GFP073: How to Start a Slaughterhouse

Imagine that you built a business that relied on someone else doing their job well in order to properly satisfy and impress your customers. Sounds like a lot of small businesses right? Now imagine that you lost that important connection and you are suddenly up a creek without a paddle. There are people in this world more brave than I am who are willing to take a seriously leap of faith and take control of the critical step in their business. One of those people is my guest on the show today. She saw that her business relied too heavily on outside resources, and not only that, she was paying a lot of money to those sources as well. She took matters into her own hands when she decided to start her own on farm slaughterhouse or abattoir. Right click here to download the MP3 In this farm podcast you will learn: To "go big or go home" What it means to "go big" What vertical integration can do for your farm What happens when you keep hearing "yes" Interview with Kate Stillman of Stillman's At The Turkey Farm Kate quite literally grew up in the business of farming- helping on her parents veggie and her grandparents dairy farms- she learned early to embrace her farming roots and hone her skills as an entrepreneur, caretaker, manager, vet, sales person -even undertaker- she has managed to leave no stone unturned. Kate attended the University of Massachusetts, today she farms her two properties with her sons Trace and Jaide. (They have a little ways to go before they approach helpful!). Kate has successfully brought Stillman's at the Turkey Farm to Stillman Quality Meats- developing am extensive CSA network, and creating a vibrant farmers market system. -- Items mentioned in this farm podcast include: Stillman's at the Turkey Farm Stillman's on Facebook Camps Road Farm Farm Marketing Solutions on YouTube Take aways: What is one thing you currently out-source that is crucial for your business? Would it make sense to take that task over yourself? If you took no this new project, what would it mean for your farm? -- Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show. Click to subscribe to iTunes Support the podcast with $1 a month Past Episodes