Improving farm infrastructure and branding will capture the full value of grazing and finishing cattle on pasture for direct-to-consumer delivery.
Funded on 09/07/2021
Former NFL wide-receiver Duriel Harris produces certified Angus beef on 62 acres of rotationally grazed pasture in Ville Platte, Louisiana. In 2016, Harris Cattle Company (HCC) got its start selling calves to the local sale barn. HCC then shifted to raising replacement heifers, capturing more value from greater animal maturity. The development of his new direct-to-consumer brand will complete the transition to direct delivery of pasture-raised-and-finished beef, maximizing value capture while meeting community demand for responsibly raised and locally grown protein.
Harris Cattle Company has recorded consistently high calving rates each season. The following improvements to ranch infrastructure and market access will build on this success to support long-term growth and profitability:
What started as a cow-calf operation supplying the conventional beef industry has since shifted to rotational grazing to improve soil, animal, and human health:
On behalf of myself and the entire family of Harris Cattle Company, we would like to thank everyone that participated in our loan. Because of your generosity, we are able to realize a life-long dream of providing our customers with certified Angus Beef.
With the funds, we will first address fencing around the ranch. By implementing proper cross fencing and strict rotational grazing, more foliage per acre will be produced. The additional foliage will increase the size of the herd we can graze on the same amount of acreage, and allow us to keep our herd on grass through the month of November. This will produce a reduction of hay consumption by 15-20% annually.
The funding will also allow us to designate a winter pasture and re-seed it with Rye Grass. Having this additional pasture will reduce hay consumption through the winter, and eventually reduce our need for winter hay by 30%. Our goal is to be as cost-efficient as possible, while still raising stress-free and healthy animals.
Again, thank you for believing in Harris Cattle Company and its mission, to provide our customers with high-quality Angus Beef. Because of your interest, in not only the business but also the process, we will have all of the tools necessary to be successful. We are truly humbled by this experience and are excited for what the future holds for us.
Sincerely,
Duriel Harris
This loan will be made to Harris Cattle Company LLC, a Louisiana limited liability company, which raises and sells grass-fed beef. This loan will be used to build a direct-to-consumer grass-fed beef brand.
The total loan amount is $148,000.00, which will assist Harris Cattle Company in growing and expanding its business.
This loan is set at a 7% interest rate, with a 72 month (6 years) term, and amortized over 120 months (10 years), with monthly payments beginning in 12 months after funds are disbursed.
Material & labor for fencing, pasture leveling, catch pen & chute & pond construction - $47,000.00
Freezers - $32,000.00
Working Capital - $32,000.00
Seed, feed & pasture maintenance - $14,500.00
Vet bills, insurance & fuel for the farm - $8500.00
Marketing - $13,000.00
Total $148,000.00
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