The Carrot Project
ph: 617.674.2371
info
NEWS: The Greater Berkshire Agriculture Fund Finances Farm in Lee, Massachusetts
The Carrot Project and Salisbury Bank and Trust Company are pleased to announce the first loan made through the Greater Berkshire Agricultural Fund to Leahey Farm in Lee, Massachusetts. Philip and Jennifer Leahey are reintroducing dairy to the farm where they currently market pasture raised meats from Devon cattle and Tamworth hogs. The loan will be used towards the purchase of dairy processing equipment for bottling milk and crafting frozen yogurt. This product line expansion will benefit the surrounding communities providing locally produced milk and frozen yogurt.
In 2012, the Greater Berkshire Agriculture Fund and Salisbury Bank and Trust Company announced a loan fund to assist farms and farm-related businesses obtain financing which otherwise would be unavailable. Eligible businesses may apply for loans in amounts of up to $75,000 to help farmers and other food system enterprises such as local food processors and distributors finance capital investments and meet operating costs.
“This is an exciting loan because the Leaheys are contributing to locally produced milk with the highest standards of sustainability, including incorporating heritage breeds adapted to New England pastures,” said Benneth Phelps, Loan and Outreach Coordinator for the Greater Berkshire Agriculture Fund.
“Salisbury Bank is delighted to assist Philip and Jennifer Leahy achieve their goals and improve their farm,” said Geof Talcott, the Bank’s Chief Lending Officer. “We look forward to a financing more deserving businesses and a long relationship with the Greater Berkshire Agricultural Fund.”
Leahey Farm, family owned and operated since 1889, is one of the last small family farms left in Lee. The Farm, which is nestled in the October Mountain region of the Berkshires, produced and sold milk for more than 100 years. In addition to Devon cattle and Tamworth hogs, they also raise other heritage breeds of livestock, such as Suffolk Punch draft horses. Committed to stewardship of their land, they utilize rotational grazing for their cattle, which allows them to be 90% grass fed with local hay and corn fed in winter months.
The Carrot Project
ph: 617.674.2371
info
