Acadian Family Farm: Growing with Heart and Tradition “I’ve been on these farms so long that it’s in my blood, I guess,” says Rod Ardoin, a man who embodies the phrase “salt of the earth.” At Acadian Family Farm, sweet potatoes are not just crops—they are the result of love, labor, and dedication. With each row turned over by hand, these organic tubers are cultivated with care, reflecting the Ardoins’ commitment to quality.
While the holiday season typically means sweet potato season, it also highlights the challenges farmers face. North Carolina, which produces 60% of the nation’s sweet potatoes, is reeling from Hurricane Florence, leaving many crops in trouble. But at Acadian Family Farm in Oklahoma, the harvest tells a different story. Bins overflow with vibrant, orange-skinned sweet potatoes—some fresh from the fields, others curing to develop their sweetness. “You can’t rush the process,” Rod explains. “Like most good things, it takes time.”
The Ardoin family’s journey began in Austin, Texas, where they farmed ten acres of organic produce to meet local demand. “When I started back in Austin,” Rod reflects, “people thought the organic movement was just for small farms. But organics have been around way before me—those little hippie farms, mashing garlic to keep the bugs off.”
Though large-scale industrial farms now dominate the organic market, squeezing out smaller operations, Rod stays focused on what matters most. “The fun part of this business,” he says with a smile, “is giving people good food.” Despite the challenges, the sweet potatoes at Acadian Family Farm stand as a testament to resilience. As the holidays approach, orders flood in from local grocers and farmers’ markets. Nanette, Rod’s wife, leads recipe development at the farm, and her sweet potato biscuits are not to be missed. “The sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness,” she says, “but don’t forget the butter—organic, if you have it.”
With roots firmly planted in Oklahoma soil and a passion for nourishing their community, the Ardoins continue to grow food that feeds both body and soul.
