Dec 12, 2019
In this episode, I talk to Charlie Payne of Covey Rise Farms in
Ohio. He and his wife Kerissa have a 75 acre pastured livestock
farm raising and direct marketing poultry, pork, lamb, eggs, and
honey. We talked about how he got started on rented land, how
systems and the right infrastructure are key, and the importance of
hiring good employees.
You'll also hear:
>> How Chris went from growing up in the suburbs to raising
15,000 broilers and other livestock on pasture
>> How they've grown their restaurant and retail sales over
the past 5 years
>> What systems and equipment Charlie recommends
>> How marketing takes half or more of their time
>> How he regrets not starting earlier and doing an
apprenticeship before owning their own business
>> How they've benefited from USDA and NRCS funding
>> How high school students have turned out to be great
employees
>> How on-farm events are a great educational opportunity for
customers
About the Guest: Charlie and his wife Kerissa own and operate Covey
Rise Farms, a 75 acre pastured livestock farm raising and direct
marketing poultry, pork, lamb, eggs, and honey. Both are beginning
farmers who have grown the business together. We market our
products through wholesale accounts, on-farm sales, and now
shipping nationwide.