Meet The Farmers
Margo and Gus have been farming together since January 2012. Their wealth of skills and knowledge is deep and complimentary. Gus’ experience is in animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, soil science, and land regeneration. Margo’s background is in botany, native plants, and biology. Together, they have built Naked Acres into a robust, diversified farm business that is engrained in the local community. Their pastured meat, organic veggies, value added sauces, and goats milk soap are of the highest quality and all in high demand.
Reason for Loan
Time is of the essence. Margo and Gus began leasing the 75-acre property they are currently farming in 2017. They’ve put blood, sweat, tears, and all their spare funds into transforming the abused land into a productive, holistic farm. In 2019 they entered into a contract to purchase the property with financing in place to close on March 31st, 2020. Unfortunately, the current investment climate has recently shifted circumstances and they now find themselves fifty thousand dollars short. This money needs to be fundraised immediately to ensure they can still purchase the property and continue to serve their community. Never has the need for local food been more evident than during the global pandemic. All communities need healthy proteins, fats, and nutrient-dense vegetables to keep immune systems strong and bellies full. Local farms can provide during emergencies better than their large, distant counterparts, as local farms don’t rely on elaborate supply chains, can better ensure food reaches customers untainted, and cycle a higher percentage of their dollars within the local economy. Naked Acres is a model of regenerative, integrated farm systems. Their paramount commitment is to land stewardship and animal welfare, humanely raising heritage breed livestock in accordance with the Animal Welfare Association's highest standards. They feed their community, but also show up by serving in board positions, participating in agricultural education and advocacy, as well as mentoring the next generation of farmers. Any investment of $10,000 or more will receive a three-month meat share, a full lamb share, or a half hog share this fall.
What's Next?
Gus and Margo’s underlying goal is to continue raising heritage livestock in an ethical and humane fashion in addition to growing healthful produce for their community. They hope to soon be able to increase both the quantity and the quality of their produce by making further infrastructure improvements while continuing to be good stewards of the land.
