For Adam Weinrich, growth means more than expanding production. It means building a business with intention. With support from the CultivateGrowth Grant, he invested in business education that is now shaping the future of his livestock operation.

Founded in 2020, Adam’s farm is a pasture-based, multi-species livestock farm focused on direct-to-consumer sales. He raises pigs, cattle, and other livestock while prioritizing outdoor systems and responsible land stewardship. Rather than selling through traditional distributors, he manages his own distribution system serving both retail and wholesale customers.

Although Adam grew up in rural areas and spent time on a small homestead in Big Rapids, Mich. he did not have extensive agricultural experience before launching the farm with his wife. Like many beginning farmers, he has relied on learning opportunities to strengthen his business foundation.

Always seeking for ways to improve, Adam discovered the CultivateGrowth Grant online and has applied the past three years.

“We’re always looking for ways to fund and grow our business,” Adam said. “We’ve applied for many grants, and this one is one of the easiest out there.”

With the grant, Adam attended a multi-day Food Sales and Leadership training at Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor, Mich. The nationally recognized food business is known for achieving something rare in the industry, which is maintaining high quality at high volume without franchising.

The training introduced Adam to the tools, systems, and philosophies behind that success. A key takeaway was Zingerman’s “12 Natural Laws of Business,” which emphasize sustainable growth, realistic planning, and strong leadership.

One principle stood out to Adam in particular. “If you want your employees to provide great service, you have to provide great service to your employees first,” Adam shared.

The seminar also challenged him to create a written vision for the future of his farm. This included clearly defining what the business should look like physically, operationally, and culturally. That exercise has helped him build a more focused and actionable plan while strengthening employee training systems that support long-term success.

“We want to grow the same way Zingerman’s have. With intention and without losing what makes our business special,” Adam said. “Programs like the CultivateGrowth Grant make that possible.”

Adam’s experience highlights exactly what the CultivateGrowth Grant is designed to do, which is to equip farmers with practical tools, leadership training, and business strategies that create lasting growth.

Ready to invest in your operation? Learn how GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth Grant can help you take the next step by clicking here.