Recent News
Funding the Future of Small Farms: Featherman’s Financing & Grant Partners
Equipping your farm shouldn’t come with guesswork or overwhelm. That’s why we’ve built trusted partnerships to help you secure small farm financing and agriculture grants — especially for small, growing, and veteran-led farms.
Whether you’re buying your first scalder or investing in a full setup, these financing and grant programs can make it possible.
Small Farm Financing Options
We’ve partnered with two national lenders who understand ag operations and poultry processing gear — whether you’re just starting or scaling up.
Beacon Hill Funding – Flexible Farm Equipment Loans
- Simple 1-page application for needs under $250K
- Flexible terms (24–60 months)
- Fast decisions and personal service
- Great fit for both homesteads and larger farms
Contact:
Cal MacDonald, Finance Manager
📠 781-609-7197 | 📱 781-799-8646
📍 Melrose, MA
✉️ cal@beaconhillfunding.com
LEAF Commercial Capital – Startup-Friendly Agricultural Financing
- Works with both startups and established operations
- Options like step payments or 90-day deferred starts
- Backed by M&T Bank
- Ideal for farming, food, and hospitality businesses
Download the LEAF Financing Flyer (PDF)
Contact:
Robert Wasson, VP – Hospitality & Retail
📱 410-977-2607
✉️ rwasson@leafnow.com
Grant Opportunities for Veteran Farmers
Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund
If you’re a military veteran with a farm business, the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund is a powerful option to help cover essential equipment.
How it works:
- Applications open once per year with a 4-week window
- Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000
- Funds must be used within 6 months with an approved vendor (Featherman is one!)
- Applicants must be Farmer Veteran Coalition members with an active business plan
Eligibility Snapshot:
- Must have served or currently serve in the U.S. Military
- Must have an agricultural business and business plan
- Must be a Farmer Veteran Coalition member
USDA Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG)
This USDA program supports producers exploring value-added products like cut poultry, shelf-ready food, or packaged meats.
You may receive priority if you are:
- A beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer
- A small to mid-sized family farm
- A farmer/rancher co-op or part of a mid-tier value chain
Who These Programs Help
These financing and grant tools are especially helpful for:
- First-time poultry processors
- Veteran or beginning farmers
- Homesteaders with limited capital
- Small and mid-sized farms ready to grow
Quick Comparison – Small Farm Funding Programs
| Program/Partner | Best For | Funding Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmer Veteran Fellowship | Military veterans w/ farm business | $1K – $5K grant | Annual cycle, 6-month usage window |
| Beacon Hill Funding | Small farms & growing ops | Loan/leasing | Fast 1-page app, flexible terms |
| LEAF Capital | Startups & established farms | Loan/leasing | Step payments, deferred plans |
| USDA VAPG | Value-added ag producers | Competitive grant | Prioritizes small/startup family farms |
From the Featherman Team
“We’ve seen firsthand how financing can unlock growth for small farms. We’re here to help you find a way forward — even if you’re not sure where to start.”
— The Featherman Team
Not Sure Where to Start?
- Decide whether financing, grants, or both fit your needs
- Review the programs above
- Contact us — we’ll guide you step-by-step
At Featherman, we’re here to put high-quality poultry processing equipment within reach — not just physically, but financially.
Let’s make it happen.