251 Case Study: Scaling a Direct to Consumer Farm Biz with Grass Powered Poultry and Meats

My Digital Farmer Podcast

February 28, 2024

In today's episode, I share a case study of one pasture-based livestock farmer, who has spent the last 9 years slowly scaling her business in a way that hasn't required her to take on debt, while also having time to homeschool her two kids. I ask her: "How'd you get here?"

Dana shares the transition process and lessons she's learned along the way. She discusses how she markets her product each week to attract new customers and get her current ones to buy more. We talk about the strategies that are doing most of the heavy lifting. We talk about the mindset work she's had to do to help her take risks and not give up. And we talk about the deep commitment we both have to running a fun business that doesn't kill our body, mind or spirit. If you're starting out your business, there are some really great gems inside of here.

This podcast was sponsored by Local Line, the leading e-commerce platform for the local food system. Try Local Line for your farm today! Local Line is offering a free premium feature for free for one year on top of your paid subscription. Claim your discount by signing up for a Local Line account today and using the coupon code: MDF2024. Head to my special affiliate link to get started: www.mydigitalfarmer.com/localline

Meet My Guest: Dana Workman Stacy

Today’s podcast guest is Dana Workman Stacy. Dana and her husband Jesse along with daughters Eliza and Brynn operate Grass Powered Poultry & Meats, a pasture-based livestock farm in Highland County, Ohio. Over the past 9 years their farm has grown from a few chickens in the front yard to fill their own freezer to raising lots more pasture-raised chicken, pastured pork and grass-finished beef. In 2019, Dana left her career in agricultural lending to focus on the farm and her family and hasn’t looked back. As a first-generation farmer, building a profitable and sustainable farm business hasn’t been easy, but the journey has been incredible. In addition to raising amazing food, Dana is passionate about building community and supporting the growth and success of rural businesses.

Visit her website: GrassPoweredPoultry.com

Some of the resources mentioned in this episode:

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