The couple was pleased with the turnout and seeing families enjoying simple pleasures.

Raspberries, grapes, blueberries and apples are in the ground and growing, in preparation for offering more pick-your-own options.

“We are passionate about demonstrating a working farm to the public,” said Ben. “It’s a lot of work, but a good life. This is the heart of agritourism.”

The history

The 37-year-old fifth-generation farmer named the enterprise Ransom Sage Farm after family patriarch Ransom Alden Sage, born in 1843. Ransom began the farm known as Sage’s Apples in 1867 and ran it into the early 1900s. His grandson, Allen (Ben’s grandfather), turned the traditional farm into an orchard with the help of his wife, Eleanor, who remains at the farm market today.

“My grandma has slowed down, but she still walks to the market most days to say hello and tell us what to do,” said Ben with a grin.

Ransom Sage Farm, at 505 Center St., extends from behind Walmart Supercenter to the Sage’s Apples border north of Route 6. It comprises about 120 acres that were once part of the original 300 acre E. N. Osborn farm, mainly used for dairy cows. The Osborn family (no relation to the Mentor developers) still owns 12 acres off Mentor Road on which a couple of vacant old homes and a barn still stand.

“I grew up farming with my dad (Robert), learning how to work, learning how things grow and eating the freshest of fruit,” Ben said. “I love being outside, working on the farm, doing different jobs, fixing things, planting things and getting to see my kids play, work and experience what I do every day. … It gives them necessary skills such as creativity, determination, confidence and hard work which they can take into any business they might want to pursue.”

A growing interest

Sage’s Apples doesn’t do a pick-your-own operation due to lack of parking space.

Ben approached Chardon City leaders in July about using his land for activities ranging from pick-your-own produce to outdoor events, to a winery featuring hard cider.

“We have a large planting of apple trees ordered for 2020 — only about 600 this year, both great eating and cider varieties — and black raspberries,” he said. “For the fall, we will be growing Indian corn and pumpkins. We will have a good crop of raspberries and maybe some apples for pick-your-own.”

Blueberries and grapes are anticipated to be ready for picking in 2019.

Ben believes it’s prime time to introduce agritourism to the community.

“People are learning about how important fresh local produce is,” he said. “The farm-to-table movement is exciting and encourages families to embrace getting out in nature and learning about where real food comes from. As lifelong farmers, we are excited about this. We believe that the more people learn about the value and connection between food and nature, the healthier and happier they will be.”

A new direction

During the past year, Chardon officials began working on creating an agritourism overlay district for the property.

As of now, the plans would require a considerable number of variances, so officials were considering a zoning text amendment.

Permitted uses in a draft of the amendment include wineries, bed & breakfasts, limited retail, food venues, fairs and festivals related to agriculture, outdoor concerts/live entertainment, facilities for special events, zip lines, slides, playgrounds, cabins, pavilions and tents, corn mazes, trails for walking/biking/cross-country skiing, self-picking and fishing.

At a January meeting of the Planning Commission, questions arose about setbacks, utility service and parking. City leaders were awaiting a concept plan to proceed.

However, such issues led Ben to file a petition in Geauga County Common Pleas Court to detach from the city and rejoin the less-regulated Chardon Township. The land was annexed to the city in 1969 and partially zoned industrial.

“We love the city, we love Chardon,” he said. “Farming just doesn’t mix well in the city. It’s seasonal. We don’t have income most of the year. We can’t justify that expense (of concept plans, etc.)”

The city is asking that the petition be dismissed. Concerns include potential financial loss should the land be developed for industrial purposes. The detachment also would cause another parcel to be noncontiguous to the city, in violation of the Ohio Revised Code, the city says.

City Councilman Andrew K. Blackley is among the big proponents of the agritourism business.

“Council has, at some expense, authorized a consultant to craft new zoning regulations that would permit this type of business within the city,” he said. “These regulations have not yet been adopted and are not set in stone. It is my hope that we can make them flexible enough to allow creative property uses while still protecting the public’s health and safety.

“Regulations for drinking water, sewage disposal and stormwater pollution set by the Ohio EPA are in effect in the townships as well as the city of Chardon. I think that trying to separate his property from the city will only create more delays rather than saving time, and it is my hope that Mr. Sage will drop his suit and work with us to make a better Chardon.”

For more information on Ransom Sage Farm, visit ransomsagefarm.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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