Justin is a
graduate of the University of Illinois and is the farm’s primary manager.
Rachel, Justin’s wife, is a graduate of the University of Chicago and provides
secondary management along with managing the farm’s financial records and web
based marketing. The
Sauerweins raise grass fed beef on the beautiful rolling hills of their 70 acre
farm. Currently their herd consists of nine animals but should grow to roughly
twenty by the end of the year. Their animals are processed locally and
distributed through a local wholesaler to various inns and restaurants
throughout Central Vermont. The Sauerweins use this sales and distribution
method to regulate their sales volume but are hoping to better utilize their
farm’s website as their capacity increases. Yankee is excited to partner with Justin
and Rachel as they build their herd and expand their capacity to meet the
growing demand for locally produced grass fed beef throughout the association’s
territory.
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 careers.
Within five years recipients should be able to graduate to a conventional line
of credit from Yankee or another lender.
