Adding terraced beds will increase growing area and season extension, tripling produce production.
Funded on 03/23/2021
Rose Mountain Farm is situated in the valley of Big Horse Creek, North Carolina. They produce mixed veggies and pastured pigs. This business loan will triple the farm's growing area and extend their growing season.
Given the steep slope of most mountain properties, terracing is needed. Additionally, adding a second high tunnel and four caterpillar tunnels will extend farm production and allow for bringing on a part-time employee. With the expanded area and extended season, they will add a second Saturday market and diversif their crop mix with new vegetable varieties.
Accessing a Steward loan for this expansion will allow Rose Mountain's project to move forward more quickly and smoothly, providing the financial capacity to hire a few hands when construction requires and expand their markets. Bulldozing for the terracing is expensive and it needs to be done all in one visit, so that owner Ann Rose does not have to endure the cost of equipment transportation more than once. Her reason for wanting to work with Steward was because of their business model and her ability to invite her community to particpate in the growth and success of her farm business.
Good morning to all from Rose Mountain Farm,
I am in full swing with tunnels in place and new beds fully planted. My second season CSA starts Friday. I feel like the luckiest farmer ever. Your support and that I have gotten rain almost weekly. The water storage tank has been a true necessity in between mountain showers. The first tomatoes are going to market Friday and the first delivery to Pie on the Mountain is scheduled Wednesday. My anchor restaurant.
The strawberry field has been a much biger challenge than I expected. Racoons and groundhogs like strawberries too! No needto elaborate on that is going for them. Snicker.
I am ordering more seeds and planting heavily at the end of August. The tunnels will be full for winter greens and root crops.
I am accruing a small nest egg for winter payments in the event of some crop failures. Thanks to my awesome tomato crop.
A great big thank you again!
Regards
Ann
#onward
#RoseMountainFarm
This process to fund my expansion has been smooth and quick. I am honored with the trust you all have in my project. I am looking forward to this season and the new opportunity that awaits. I do not have the words that express my gratitude. Onward!
Ann Rose
A big shout out to those of you who have gotten the ball rolling for me and this project. I am super excited to see how this year plays out here in Appalachia!
This loan will be made to Rose Mountain Farm LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company, who produces vegetables and pasture-raised pork for their community.
This loan will be used to add terracing and caterpillar tunnels to the farm as well as pay for other 2021 expenses. This will expand the production area and extend the growing season.
The total loan amount is $20,000 which will assist Rose Mountain Farm in growing and expanding their business.
This loan is set at an 8% interest rate, with a 60-month term, and fully amortized monthly payments beginning in 3 months after funds are disbursed.
Greenhouse - $800: paying down the final amount on the greenhouse.
Caterpillar Tunnels - $5000: 14x100 pro x 4/ 4doors
Farm Supplies - $2290: one time farm-tools purchase
Seasonal Farm Labor- $1200: paid at $13/hr
Packaging Supplies - $3000: picking totes and produce packaging for sale
Terracing - $3500: bulldozer operator doing this work in the spring of 2021
Built-in Winter Savings- $4,000: accounting for lower sales in the winter months
Total Budget- $19,790
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