Farmer Focus Secures $7 Million to Expand Humane Chicken Farming Model

Farmer Focus, a Harrisonburg, Va.-based company, has recently closed a $7 million funding round, marking a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionize the poultry industry through humane farming practices. This investment is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of sustainable agriculture and the empowerment of small family farmers. With a total of $27.8 million in previous funding and a recent $3.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farmer Focus is well-positioned to expand its innovative farming model that challenges traditional industry practices.

The company's approach is unique in that it allows farmers to own their flocks, providing them with fair compensation and freeing them from the competitive pressures typical of conventional farming contracts. This model not only supports the economic stability of small family farms but also addresses pressing issues such as farmer debt and environmental sustainability. CEO Stephen Shepard has pointed out the rapid decline of small family farms, highlighting the critical need for initiatives like Farmer Focus that aim to reverse this trend by offering a viable, sustainable alternative.

Farmer Focus's products have gained significant traction, now available in over 4,000 stores across the East Coast and Midwest, including major retailers such as Publix and Kroger. The company's efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning it a place on Fast Company's 2022 World Changing Ideas list and several industry awards. With over 100 farmers on a waitlist to join its collective, Farmer Focus is at the forefront of a movement towards a more humane and sustainable poultry industry, demonstrating the potential for change when innovation meets commitment to social and environmental responsibility.