McKone Family Farm | Application Preview
McKone Family Farm is seeking government grants to fund equipment purchases for hay production, storage facilities for feed and hay, essential farm vehicles, and fencing supplies to expand operations. The farm currently manages two herds of Nigerian dwarf goats—registered and non-registered—aiming to enhance housing and fencing to separate the two. The farm plans to enter the beef and dairy market in spring 2023 with a unique business model that allows consumers to sponsor their cattle, observe their growth, and later have them butchered for a fee. This approach provides a personalized customer experience while generating income for the farm.
Additionally, there are plans to venture into chicken production by fall 2024/spring 2025. The long-term vision includes expanding the farm into two separate entities: one focused on production and the other dedicated to providing educational resources and internships for veterans starting their own farms.
The applicant emphasizes their background as a US Army veteran and their commitment to executing the business plan despite limited resources. The farm is already operational with registered goat herds producing litters and has acquired a sawmill for development. The applicant believes there is little direct competition in their area due to their innovative marketing strategy, which targets diverse consumer needs, unlike other farms that offer a single product.
Their competitive edge lies in providing a service that allows individuals to manage their beef cattle without the associated land and labor requirements. This novel approach offers consumers a unique opportunity while ensuring the farm generates revenue through its services. Overall, the funding would bolster operational capabilities and support an ambitious plan for growth and community engagement.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: UD001659336001
Location: mannington, WV, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
Purchase equipment for hay productions and use, storage areas for feed/hay. Farm use vehicles that are required in-conjunction with production of both feed and animal husbandry operations. Fencing tools, equipment and supplies to grow the operation. Heavier equipment to terra form certain areas for more adequate room.
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Business Plan
Currently house a herd of registered Nigerian dwarfs and a herd of non-registered for the companion side of operations. Increasing the size of housing for animals and fencing to separate the registered/unregistered herds. Registered herd will advertise to a specific market which the unregistered side will ensure the companion animals are available. Expanding operations into the beef/dairy cattle industry in the spring of 2023 with a more personalized approach. First, we would like to produce, for our own butchery that will sell direct to consumers via online and in-person sales. Then with a new innovative approach to beef farming we raise your hand-picked cattle for you in exchange for a monthly fee. Instead of me paying directly for feed and care giving, the consumer can watch their cow grow until they decide they are ready. We raise it, make money while doing it and then butcher it for a fee. It's paid for from baby to burger. Fall 2024/ Spring 2025 looking to expand into the chicken production side with inquires being held for chicken houses on a portion of our land that has adequate provisions. We will offer personalized services to people that would love to own their own cow for butcher, we house, feed, maintain while receiving a monthly fee to cover all services. Once they are ready to butcher, they pay a one-time butcher fee for their personally raised cow. Once farm operations and revenue increase, the farm would like to split into two entities. Once for production and operations and a second entity created for Veteran education resources with internships for start-up Veteran owned farms. I am a US Army veteran who has the passion and work ethic to put this business plan into action. So far with limited resources I have financed the beginnings of our Nigerian Dwarf farming operation. We have 2 herds with registered litters expected as early as January 2023. I have purchased by own sawmill to develop the land and buildings around the area with adequate storage facilities and pastures. The farmland has an adequate supply of freshwater resources and the capability to use the natural resources to farm hay. I am all about efficiency with fiscal spending and niche markets. I have a multi-step marketing strategy to meet the needs of different markets while maintaining the same operation. I currently have 2 goat herds while only operating 1 farm. Separating them by registration status allows for 2 separate revenue streams. Tapping into the goat showing side of business and also the companion animal side allows for a broader revenue stream.
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Self Identified Competition
I have no competition with these marketing strategies. All farming operations in my area are like the rest in that they only produce 1 product and then sell their entire product at auction. I am 37 years old and everywhere I have been and lived in West Virginia people want their own beef cattle. They don't have the land, resources, time or effort to put into it. Why not give them what they want. I raise your hand-picked cattle for you in exchange for a monthly fee. Instead of me paying directly for feed and care giving, the consumer can watch their cow grow until they decide they are ready. We raise it, make money while doing it and then butcher it for a fee. It's paid for from baby to burger. That is innovation and efficiency.
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Contact Applicant
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