# WeFunder Update: $293,230 Raised – Driving the Mission Forward | From the Farm

- Canonical URL: https://wefunder.com/feed/178768
- Entity ID: wefunder:feed_item:178768
- Published at: 2025-01-15 02:36:52 UTC
- Updated at: 2025-07-13 12:39:55 UTC

## Author
AJ Richards

## Subject
From the Farm

## Content
WeFunder Update: $293,230 Raised – Driving the Mission ForwardSince our last update, we've made incredible progress. We've now raised $293,230 from 282 investors, each helping us move closer to revolutionizing the food system. Thank you for your continued belief in this mission—your support keeps us driving forward.My Thoughts: The Bigger PictureAnyone reading this already has some level of understanding that our current food system is failing us. But instead of waiting for it to collapse, we can ease the tension and diversify the system.Let me be clear—we need the current system. Feeding 320 million people isn't a small task. Yes, buying directly from farmers is absolutely worth it, but some families still rely on cheaper options.Here's the truth:Fixing bad policy improves the economic situation for everyone, including farmers.When farmers' costs decrease, food becomes more affordable for all.And let's not forget: reducing excessive taxes would ease the financial burden.I've seen these challenges firsthand. I ran a USDA slaughterhouse in Cody, Wyoming, during a pivotal time. Pre-2020, farmers could process their beef for 80 cents per pound, cut and wrapped, with a small kill fee. When I oversaw operations in 2022, we needed at least $1.20 per pound to stay open. That increase in processing costs forced farmers to raise their prices.Change won't happen overnight, but I believe that in 5–10 years, if From The Farm continues on this path, we'll play a key role in building a better, more resilient food system.Operational UpdatesHere's what we've accomplished since the start of the year:Producer Onboarding Manager HiredWe recently hired a Producer Onboarding Manager, and she's already making waves! Since joining us at the start of the year, she has helped onboard five new farms onto the platform.Tip for Customers: If you set up a free customer account on From The Farm, you'll be notified whenever a new farm joins in your area. Stay connected to local producers and take advantage of fresh, local food as it becomes available.Expansion into TennesseeWe're excited to share that we've onboarded our first producer in Tennessee, Hidden Paradise Farms. This farm offers whole pasture-raised chickens and farm-fresh eggs, and while they currently provide on-farm pickup, we're thrilled to have representation in the state. Every step forward like this brings us closer to our vision of connecting producers and consumers nationwide.National Representation GoalWhile Tennessee is a big win, we still have 22 states without representation on the platform. I'm confident that by summer 2025, we'll achieve full coverage, making From The Farm an actual nationwide network.Phoenix, Arizona: Customer Growth FocusWe're tracking fantastic trends in new user growth on the platform, with month-over-month increases. This year, we'll heavily focus on Phoenix, AZ, for customer growth.There are many cities throughout the Phoenix Valley where people have focused on health and fitness, making it an ideal region for From The Farm to expand. We're sponsoring a fitness event in Chandler on January 18th to build on this momentum. Our next update will include photos from the event, so stay tuned!Investor Perks and Growth OpportunitiesWe provide detailed updates to our investors during monthly investor calls, available to those who invest at a specific tier. (Spoiler: this perk covers most of our investors!)Finally, if you're considering increasing your investment, it's easy to do through your WeFunder account. Every additional dollar brings us closer to building a more secure, resilient food system.Thank you again for your continued support and belief in From The Farm's mission. Together, we're making real change.With gratitude,AJ RichardsFounder, From The Farm