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A Fifth-Generation Farm Continues to Thrive

Buell's Orchard, Jeff and Jonathan Sandness

Title / Role: Owners and Co-operators
Location: Eastford, Connecticut
Formed in: 1889
www.buellsorchard.com
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My successes.

Buell's has seen plenty of changes over the years. What started as a small orchard, sawmill, and farm that raised dairy cows and turkeys has grown to an orchard of between 11,000 and 12,000 trees producing nearly 30,000 bushels of fruit. Dwarf, semi-dwarf, and trellis trees have replaced most of the trees in the orchard. While the farm sold primarily apples and peaches until the third generation, the family farm has become more diversified over time. They sell pears, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and other vegetables. They make their own apple cider. 

The farm has been named Family-Owned Small Business of the Year by the Small Business Association for 2019.  

What inspired you to start your business?

Buell's Orchard was founded in 1889 by Henry Buell.  Located in Ashford, CT, Buell's has remained in the family for its entire 130-year history.  Now run by the fourth and fifth generations, the farm has stayed committed to the philosophy of bringing the freshest-grown produce directly from the farm to your table.  Visitors will find a family-friendly atmosphere aimed at promoting healthy eating for both children and adults.

Buell's has worked with the USDA for approximately 30 years.  As part of the strategic USDA-SCORE partnership, SCORE has worked with the farm for almost 3 years.  

What influenced you to seek help from SCORE?

Keeping the farm thriving through the next generations.  This includes business and estate planning, as well as passing the passion for farming on to the next generation.

How SCORE helped.

The strategic partnership between the USDA and SCORE has helped with estate planning, financial planning, and marketing. 

My mentors
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712 H St NE PMB 98848
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Washington, DC 20002
(800) 634-0245

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Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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