A New Chapter at Cider Hill: Welcoming in the Next Generation
- Cider Hill Farm Team
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
To Our Community Near and Far,
We're thrilled to share very exciting news with you. Our beloved farm is entering its next chapter. We hope you'll join us in officially welcoming Jenny and Chris Durocher as the next generation of co-owners.
Karen and I started planning this transition eight years ago. We always knew that when the time was right, the farm would be passed down into good hands. For us, it’s never been about ownership - it’s about continuity, making sure the land and its legacy are cared for. Over the past decade, Jenny and Chris have stepped up in so many ways, bringing new ideas, knowledge, hard work, and a ton of energy. With Karen fully retired now, we wanted to be sure the heart of the farm stayed strong. Seeing the next generation, people we love and trust, step in with passion and drive has been incredible. - Farmer Glenn
"This transition is about securing the farm's future. By preserving the values, traditions, and love that have shaped the farm for decades, we are so excited to have Jenny and Chris' expertise and dedication to carry us forward into the farm's next chapter. Our family has grown and we couldn't be happier." - Karen, Glenn, Gregg & Chadd Cook
Meet Jenny & Chris Durocher
Chris grew up just around the corner from the farm, spending most of his childhood running through the orchards and fields alongside Chadd and Gregg Cook. To Karen and Glenn, he was like a third son. After graduating from Endicott College and marrying Jenny, he stayed close to the farm in many ways taking on roles in construction and special projects. He now leads the day to day of Cider Hill Cellars, our hard cider operation, with Chadd Cook. Chris also balances farm life with his service as a firefighter in Amesbury.
Jenny, a Vermont native, met Chris in 2011 while earning her business degree at Gordon College. She quickly fell in love with Amesbury and with Chris’s habit of showing up with Ovedia chocolates, sneaking cider donuts hot off the machine and surprise date nights at Phat Cats. After spending time with Karen and Glenn, it didn’t take long for her to feel drawn to the farm's purpose and rhythm. She joined as store manager shortly after their wedding, and by 2019, she became General Manager, helping to lead the farm through seasons of growth and transformation. Her vision for the future has brought new energy to our offerings, our systems, and our incredible team.
Together, Jenny and Chris share a deep love for the farm and its community. Their two children, Sophia and Jackson, are already part of the next generation learning what it means to care for this land and serve this community.
Q: How does this transition feel to you?
Karen Cook: Jenny and Chris have been part of this journey for so long, and now they’re taking on an even bigger role. It’s just another step in keeping this farm a place for generations to come. It just feels natural.
Chadd Cook: We are gaining more family that has always felt like family. It’s truly a win-win for everyone.
Jenny Durocher: This farm has been at the heart of our marriage since day one... quite literally, as I started just one week after our wedding. What began as a job quickly became a calling. Over the years, Cider Hill has been the place where we’ve found our community, built our life together and continue to grow everyday. Taking on ownership isn’t just a professional step - it’s a deeply personal one.
Chris Durocher: Growing up on the farm with the Cooks, I’ve always felt like this is my second home. Now, we’re just making it official.
Q: What are your hopes for the farm’s future?
Glenn Cook: The farm is a living thing, and we want to keep it thriving. Taking care of the land and our community will always be at the heart of what we do. We need to keep evolving alongside the needs of our guests and community.
Gregg Cook: I’m excited to see what Jenny and Chris bring to the table. The farm is in the hands of people who truly love it and want to see it grow.
Chris Durocher: My biggest hope is that the farm stays the welcoming, special place I grew up with. I want my kids to have the same incredible experiences here that I did.
Q: What values do you want to preserve as the farm moves forward?
Karen Cook: Love, kindness, and hard work... those have always been at the heart of this farm, and that’s not changing. We’re just building on them.
Jenny Durocher: We want to preserve the values that have always been at the heart of Cider Hill - a care for the land, connection to community, and genuine hospitality. This has always been a place where people feel welcome, where traditions are built, and where the work is done with purpose. As we look ahead, we’re focused on keeping those values strong while growing in a way that’s thoughtful and sustainable.
Q: Any final thoughts on this next chapter?
Glenn Cook: The farm is in the best hands, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.
Karen Cook: Passing down a farm isn’t just about ownership - it’s about carrying forward a way of life, a shared passion, and a deep love for what’s been built here. With trust, continuity, and a shared vision, this transition ensures the farm will remain a place of joy for generations to come.
Chris Durocher: It’s a privilege to be part of this, and I can’t wait to see how we continue to grow while keeping the spirit of the farm alive.
Jenny Durocher: Karen and Glenn have been the heartbeat of the farm, pouring their infinite love and hard work into it every single day. As Karen formally retires, it is in her honor that we’re so happy to introduce The Karen Cook Hospitality Award, an annual award that will be given to a selected high school senior who embodies kindness, service, and dedication to others. Cider Hill Farm has always been a labor of love rooted in family, fueled by passion, and built to be shared. We are so proud to carry it forward, together.
Thank you all for coming on this adventure with us. We are excited for all of it!