YoCo Grows | Spring 2023

YoCo Grows

07

WINDSOR VALLEY FARM MARKET

Financing Helps a Family’s Dream Come True

10 GROFFJULIUS

From Grain to Table, GroffJulius is a One Stop Shop for Ag Growth

13 HORN FARM CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

Growing Local: How Regenerative Agriculture Impacts Local Economy, and Local Living

16 YORK COUNTY TRAIL TOWNS

Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market: Preserving York’s Agricultural Heritage with 21st Century Techniques

18

ON

BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER

Old McDonald Had a Farm Stand: Growing Business Through Connections

20 ADVOCACY

Hellam Township: Planning for the Future of Rural Development

23 EVENTS

THE COVER: From Top Left, Clockwise: Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education; Collin Julius, Taylor Groff, and Ean Julius of GroffJulius; Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education; Alex and Anissa Cantey of Windsor Valley Farm Market

ABOVE: Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education

CREDITS

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Copyright © 2023 York County Economic Alliance. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the specific written permission of the York County Economic Alliance.

144 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 100 York, PA 17401

P: 717.848.4000

YCEApa.org

@YCEAPA

ADVERTISING

Casey Nixon | cnixon@yceapa.org

YCEA Supports Agricultural Growth through Financing Tools

Over 2,000 farms exceeding 250,000 acres call York County home. From grains, dry beans or tobacco, to livestock and poultry, to fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, the Ag industry is booming in YoCo, and distributing across the region. It’s not simply about growing, but innovative technology and manufacturing to dispatch these products across the U.S.

Our team is proud to support this industry, providing economic development tools for property acquisition, business expansion, and even first-time farmers. For over 30 years, I have taken pride in assisting businesses launch, expand, or relocate to York County.

The Next Generation Farmer Loan program is a federally authorized loan tool for qualifying first time farmers that allows lenders to offer lower than conventional interest rates. Our team is also able to offer another loan tool for ag production - the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) program. This state program can lend up to 50% of an eligible project, or $400,000, whichever is less, for eligible projects including farm acquisition or expansion.

The US Small Business Administration has several products that can finance portions of eligible ag projects, including the

SBA 504 loan program, the 7(a)-guarantee program as well as disaster loans for applicable disaster circumstances.

Powered by the YCEA, the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center offers loans and grants for businesses across all industries who may otherwise not have access to traditional financing.

Check out page 7 for a first-hand story about Alex and Anissa Cantey who used Next Generation Farmer Loan proceeds to purchase a farm, and who now are purveyors of Windsor Valley Farm Market. You’ll also enjoy the story of GroffJulius, who provides innovative design build solutions for feed & grain processing for the Mid-Atlantic region, but is headquartered in York County. This ag packed issue also features YoCo favorites: Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education, Flinchbaugh’s Orchard and Farm Market, and BLOOM Business Empowerment Center graduate, Old McDonald Had a Farm Stand.

If we can assist your business, we’re here to help.

KENETHA HANSEN, EDFP DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & FINANCING

Financing Helps a Family’s Dream COME TRUE

&A

with Anissa Cantey, Windsor Valley Farm Market

BY KENETHA HANSEN, EDFP | DIRECTOR, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & FINANCING

The farm of Alex and Anissa Cantey, located in Windsor Township, includes a produce stand, several barn structures,  and a greenhouse, as well as a home for themselves and their two children. On their 39.2 acre farm, the Canteys grow vegetable and tobacco crops, and sell produce and other local products from its farm stand, Windsor Valley Farm Market.

In April 2020, the Canteys utilized a $325,000 Next Generation Farmer Loan (NGFL), via the York County Industrial Development Authority (YCIDA) and Fulton Bank, to fund a portion of the acquisition of their farm. The NGFL is a federally authorized program accessed via the YCIDA for lenders to make lower than conventionally priced loans to federally qualifying farmers.

Q &A

Q: What drove your decision to farm?

A: Alex has had a passion for agriculture since high school, where he was highly involved in his Future Farmers of America chapter. After graduation, he pursued a degree at Penn State in Horticulture with a minor in Agronomy. During these years, Alex was also building his produce business with a friend, renting ground and caring for crops during the summer and weekends. Eventually, that lead to us renting a farm in Lancaster for two years, but the ultimate goal was to buy our own piece of property, so when this one became available with the retail farm market already in place, we saw it as the perfect opportunity.

Q: How have you seen the agriculture industry change in the past few years? What do you see the future of it being like?

A: Retail Markets like ours have the special privilege of getting to interact directly with the consumer and answer questions about where their food comes from. When in season in Pennsylvania, almost all of our produce in our market is grown right here on our farm, with the exception of tree fruits,  blueberries, and a few smaller things. We also offer locally sourced seasonal plants, freezer beef, milk, eggs, baked goods and canned goods. I think the interest in local products and information about how they’re produced is becoming very important to consumers, and we hope in the future it includes more opportunities for customer involvement and education.

Q: Is there anything you wish York Countians knew about your farm operation, or agriculture in general?

A: 97% of farms in Pennsylvania are family owned! (www.agriculture.pa.gov) Supporting a local farmer supports a family’s dream to do what they love. There are a lot of stresses and unknowns in farming since many things are out of our control, especially the weather, but we have a strong faith in God’s plan for our lives! We have been incredibly blessed to be able to raise our children on this farm, and we're thankful for the YCEA’s part in it to help ease some of those burdens.

Q: What are some future plans/goals for your farm and business?

A: We would like to add more high tunnel/greenhouse structures to extend  our growing seasons, and offer more varieties of our own produce. Building up our soil health is also very important to us, especially since our crops have high nutrient needs. We are currently trying to implement a rest period into our crop rotations, where ground will be planted in a nutrient-dense cover crop for the growing season, the vegetation dies off over winter, and all that organic matter is added to the soil.

Q: How did the Next Generation Farmer Loan, accessed via the YCIDA, help you?

A: The Next Generation Farmer Loan (NGFL) helped ease some of the financial burden of buying a farm in 2020 as first-generation farmers by offering a lower interest rate program.

Q: Seeing as you acquired your farm in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, what challenges or opportunities did that pose for you?

A: The pandemic posed a challenge in the real estate process, since in the spring of 2020 when we were in the process of our farm purchase, many businesses were closed. Although stressful, God was faithful in getting us through it! Opening a retail farm market in May of 2020 was certainly a learning experience, and we made mistakes. But our customers were very understanding as we navigated our new business. All in all, I think the pandemic has increased people’s  desires for locally sourced products, and made us cherish human interaction much more.

Q: Why is agriculture such a vital industry to York County?

A: Agriculture is a vital industry to any community! Farmers produce so many useful and necessary products for consumers, most importantly in our case, fruits and vegetables to sustain life. And the money spent to support farmers and help them grow creates a chain reaction of business in the community. We use local companies for our repairs, plants, seeds, nutrients, insurance and more. Agriculture in York County also provides jobs for many, and often an opportunity for entry level employment for young adults. Alex’s first job was on a produce and tobacco farm starting at 12 until college, and I worked on a tobacco farm starting at 14 until college!

The YCEA is a one stop shop for business growth tools. Discover services and resources to propel your business growth goals, including site location services, data and demographics, and financing programs. To learn more, visit yceapa.org/economic-development

Growing up on farms and working previous careers in the Ag industry, partners Taylor Groff, Collin Julius, and Ean Julius identified an opportunity to be a solution provider in feed and grain processing.

“There was a need for a Mid Atlantic based general contractor in the industry,” explains Groff. “We’re a solution provider to design, engineer, procure materials, and manage subcontractors for those in feed manufacturing and grain processing.” Customers undergoing substantial renovations or expansions often end up overlooking costs, or have challenges in managing large capital projects.

Working with GroffJulius means there is one person responsible, a much-valued service for businesses.

“We use drones and have facility asbuilts in 2 hours, and use 3D technology which isn’t common in our industry,” explains Ean. “Seeking technology makes this the easiest, fastest, most accurate process, and shortens the stage of getting to know a customer’s existing facility.” GroffJulius is able to take a customer from concept to contract within a quick timeframe, with the benefit of not being limited by their own crews in the field. GroffJulius works with other local contractors to perform the work necessary for each project.

And the customers are vast. This level of service and technology is the only on the East Coast, and GroffJulius aims to lock in the larger Mid-Atlantic region. They have a mix of large corporate entities, but also several privately held and family-owned companies. “There is a generational shift in leadership occuring in manufacturing,” shares Groff. team members are retiring, and the next generation doesn’t want to run capital projects, they want to run the business. And that’s where we come in.”

Poised for growth, supporting their roots is vital to the team. “We’re in the Snack Food Capital of the world,” said Ean. keep digging deeper into our client base, and bigger projects, but we look forward to working with repeat customers.” also means building local partnerships for subcontracting work and labor force, sending crews all over the Mid Atlantic Region.

“There is a generational shift in leadership occuring in manufacturing. Tenured team members are retiring, and the next generation doesn’t want to run capital projects, they want to run the business. And that’s where we come in.”

Taylor Groff, Owner, GroffJulius

Growing Local:

How Regenerative Agriculture Impacts

Local Economy, and Local Living

Q &A

with Alexis Campbell, Executive Director, Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education

BY KATIE MAHONEY I CHIEF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

The Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education is an educational nonprofit focused on regenerative agriculture and ecological education operating on a 186-acre farm owned by the County of York. In addition to being a working farm that supports six local farm businesses, they provide land-based educational programs, community events, land stewardship training, community gardens, and locally grown food.

Q: What inspired the creation of The Horn Farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) plans?

A: Since 2016, the Horn Farm Center CSA has been providing local community members with weekly boxes of fresh, chemical-free vegetables and fruits. The CSA began in conjunction with our former internship program, which was designed as a way for people with little to no farming experience to learn to grow a wide range of vegetables for themselves or for market. In addition to serving as the training ground for our programs, the Horn Farm CSA feeds about 40 families each year.

In the past several years, the Horn Farm Center's Signature Training Programs have evolved and expanded beyond our production fields to focus on holistic land stewardship. While the Horn Farm Center is transitioning to more perennial production systems, we continue to support regenerative vegetable production on the farm. Today, we continue to offer the Horn Farm CSA in partnership with the Kilgore Family Farm and other local farms including York Fresh Food Farms and Green Barn Farm.

Q: How does a CSA plan work?

A: In the CSA model, members of the community pledge support to a farm, with the grower and consumers sharing the risks and benefits of food production. The consumer (shareholder) pays a fee at the beginning of the season in exchange for a regular, weekly share of the harvest. The farmers benefit from the financial support at the beginning of the season and the shareholders benefit from knowing they have a weekly supply of fresh, seasonal, chemical-free produce, all while understanding the potential for setbacks and fluctuations with unpredictable factors like weather and pest problems.

Q: How have you seen the CSA plans impact the community?

A: The CSA has helped to foster this sense of relationship connecting grower, consumer, and the land, getting people more in touch with each other and inspiring deeper appreciation for the land that sustains us. The CSA also enables the Horn Farm Center to provide more land-based learning opportunities for community members by supporting our educational programs and stewardship projects.

Q: What is your opinion on the economic impact of local agriculture?

A: CSAs or any direct farm-to-consumer business models have an incredibly positive effect on the environment and local economy. There are more than 2 million farms in the US and they all vary greatly in size and characteristics. For example, according to the USDA, annual gross revenue on farms can range from as little as $1000 to more than

$5 million. Large-scale and non-family farms dominate  production of high value crops including vegetables, fruits, and tree nuts. This means that most of the food we see in our grocery stores are produced on large-scale, non-family farms, or farms owned by corporations. These farms have anywhere from 1,400 to 2,000 or more acres of production. In order to farm on that scale, a large amount of equipment, chemical inputs, energy-use, and transportation are required.

In addition to successfully supplying high volumes of foods to global markets, large-scale agriculture can generate negative outcomes. Practices like soil tillage, crop and livestock transportation, and manure management, contribute more than 17 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. Additionally, agriculture is the leading source of impairments

Beyond reducing emissions and negative environmental impact, local agriculture boosts the resilience of our communities. Having a diversity of local farms regionally ensures that we are able to meet the dietary and material needs of our community in the face of economic and environmental uncertainty.

someone engages with the Horn Farm?

A: We grow many things at the Horn Farm Center but our most important product is education and community. People primarily connect with us through our classes, which range from sustainable home gardening to scratch-baking bread, ethical foraging to wildlands restoration. We're even expanding our class scope this year to include regional natural history, mycology, and more kitchen sessions, testifying to how our class offerings really top our engagement with the public.

A refrain we often hear from our participants is a desire to reconnect with nature - of feeling disconnected and trying to find restorative pathways - this reconnection is the tissue that binds our classes. People learn with us to rebuild communion with natural spaces, wild and stewarded, and that can be through identifying native edible plants, trying their hand at wildcrafting, exploring ways to garden without synthetic inputs, and a host of other activities that turn our attention back to the land and long-held ways of living harmoniously with it.

Q: Horn Farm is known as a resource center for many initiatives and interests – what are the top reasons

The season lasts 20 weeks from June until October. Produce seasonally often is:

SPRING: lettuces, spinach, kale, swiss chard, spring onions, beets, herbs

SUMMER: kale, swiss chard, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, beets, summer squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, onions, herbs, and more!

FALL: garlic, beets, turnips, winter squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, kale, swiss chard, spinach

“A refrain we often hear from our participants is a desire to reconnect with nature - of feeling disconnected and trying to find restorative pathways - this reconnection is the tissue that binds our classes.”

Alexis Campbell, Executive Director, Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education

Preserving York’s Agricultural Heritage with 21 st Century Techniques

BY BRENDAN SALYARDS | MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

Just a few miles from the Susquehanna River, there’s a fourth-generation farm that is preserving York’s agricultural heritage while providing a recreational amenity that draws visitors from the surrounding region. Flinchbaugh’s Orchard and Farm Market is a staple of the York County Agricultural Community, which continues to adapt to meet the changing demands of operating a working farm while offering a myriad of agritourism experiences for visitors.

Flinchbaugh’s has been successful through a combination of sound planning and a sufficient adaptability to overcome challenges and leverage opportunities as they arise. The family behind the farm has also been at the forefront of conservation efforts. They were among one of the first farms in the state to adopt no-till farming practices and maintain a strong commitment to improving the condition of the land that they lease to farm.

Flinchbaugh’s were one of the first farms in York County to develop agritourism as a component of their business. This began with a corn maze and developed further to include “pick-your-own” opportunities, farm tours, and a number of festivals and events. “In recent years, there has been an increase in desire to have these real tangible experiences” said, Julie Keene-Flinchbaugh, the farm’s Market Manager. “The best thing is hearing the sound of people talking and having fun,” shares Julie. “It’s a place where people can come and feel safe, ask questions about where their food comes from, and celebrate!”

In efforts to keep things local, the surrounding community has stepped up to support Flinchbaugh’s.

This past year, Flinchbaugh’s was one of eleven businesses that participated in the Susquehanna Holiday Trail – an annual event aimed at attracting patrons to businesses in Eastern York County and offers visiting participants a chance to win prizes.

“This year there was an energy to the event,” Julie said. “People wanted to come out to support us.”

Flinchbaugh’s, which is located in close proximity to PA Bike Route S, is also a Trail-Friendly Business with the York County Trail Towns program. “We offer parking for bikes, benches, picnic tables and a relaxing atmosphere for respite. Grab a snack, drink or sandwich and enjoy the views of the farm.” Julie says all are welcome and adds, “no worries if you have mud on your toes or cleats on your feet, you are welcome at the orchard.”

As an avid supporter of community efforts for many years, Flinchbaugh’s Orchard and Farm Market is committed to ensuring that the agricultural industry is considered as an option for the next generation in York County – which may well include the fifth generation of the Flinchbaugh Family.

GROWING BUSINESS THROUGH CONNECTIONS

BY MARLENA

Megan McDonald, owner of Old McDonald Had a Farm Stand, relies on her connections to local farmers as well as her ability to adapt and pivot as key ingredients to her success. Like all too many in March of 2020, Megan found herself without a job as her current role was not possible remotely, but she still had to find a way to continue to make a living and pay the bills.

It was at that time that she had the idea to utilize her connections with local farmers and her experience in preparing healthy, delicious meals to create a produce delivery service which provided families with 7-10 fresh and unique items each week. “It became the highlight of people’s week,” shares Megan, and her team quickly gained new customers which led to 400 weekly deliveries.

To accommodate the growth of her business, Megan moved into a space in New Freedom where she also now houses her family’s business of making whoopie pies. Upon the move, she quickly connected with the small business community in New Freedom through the Rail Trail Towns Business Networking Group meetings. There, she learned about the resources available to her as an entrepreneur in York County such as the Trail Towns program and the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center

Last year, she attended the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center’s Small Business Classes 201 course: Small Business Growth & Maintenance, held at Crispus Attucks for 6 weeks. While there, she established relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and connected with organizations that also had resources for small businesses.

She supplied cookies to class participants, believing everyone is a potential customer. “I wouldn’t have those sales without meeting them,” she shares. “It’s all like a tree effect where it branches out.”

This year, Megan seeks to do some renovations to her space, host new classes and workshops in her event space and even bring some exciting (and yummy), new additions to her product offerings. If you’re interested in trying delicious whoopie pies and baked goods, as well as fresh produce from local farmers, Old McDonald Had a Farm Stand will be reopening for the season at the end of March!

SCHUGT, PROGRAM MANAGER | BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

BY DAVID GONZALEZ JR. | DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

“Hellam features some of the best class of soil in the country, which not only generates economic benefits but supports and stabilizes the local food supply chain.”

Nedette Otterbein, Hellam Township Board of Supervisors

Rural economy and agriculture are large parts of our community make up and a key focus area of the York County Economic Action Plan. Municipalities like Hellam Township are working to lead the way for the future of rural development by creating plans that are mutually beneficial for the economy and the quality of life of its residents.

Hellam Township is a microcosm of York County featuring rural land, while hosting major arteries such as Route 30 and Route 462. The township’s location has attracted commercial, industrial, and housing development, which has caused township leaders to be more strategic with planning to maintain the community’s rural landscape.

Nedette Otterbein, elected to Hellam Township’s Board of Supervisors in 2021, is a believer in strategic planning for her community’s future. She sees Hellam as a place that “feeds the soul and body, through our recreational assets and our farms who provide food.”

Supervisor Otterbein and her colleagues are working with counterparts in Wrightsville and Hallam Boroughs on a unified regional comprehensive plan. “Hellam features some of the best class of soil in the country, which not only generates economic benefits but supports and stabilizes the local food supply chain.” The regional

comprehensive plan will help ensure unified planning for asset coordination and guide development that meet the needs of residents and visitors.

“Residents can live the life they want to live in Hellam Township” said Supervisor Otterbein. The community hosts recreational and agrotourism assets, many of which are featured in this publication. Supervisor Otterbein wants to communicate the economic opportunity that exist in Hellam and protect the land that has provided for previous generations so it may continue to do so for the future.

Hellam Township recently approved the rezoning of a parcel from residential to agricultural. An action that is not a norm in development. From thinking regionally to imploring the thought of farmland as a key part of the tax base, Supervisor Otterbein is hopeful that the plan she and her colleagues are drafting will set a bright future for the township. “A lot of what we are doing has no template, so we need to be forward thinking in our ordinances or polices and open to ideas. From there, we need to strategize on what is best for our residents of today and tomorrow.”

EVENTS

For details, visit YCEAPA.org

APRIL

Thursday, April 6, 5:00-9:00 pm

Showcasing YoCo: The YCEA Keynote Event presented by WellSpan Health Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.

Tuesday, April 11, 11:30 am-1 pm

WBCO Luncheon: Embrace a Brave YES Mindset presented by UPMC Heritage Hills Golf Resort, 2700 Mt. Rose Ave.

Thursday, April 13, 11:30 am-1:30 pm

Legislative Luncheon presented by Enel Green Power Out Door Country Club, 1157 Detwiler Dr

Wednesday, April 26, 7:30-8:30 am

Economics Club Event: Early Learning Update presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.

Wednesday, April 26, 5:00-7:00 pm

YoCo Connect Live presented by Murray Ophelia’s Making Agency, 251-253 W. Market St.

MAY

Tuesday, May 16, 11:30 am-1 pm

WBCO Luncheon: ATHENA presented by UPMC Heritage Hills Golf Resort, 2700 Mt. Rose Ave.

Thursday, May 18, 12:00-4:00 pm York Hiring Fair PeoplesBank Park, 5 Brooks Robinson Way

Wednesday, May 31, 7:30-8:30 am

Economics Club Event: Cyber Security presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.

JUNE

Friday, June 2, 11:30 am-5:30 pm

35th Annual YCEA Golf Outing presented by UPMC Royal Manchester Golf Links, 5700 Board Road

Tuesday, June 13, 11:30 am-1 pm

WBCO Luncheon: Get Out of Your Comfort ZoneCreating New Experiences presented by UPMC Heritage Hills Golf Resort, 2700 Mt. Rose Ave.

Wednesday, June 28, 7:30-8:30 am

Economics Club Event: Real Estate Update presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.

GO GREEN IN THE CITY presented by UPMC is happening in Downtown York on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10am-3pm. This fun, family-friendly festival celebrates green, healthy, and local living, and features more than 50 vendors, live music, food, children's activities and much more! For more information, visit downtownyorkpa.com/go-green-in-the-city

For details, visit DowntownYorkPA.com

April 19 – BLOOM Business Series Workshop presented by PNC, 8:30-9:30 am

May 5 - First Friday presented by WellSpan Health Downtown York, 5-9 pm

May 10 – Downtown Update presented by M&T Bank The Appell Center, 7:30-9 am

May 17 - BLOOM Business Series Workshop presented by PNC, 8:30-9:30 am

May 20 - Spring Sweetest Pint presented by Harley Davidson Motor Co., Downtown York, 2-5 pm

For details, visit enrootyork.org.

April 2 – Kable House Presents: Ali McGuirk Central Market, 8-10 pm

April 18 - York Story Slam: Other Duties As Assigned Archetype Pizza, 7-9 pm

May 10 - PechaKucha Night York, 6-8 pm

May 16 - York Story Slam: Listen To Your Mother Archetype Pizza, 7-9 pm

144 Roosevelt Avenue York, PA 17401