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Regenerative Capital

Hilltop Property Expansion

by Studio Hill
Hilltop Property Expansion

Studio Hill is expanding their farm to increase grazing capacity and on-farm accommodations to grow their agritourism business.

Project Summary
  • Location: Shaftsbury, VT
  • Loan Amount: $970,000
  • Loan Term: 6 months
  • Interest Rate: 6.00% APR
  • Repayments Begin: 1 month after disbursement

Overview

Caroline and Jesse McDougall work everyday to build abundance, diversity, and resilience on their 4th-generation family farm in rural southern Vermont. Studio Hill transitioned from conventional chemical management to organic holistic management in 2012. Working to restore 200+ acres of degraded land, they raise sheep and poultry on pasture and are a Savory Institute Influencer Hub. In addition to rebuilding their land's soil ecosystem, they also run a thriving farm-stay program with bookings out to 2023!


Use of Funds

Studio Hill plans to eventually acquire two neighboring properties. This initial bridge loan from Steward enables the purchase of the first site; a 50-acre hilltop property with a 5 bedroom / 4 bathroom house and incredible views. This expansion will allow Studio Hill to immediately:

  • Increase their on-farm accommodations and farm-stay program.

  • Ramp up pasture sheep and poultry production by increasing their herd size.


Regenerative & Sustainable Practices

Studio Hill rebuilds their land's soil ecosystem by managing livestock holistically in their permanent perennial polyculture pastures and employing a number of other techniques:

  • Pollinator habitats and beekeeping boost the regeneration of their land.

  • A focus on rebuilding the soil maintains the foundation of ecosystem health and drives natural cycles.

  • No-till gardens are used for their annual vegetable and flower production, and a 4-acre perennial food forest is in the works.

  • As a Savory Institute Influencer hub, they work to educate others on regenerative agriculture’s potential to improve climate, health, and economic challenges worldwide.

  • An emphasis on climate resiliency will build a fertile farm for future generations of their family and their community.

Meet the Farmers

Join a growing community of sustainably-minded lenders reaping the rewards from responsible farming

Learn More About Studio Hill