Four local producers received micro-loans totaling $15,200 from the Chequamegon Food Co-op to help with farm projects through the winter and into spring. Micro-loan recipients for the Spring 2022 loan cycle are as follows:
- Melanie Dunn, owner of Southshore Botanicals in Herbster, WI, will be getting wood to build a base for a greenhouse. Melanie’s business focuses on growing native plant communities. She sells bouquets at farmers markets and offers landscaping and gardening consultations.
- Lauren Schuppe, owner of Farmhouse Madeline Island in La Pointe, WI, has been slowly building wholesale products into the business. A dough sheeter and packaging materials will be bought to increase pizza creation allowing for resale around the Chequamegon Bay.
- Anderson Podschun, owner of Du Nord Meat Company in Herbster, WI, is purchasing a squeeze chute, materials for a corral, and a sausage stuffer. Anderson is a third-generation butcher who raises his own grass-fed yaks, pastured pork, and pastured poultry. He also has created an all locally sourced original sausage recipe.
- Mary Pearson, owner of Silver Sage Farm and Flowers in Port Wing, WI, will be installing new film including inflation fans and roll-up sides to two green houses. She will also be adding ventilation to her starter green house and making repairs on greenhouse heaters.