Danz Ahn Dairy is a small goat farm in Orwell, VT on 12 acres. Over 17 years, owner Juliana Danyew learned about cheese making by working in several creameries, began building a goat herd, and began collection equipment necessary for outfitting a creamery. She also built a small timber frame milk house and a creamery building. Juliana plans to use her New Producer Loan from the VFF to put up a grain bin to significantly cut grain costs, and fence another several acres to increase browse area for the goats. The loan will also be used to finance the purchase of a pasteurizer vat and bulk tank.

David Butterfield grew up milking dairy cows, and recently switched to raising and milking goats at his farm in Irasburg, VT. He and his brother have plans to milk 300+ goats and are selling their milk to Vermont Creamery. David used a New Producer Loan from the VFF to purchase more goats to build up their herd.

Head Over Fields in Charlotte, Vermont received a VFF New Producer Loan for improvements to their new property on Rte 7 where they have a farm store. Head Over Fields is a certified organic vegetable farm growing more than 100 varieties of vegetables, flowers and herbs. They offer a CSA, retail farm stand and sell to wholesale accounts. They'll also be a full time vendor this year at the Shelburne Farmers Market.

Saxton Valley Goat Farm is a new goat dairy in Irasburg, VT. With a New Producer Loan from the VFF, owner Jeremy Leather was able to invest in 200 kids to start building his milking herd. Jeremy has many years of experience in dairy farming, first with cows and is excited to switch to working with goats.

Finocchio is a wood-fired bakery and food producer in Marlboro, Vermont. They specialize in naturally leavened breads, bagels, focaccia, and pastries using locally grown grains and ingredients. For the past year, they have been building a bakery and wood-fired brick oven to expand Finocchio’s offerings. A New Producer Loan from the VFF will allow them to complete the build-out of the bakery space and purchase equipment.

Shannon and George Fisher Little Lynn Farm in Danville has raised hogs for over 30 years. They raise them from piglets to slaughter and sell through Walden Local Meats. In 2021 they had the opportunity to increase production from 50 pigs a month to 100 pigs a month, but needed more land in order to set up a fully pastured meat system. They have purchased property in Danville, and received a VFF New Producer Loan to help set up the new farm with electric service, well, and pens.