My neighbor’s cows are depending on crowdfunding.
Crowdfunding has emerged as an innovative alternative to traditional fundraising methods. Creative individuals are now able to fund movies, video games, inventions, and much more through engaging online campaigns. When enough people are invested, these aspirations can materialize into reality. New success stories from platforms like Indiegogo and Kickstarter pop up every day.
Recently, a crowdfunding platform has been launched specifically for personal causes. If you’re looking to revamp a dilapidated playground, finance medical expenses, cover college tuition, restore a historical site, or manage wedding costs, GoFundMe.com might be the perfect solution. Since its inception in 2010, this site experienced a 500% growth from 2011 to 2012. Currently, millions of dollars are being raised every month by countless users. There are inspiring examples, such as the tallest man in the U.S. who raised over $46,000 for custom shoes, a mother who garnered $4,000 so her daughter could attend space camp, and a couple looking to finance the adoption of two children from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This brings me to the mission of saving my neighbor’s cows. Each day, as I walk my dogs, I pass Ron’s farm. My husband and I have collaborated with him on strategies to maintain his livelihood. Ron has not faltered in his care; his cows are healthy and well-treated, moving between pastures for optimal grazing. His calves are nurtured with genuine milk rather than substitute feeds. Each day, he dedicates his time to caring for his land and livestock. However, sustaining a small-scale dairy operation has become increasingly challenging.
The root of the problem lies in the ongoing dairy crisis. Farmers are currently receiving lower prices for their products than they did in the 1970s. Ron’s dairy produces milk for cheese and butter but he earns less than $11 per hundredweight (for 12 gallons), even though it costs him more to care for the cows responsible for that production. While others may be profiting, the farmers themselves are in a tough spot.
Many dairy farmers are choosing to sell off their herds due to financial pressures. However, Ron is resolved to keep working the 70 acres that have belonged to his family for over six decades. Though he lacks the funds to renovate his house or barns, his primary concern is sustaining his cows. One potential solution is to nurture this year’s calves and transition to a herd of grass-fed beef.
Unfortunately, this process will take about a year and a half before the first cattle are ready for sale. Ron will need financial assistance for fencing additional pastures, compensating for lost dairy revenue, and continuing to care for his animals. We understand the challenges of raising these gentle creatures and cannot bear the thought of our neighbor losing his herd to the harsh realities of today’s economy.
Therefore, I’m taking the plunge with GoFundMe. I’ve created a page to raise funds to keep Ron’s cows on his farm. Although Ron doesn’t use a computer, he remains hopeful that those who do will be willing to lend a hand.