Shagbark Seed & Mill, a certified organic seed cleaning and flour milling facility that markets grains, dry beans, flours, chips, crackers and pasta–all grown in Ohio–proposes to expand its Heirloom Popcorn line to a bagged, ready-to-eat product, and market it as an Appalachian product, since the variety has been long grown in our region. We are seeking partners to assess the market, pioneering farmers from the Appalachian region to grow heirloom varieties of popcorn, and potentially investors into various aspects of the value chain including equipment.
The business I am planning is a custom grazing operation on leased land. My customers will be local dairy and beef producers. I will charge a monthly fee per head to graze replacement heifers, dry cows, and stockers year round. Land lease amounts will be established by Animal Units per acre. Sound sustainable holistic management practices will be used in all aspects of the business. The business will employ myself and two employees, who will provide the daily labor required to move cattle and track animal perfornance.
Walnut Grove/Green Gables Farms is committed to sustainable agriculture and the promotion of local foods. We provide education, referrals, and always, plenty of Ohio farm raised crops/vegetables/fruits/meats/etc. "The Farmer's Basket" CSA is a critical part of our business, as is participation in the Tuscarawas County Family Farm Market.
Context: What are your objectives, opportunities and challenges? My objective is to grow and sell high quality fruits and vegetables while making money. Focus: What specific customers and customer needs are you focused on? The need is the demand for fresh local organic fruits and vegetables. Deliverables: What will you deliver to customers and what is critical to your ability to deliver? High quality local organic fruit and vegetables. Customers will have benefit through health.
