White Rock Farm in East Randolph, VT was recently featured in an Agriview article highlighting their grant award for a sawmill expansion project through the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI). The project will allow them to double mill production and hire additional staff.
Chris Lindgren, forest business specialist with UVM Extension’s Forest Business program, worked closely with White Rock Farm and the Angell family to create a business plan including sales forecasting and enterprise analysis, to determine the financial feasibility of sawmill expansion. He will continue working with the farm on succession planning as they transition to the next generation. “Lindgren was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and got us headed in the right direction,” said Janet Angell.
A strong business plan is an integral part of a successful grant proposal and a successful business. This type of assistance is provided by the Extension Forest Business program every day.
Vermont lumber mills and other wood processing facilities are necessary to support a flourishing local forest products economy, and this sector helps meet a growing demand for local wood products like firewood, mulch, building materials and furniture. A thriving wood processing sector keeps jobs local while sustaining working forests throughout the state. The sector also contributes to the health, integrity and longevity of Vermont’s forests and the Northern Forest region.