Without Farm Credit, we could not have this farm.” -Josh Draper, Stoney Ridge Farm

The Drapers got their start in agriculture as urban farmers raising honeybees in Greensboro, North Carolina. Now located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Stoneville, North Carolina, Josh and Danielle are transforming what used to be tobacco fields into an organic farm. While they started with just 14 beehives, they have expanded their operation to include goats, pastured poultry and pastured organic eggs.  

A Lending Hand

As a veteran of the United States Air Force, Josh had utilized VA loans to finance his house. When he and Danielle decided to start their farm, he thought that the process of securing farm financing would be similar. However, this was not the case. That’s when Josh discovered AgSouth Farm Credit. “We found that there were very, very few options when it comes to financing land for purchase. Without Farm Credit, we could not have this farm,” Josh said.  

As the Drapers continue to develop their farm business, viewers can follow along on the Stoney Ridge Farmer YouTube channel to get timely updates about farm happenings. Josh also posts videos about best practices and on his farm, mechanical guidance and how-to videos.