FarmStart - Taylor Acquaviva

Taylor Acquaviva is Yankee’s most recent FarmStart investment. Taylor will be using the funds to purchase a vat pasteurizer and start his own cheese making operation, Livewater Dairy, which will focus on providing organic, grass fed dairy products, specializing in fresh mozzarella and also producing butter and other value added products. Taylor’s family previously made mozzarella cheese on the farm years ago, which enables him to have access to a state-approved processing facility that is conveniently located 20 yards from the milk house.

Livewater Dairy is located in Putney, VT. Taylor plans on utilizing his family’s existing farm stand to help promote his products, as well as attending numerous farmers markets and building relationships with restaurants and co-ops across southern Vermont.

Taylor is pictured below standing in front of greenhouses that he also owns and grows veggies in:

Taylor is excited to begin his new venture and has a great support system that will enable him to be successful. His parents will be able to provide guidance with the processing and marketing aspects of the operation and Taylor also has a valuable connection with a Master Cheese maker in the area who is looking forward to acting as his mentor as he gets started.

Loan Officer Ryan Scelza worked with Taylor to make this FarmStart investment. As Ryan is regretfully leaving Yankee Farm Credit, Loan Officer April Smith will be the continuing FarmStart advisor.

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.

To learn more about FarmStart please visit our website or contact your local office.