Westport’s Hassenegk Acres Opens Farm Store With Four Generations of Tradition

A fourth-generation Westport farm has taken a big step forward with the opening of its brand-new community-focused farm store on Horseneck Road.

This new destination for fresh, local goods as Hassenegk Acres officially opened its farm store on Sunday, September 21. What started as a small family farm has now blossomed into a hub for community connection, fresh food, and a continuation of a four-generation farming legacy.

That’s the strength of a small-town right-to-farm community.

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A Family Dream Realized

For owners Vanessa Small and her husband Josh, the store is the culmination of years of vision and hard work. Vanessa’s sister, Hilary Mello, couldn’t have put it better:

“Four generations of farmers … and it’s all led to this moment. My sister, Vanessa, and brother-in-law Josh officially opened their very own FARM STORE — the result of so much vision, sweat, and pure love for the land! It’s not just a store — it’s a beautiful continuation of a family legacy.”

The Small family’s farming roots in Westport run deep. The land has been in the family for decades, once part of “Smalls Village” and even tied to Turtle Hill Farm and the original Bayside Restaurant. Today, that same dedication to farming is driving a new era for the community.

More Than Just Beef

While Hassenegk Acres is best known for its farm-raised, grass-fed beef (sold as cuts or in whole, half, and quarter shares), the new stand goes far beyond cattle.

Visitors will find:

• Fresh vegetables grown right on the farm, like tomatoes, peppers, and squash
• Pumpkins from local growers including Pedro Farm
• Apples from longtime favorite Noquochoke Orchards
• Farm-fresh eggs and flowers from Open Gate Farm
• Homemade jams from Vanessa’s mother-in-law’s berry bushes
• Sourdough bread from Barden Family Orchard
• Skincare and cooking tallow, along with Vanessa’s handmade dog liver treats

The shelves are small, but offers quality over quantity. As Vanessa explained, “It’s not overwhelming. There’s just enough in there. Enough shelves, enough product, and a whole lot of heart.”

Built on Community

One of the stand’s defining features is its commitment to supporting other SouthCoast farmers and makers. Many of the goods inside come directly from neighboring farms and friends in the region.

“We’re not looking to make a killing here,” Vanessa said. “We literally sell most items for the same price we buy them. It’s about keeping farming alive, supporting healthy living, and lifting up our community.”

READ MORE: Westport Farm Mobilizes Aid for Florida Residents Ahead of Hurricane Milton’s Landfall

The show of support Hassenegk Acres received on opening day was nothing less than admirable. Dozens of neighbors stopped by, some simply to say congratulations and show love.

“That meant more than anything,” Vanessa said with a smile.

Looking Ahead

The farm store may be small in size (no pun intended), but it represents something much bigger. With roots in 4-H, a passion for showing cattle, and a dedication to the next generation, the family sees this store as both a business and a legacy.

“We need more genuine, good people in the world,” Vanessa shared. “That’s what we’re trying to do here: support others, share what we grow, and build something for the community.”

Hassenegk Acres’ new farm store is located at 1229 Horseneck Road, Westport. Though hours are still being finalized, the doors are already open for locals eager to taste four generations of farming dedication.