SOIL Sangre de Cristo Loan Awards
TOTAL AMOUNT LOANED TO DATE
$104,320
2020
Rocky Mountain Garlic, Salida, CO $5000 - PAID IN FULL
A “walk-in” for refrigeration was purchased with the funds along with a
substantial “hoop” house to extend the growing season.
2021
Badger Creek Ranch, Salida/Coaldale, CO $5000 - PAID IN FULL
A used tractor was purchased with the loan funds to minimize the manual
labor around the ranch and vegetable gardens. The owners Chrissy and Dave
McFerran are able to supply much of their own produce to their guests
during the summer who are staying at the ranch.
Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy, Buena Vista, CO $10,000 - PAID IN FULL
The loan was used to enlarge the retail space at the dairy. This development
was very important during the first few years of the pandemic, with the need
for social distancing. Many visitors can be in the space and have access to
purchasing the Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy products and swag and still feel
“safe” with social distancing.
Elevation Farm & Orchard, Alamosa, CO $5000 - Final Pay 03/31/27
Tiffany and Armando Vigil are selling the greens and herbs grown in the
vertical growing system through the SLV Valley Roots Food Hub and direct
sales. With the loan from Soil Sangre De Cristo they were able to increase
sales close to 10x. Armando is now the head of the Education Department
for the Rio Grande Farm Park. He has been very instrumental in making
contact with those farmers and others in the region, introducing them to
SOIL Sangre de Cristo.
Fungus Among Us, Westcliffe, CO $3500 - Final Pay 03/31/25
The loan was used to install special growing lights and better insulation for
the “mushroom grow house”, extending the growing season. The support he
feels from the members of SOIL Sangre de Cristo has helped him sustain his
vision of becoming a major mushroom supplier throughout this region.
2022
Rocky Mountain Garlic, Salida, CO $2500 - PAID IN FULL
Construction of a larger onsite market was the top priority for this 2 nd loan
application. The new structure has greatly improved the income stream
throughout early Spring into late Fall. Tiffany and Mike offered a “Winter
CSA” for the first time in 2022. Tiffany is able to work full time for the farm,
w/o having to hold a second, part time job too. The production has doubled
since 2020.
Elements Mountain Compost, Salida, CO $10,000 - Final Pay 03/31/26
Julie Mach, owner, was just recently “entrepreneur of the year in Chaffee
County. A new, automated sifter was purchased with the loan increasing
capacity and efficiency to turn food and agricultural waste into compost. The
number of customers (both who contribute material for compost and those
who purchase the finished compost) has more than doubled since 2020.
2023
Alpine Valley Mushrooms, Saguache, CO $1000 - PAID IN FULL
Owners Tylor and Danielle Berreth used the funds to take the necessary
courses and apply for USDA Organic Certification, which was granted in mid-
2023. The loan is paid in full.
Alpine Valley Mushrooms, Saguache, CO $2380 - PAID IN FULL
A new application was submitted in July, 2023 for purchase for larger pieces of
equipment to increase mushroom production. The owners are finding there is an
endless market to sell the mushrooms.
SLV Apothecary, Alamosa, CO $2640 - PAID IN FULL
A new glass-front refrigerator will be purchase so the store can carry more local
products that need to stay cool for freshness. SLV Apothecary specializes in local
food products from suppliers throughout the South Central Region of Colorado.
2024
Colorado Fresh Farms $20,000 - Final Pay 03/31/29
To help co-finance a large investment in a biomass boiler that would extend the growing season by several months and save money on propane.
Mushroom Love Co., Buena Vista CO $2,800 - Final Pay 08/15/26
Purpose of the loan—investment in a capacity- increasing production facility.
Tumbleweed Bread, Del Norte, CO $25,000 - Final Pay 09/30/2029 & 04/30/2030
A two part loan, with the first funding infrastructure in Tumbleweed’s wholesale operation which is supplying the region. The company is currently in the process of investing in their upcoming retail bakery in downtown Monte Vista and the
new loan would be used for infrastructure—including oven, freezer, and fridge—to support
that.
Pickle D's $3,000 - Final Pay 9/30/27
The $3000 loan will cover the purchase of one pallets of jars, renting a commercial
kitchen 1-2 times a month through the end of 2024. About 50 jars per day can be
produced. The remaining funds will be applied towards new equipment such as
pots, storage bins for food preparation, and transportation totes for the farmer’s
market. Other items to be considered for use of the funds is a logo tablecloth for
display at venues, logo jar openers to give with each product and a new pH meter.
Alpine Valley Mushrooms, $6,500 - Final Pay 03/31/2030
The new loan would be used for infrastructure—a pharmaceutical-grade freeze dryer
and substrate steamer—that would allow for a significant increase in volume production and
product selection.