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Jordan Kane is Yankee’s most recent FarmStart investment. In
addition to working full time as a service technician for a local sugaring
equipment manufacturer as well as cutting and selling fire wood, Jordan, his father and grandfather operate a sugaring
operation in Richford, VT. While most of the syrup is sold in bulk, Jordan
retains some for retail sale and manufactures chocolates and maple cream, all of
which are sold at local farmers markets and craft shows.
Jordan began sugaring with his grandfather when he was just
14 years of age, starting with 300 buckets. Today Jordan is up to almost 2,300
taps all of which are on vacuum system pipeline (no more buckets).
After a great deal of thought and planning Jordan decided
that he wanted to own and operate his own sugaring operation. In 2011, Jordan,
with help from his parents, began building a new sugarhouse next to the family
home. The sugar house, which is basically completed except for minor changes
and additions, is ready for service.
Jordan came to Yankee seeking funding for the purchase of a
pellet fired evaporator and a reverse osmosis system. Jordan put together and
presented a business plan to his FarmStart advisor showing where is operation
is now, where he plans to take it 2014 and beyond, as well as how he plans to
get there.
The goal of FarmStart is to provide working capital to help
start-up farmers establish a positive business and credit history during the
early phases of their business careers. Within five years, recipients should be
positioned to graduate to a conventional line of credit from Yankee or another lender.
Loan Officer Suzanne Petig in the St. Albans office is
Jordan’s FarmStart advisor. To find out more about the FarmStart program
contact the branch nearest you or e-mail FarmStart@Yankeeaca.com.
