Spotlight: Cherry Hill Farms
Cultivating Success: Cherry Hill Farms in Mocksville, North Carolina
In the heart of agricultural ambitions lies Cherry Hill Farms, a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the invaluable support of Farm Credit. From humble beginnings under a 10 by 10 farmer’s market tent to a thriving farming operation, Holly and Justin Miller’s story highlights growth, determination, and the power of the farming community.
Roots of ambition
From Cherry Hill Road in Mocksville, North Carolina, Holly and Justin Miller, high school sweethearts, embarked on their farming journey in 2014 with a vision fueled by a passion for agriculture and the goal to see their product from start to finish. “One thing I’m proud of is that neither of us came from a produce farm…and over the course of 9 years, we have gone from nothing to have built a business…to support our family”, says Justin Miller. Now, with 66 acres of land including dedicated plots for pumpkins, melons, tomatoes, and of course their beloved strawberries, the aspirations of the Miller family know no bounds. In addition to the homegrown produce that Cherry Hill Farm provides to its dedicated customers, they also source local beef and pork, milk, honey, jams, and their famous pimento cheese.
At the heart of Cherry Hill Farm’s success lies the relationship they have cultivated with their customers. Unlike large-scale wholesale operations, the Millers have the capacity to prioritize personal connections, fostering a sense of community. Customers not only purchase fresh produce but also share in the journey of its cultivation, from their local farm stand established in 2020, to the dozens of farmer’s markets the Miller’s currently serve – they are able to create and maintain a bond that extends itself beyond mere transactions.
Support and partnership
Central to their success is their partnership with Farm Credit. From financing their initial equipment to expanding their operations through their packing house, Justin recalls, “We started doing business with Farm Credit before we ever began our operation,” highlighting the trust they placed in the institution from the outset. For the Miller’s, Farm Credit’s customer service sets it apart from traditional lenders. Justin expresses his gratitude for the personalized support, stating “I love the fact that I can call my loan officer anytime and the next day we can be signing documents - I really appreciate working with people that understand our business”.
Reflecting on their journey, Holly and Justin acknowledge the pivotal role Farm Credit played in their success, stating “If it were not for Farm Credit – we would not have this farm.” Their experience with Farm Credit instilled confidence in their abilities, as Holly affirms, “Farm Credit instilled faith in us.”
Learning and growing
Despite lacking a background in produce and row crop farming, the Millers found mentors and workshops provided by Farm Credit invaluable in navigating the industry. As Holly puts it, “Mentors and people that we connect with have been a blessing because we did not grow up in this industry – having the workshops provided by Farm Credit have helped us to learn and grow tremendously”.
Looking to the future
Looking to the future, the Millers envision Cherry Hill Farms expanding their operation with more focus on greenhouses. Justin emphasizes the importance of offering more to maintain their customer loyalty stating, “The more you have to offer, the more people will come”. Recognizing the potential for year-round production and enhanced crop quality, they envision their farm thriving through the help of these structures. By embarking on this journey of embracing innovation and technology, the Millers aim to exceed the demands of their customers while ensuring the success and sustainability of their family farm for generations to come.
Nurturing success through partnership
Through their partnership with Farm Credit, Cherry Hill Farms LLC not only achieved its farming goals but also fostered a thriving agricultural business rooted in community connections and unwavering support. As they continue to grow, the Millers remain grateful for the role Farm Credit has played and will continue to participate in their success journey.