The Butterfield brothers turned to the VFF for a $20k Business Builder Loan to startup a yogurt-making operation after researching value-added options for their 50-head dairy. David and Christopher are enthusiastic about selling their new cream-on-top yogurt to local grocers. The added monthly revenue will help them stabilize their total income and allow them to better plan for the future.

A Family of Dairy Farmers

Dairy farming is as much in the Butterfields’ blood, as it is in their names. The brothers were raised on a Massachusetts dairy farm that their father managed after having to sell his own operation. Running their own dairy farm together is all the boys have ever really wanted to do.

Still in their early 20’s when they started their farm, the brothers first did a stint in the reserves, which included a tour in Iraq for older brother Christopher. With their military commitment complete, the boys moved to Irasburg, leased some land, and began milking about 50 Jerseys.

The only workers on their farm, the Butterfields’ day starts before dawn and continues well past dark. Though they’ve been doing well, the brothers could see that relying on the fluctuating wholesale milk market would be as tough a go for them, as it was for their father.

Cream on Top

So, after researching the value-added market, the Butterfields decided on yogurt. They saw a niche for a wholesome, locally produced, cream-on-top product. Because the milk is all being skimmed from their own herd, and the brothers can do all the work themselves, they believe that they can offer a premium product at a competitive price point, expanding the VT-made yogurt market even to those with a more limited budget.

After piloting their yogurt with a few stores, the Butterfields applied to the Vermont Farm Fund and received a $20,000 Business Builder loan to help build out their production facility. With the equipment ordered, and construction well underway, David and Christopher received very sad news and took a pause from their project to mourn the loss of their father this spring.

This loan came at just the right time for us. We wouldn’t be as far along as we are if it weren’t for the VFF. — David Butterfield

Early Payback

We farmers are unique. We figured the Vermont Farm Fund would be more helpful, and they were. — David Butterfield

With insurance money their father left them, David and Christopher decided to pay back their VFF loan in full in May. They’ve also been able to use their inheritance to pay off their John Deere loan and buy a small refrigerator truck to deliver their yogurt once they start production in earnest this summer.

According to David, paying off their loans has given them peace of mind and a cushion going into their new business. Once they start distributing their much-anticipated product, all their sales will be the profit on top.

Photos courtesy of Butterfield Brothers Yogurt.