In the case of a Berks County family, it was the financing! Low interest financing that is.
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), recently helped procure a $400,000 state loan through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) to build a house to raise newborn chicks into egg laying hens, also known as chicken pullet house.
Diversifying Investments
This pullet house is another “layer” for Jeffrey and Tracy Rohrer’s farm in Upper Bern Township. Just like other businesses, farmers need to be diversified in their products in order to be successful and sustainable through turbulent economic times. When hay prices are low, hopefully egg prices are up. When milk prices are low, as they are today, hopefully soybean prices are up.
“The GRCA is proud to support agricultural businesses in our area,” said Deb Heffner, GRCA business outreach director. “The family farm is the oldest industry in Berks County, and it is still a viable and essential enterprise as evidenced by diversification of production connected to many of these loans.”
While PIDA financing is typically used for industrial expansions, renovations and equipment purchases, it can also be used for agribusinesses. noted, “We have seen an increase in utilizing PIDA for agribusiness lending, as more farmers are becoming aware of this low interest financing opportunity which reduces their overall expansion costs.”
If you would like to learn more about these lending options, simply reach out to Deb at DHeffner@GreaterReading.org or 610-898-7791.