Farmer Focus Secures $7M to Expand Humane Chicken Farming

Farmer Focus, a Harrisonburg, Va.-based company specializing in humane chicken farming, has successfully raised $7 million in funding. This financial boost is aimed at expanding its operations and supporting its unique business model that prioritizes the welfare of farmers and chickens alike. The company, which has previously garnered $27.8 million in funding, is backed by notable investors including Open Prairie, NRV, Virginia Tech Carilion Innovation Fund, and S2G Ventures.

The recent funding follows a $3.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program in 2023, earmarked for the expansion of its Liberty chicken processing facility. Farmer Focus's approach empowers farmers by allowing them to own their flocks and receive fair compensation, a stark contrast to traditional farming contracts.

Under the leadership of CEO Stephen Shepard, Farmer Focus is tackling the alarming rate at which small family farms are disappearing, as highlighted by the latest USDA census. The company's model not only supports the sustainability of small farms but also ensures higher quality products. With products available in over 4,000 stores across the East Coast and Midwest, and a growing waitlist of farmers eager to join its collective, Farmer Focus is making significant strides in transforming the poultry industry.

Recognized for its innovative approach, Farmer Focus has received several accolades, including being named to Fast Company's 2022 World Changing Ideas list and winning the Next Gen Award, Top Women in Grocery Award, and Editor's Pick Awards. These honors underscore the company's commitment to ethical farming practices and its impact on the agricultural sector.