A VIEW FROM THE FIELD “ It is rewarding to be able to work with beginning farmers through the early stages of their business and see how their hard work pays off over the next few years.” – Kathryn Bisson, FarmStart Advisor
THE MISSION: SECURE CREDIT FOR A BEGINNING FARM OPERATION Steven Christianson, owner of Christianson Farm, LLC, operates a diversified business, growing a mix of vegetables for the operation’s retail farm stand. He also raises beef and hogs and grows the hay and grain crops to feed his animals, and to sell to others. Although he’d been farming for a few years, Steven had a hard time securing commercial financing because he only had two years of crop and tax records. “Then I learned about FarmStart and they were willing to work with me,” said Steven.
“ My FarmStart advisor checks in regularly to make sure my business goals are on track.” HOW WE HELPED
Steven Christianson, owner of Christianson Farm, LLC, in Readfield, Maine, and his wife, Caroline and their son, Easten, along with their FarmStart advisor Kathryn Bisson, from Farm Credit East’s Auburn, Maine, office.
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The FarmStart program invests working capital of up to $75,000 in northeast agriculture, fishing and forest products ventures showing promise of success. After speaking with Steven, his FarmStart advisor, Kathryn Bisson, knew that Christianson Farm would be a great fit for the program. Kathryn explained, “As a FarmStart advisor, I have a greater advisory role with FarmStart customers when compared with traditional lending relationships. I assist in the preparation of business plans, the tracking and follow up of management goals and objectives, while also helping to connect customers with other Farm Credit East resources.”