Takenoko farms

Hello, wonderful supporters and fellow Sonoma County residents,

My name is Jeff Kent from Takenoko Farms and you may know me as a pork purveyor from the local farmers markets. Im a proud pig farmer based right here in the heart of Windsor, CA. For years, I've been dedicated to providing our community with high-quality, locally raised pork products. All of my animals are fed with a system called "food waste diversion", rather than bagged industrial feed. This insures that my pigs get the healthiest most nutritious food while also reducing waste from local food producers. My pigs aren't fussy about eating the peculiar looking cucumbers that can't be sold as pickles, or leftover mash from the local brewery or winery. It adds deliciousness to my pork products and reduces waste in our community. However, I find myself facing unexpected and challenging times that have put my farm at risk, and I am reaching out to you for support.

In December of 2022, disaster struck when our cooperative local processing facility suddenly and unexpectedly shut down. This devastating turn of events left me with few to no alternatives, not to mention losing my investment into the co-op, and I struggled to maintain operations. But, as a dedicated farmer, I couldn't simply give up on my passion and my commitment to supplying our community with sustainable, locally sourced pork.

During this difficult period, I've managed to secure and utilize another local processing facility, but the six-month downtime has taken a significant toll on my small operation. It has led to financial hardships, mounting debts, and the inability to serve our loyal customers at the farmers market.

I'm now reaching out to you, my fellow community members, for a helping hand to get back on my feet and revitalize the farm. I'm aiming to acquire two months of full processing, which will allow me to start selling my pork products once again at the farmers markets. This means not only sustaining my farm but also ensuring that our community continues to enjoy the delicious, quality, and locally sourced pork they have come to love.

Additionally, there are pressing needs on the farm that require immediate attention. Last year, our fencing was unfortunately damaged during a fire, leaving my pigs vulnerable to wandering. To maintain their safety and ensure their well being, I need to invest in new rolls of fencing to re-stretch the perimeter. Moreover, installing new gates will make the process of feeding and moving the pigs around more efficient and comfortable for both me and the animals. There are some additional capital improvements in which I can use these funds to make my farm, not only more functional, but a safer and happier environment for my 80+ swine. I take pride in the well-being of my animals in which they are not living in cages or confined in tiny pens as is commonly done in industrial farming AKA CAFO's. My animals enjoy lots of space to roam, and I like to think of them as having only "one bad day". To care for pigs in a humane way costs more per animal than in industrial farming. Any capital that I raise will help ensure the happiness and free roaming space for my animals.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in helping me overcome these challenges. By supporting this fundraiser, you are not only helping me keep my small farm alive, but you are also contributing to the resilience and sustainability of local agriculture in Sonoma County and reducing our dependence on corporate industrial farming.

Please consider donating today and sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family. Together, we can ensure that our community continues to enjoy locally raised, high quality pork while supporting a dedicated Sonoma County pig farmer on their journey to recovery.

Thank you for your generosity, support, and belief in power of community!

With deep gratitude,

Jeff Kent/Takenoko Farms

Sonoma County Pig Farmer