The 12 cow dairy provides milk to the on farm creamery. We are looking for someone that has an interest and desire in learning the in and outs of a dairy and creamery operations. If said person or persons shows ability to assist with the daily rituals of farming the opportunity would be available from the level of minimal help to a complete succession strategy.
Land Description:
The Farm: We are a small family farm in South Thurston County. Our nearest town is Rochester. We are a cow dairy, creamery and we raise beef, lamb and pork that we sell directly to the consumer. The farm is on the Chehalis River. It is in the flood plain with rich Sandy Loam soil. We have numerous outbuildings, a house and a milking parlor. We have water rights. Most of the land is in pastures.
Our business: We sell lamb, beef and pork directly to the consumer and have for over 20 years. Over the years we have established an email list of potential customers and do for the most part very little advertising beyond that. We have loyal customers that have bought meat from us for many years. We also have a small herd of dairy cows that supply the milk we need for our creamery.
We produce yogurt that we sell wholesale to about 50 Stores.
Transition: We are getting older and realize the time has come to help the next generation to get into this business and for us to retire. The fact that we have built this farm business from the ground up and all the sacrifices that we have had to make to have this business a success has made us realize how much easier it would be for our successors not to have to do all that ground work. Instead take over what we have created and keep it going.
The Deal: We would be interested in a gradual transition of the 28-acre farm into the hands of a capable person. This is a full-time occupation for two people. Someone who would be interested in continuing what we have built. This could be in the form of a lease.
Creamery is in the ownership of two separate parties and our successors would have the opportunity to become a part owner.
Timeline: We are now ready to start the succession process. But we are not locked into an exact plan. We envision the succession process to take a few years. If the successors are interested in starting their own business during that time that is compatible with our operation, we would be open to that.
Expectations/Vision for Succession: The first year would simply be for the successors to see if this is the life and work they want. They would work beside us on the farm every day and get familiar with all the tasks that need to take place. The tasks differ a lot according to the season.
In the first year, we would provide mentorship. This would be in the form of an internship with housing.
In the second year we envision for the successor to take over running the dairy and become an active member at the Creamery.
In year 3 to take over the meat production, the beef, pork and lamb.
We do not want to overwhelm our successors, but if the persons show the ability to move faster in this succession, we would be open to passing on more responsibilities sooner.
We would like to retain doing the haying for some years. Most of that takes place on a separate property. We would of course provide the hay for the farm but we also envision ourselves selling hay as a way for us to have an income.
This would be the last part of the succession plan to be passed on to the successors.
Description of us: One of us has been farming for almost 45 years, the other for over 20. One of us worked in corporate America for many years but never did see that as a good fit. The other grew up on the farm and has farmed all his life.
Great opportunity: This would be a great opportunity for a person/s who has the vision and is passionate about being farmers. Lifelong learners. Put the animals first. Have the mental calmness to be around animals. Humble and not expecting a fancy life. Willing and interested in taking on the responsibility of taking care of animals. Frugal and organized. A couple in their early 30’s with some farm experience would be preferred.
Our successors need to not only be capable of doing what we have been doing but also be compatible with us. The only way for us to see if we are compatible is to work together for some time.
Mentorship opportunity for new farmers.
To find someone with the desire and ability to carry on the tradition of a dairy and creamery business with cleanliness and biosecurity in high priority.
Dairy, Creamery, Beef, Sheep, and Hay
Water rights for 50 acres
Good sandy loam
Lots available for use
Lots available for use
This is a floodplain which requires considerations.
It is imperative that the person desires this type of life. Not being happy with your current job does not mean you desire the life of a farmer. I have wisdom to share and a business that has been, relatively speaking, successful. It would be a shame to sell out if there is someone out there interested but not delusional about the difficulties of farming.
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