Commercial Rabbit Farmers of the Tennessee Valley (CRAFT)
We are a regional association of quality commercial rabbit farmers working hard to meet the growing demand for locally grown rabbits that are BORN, BRED & RAISED in Tennessee.
Our Growth Strategy
Background
Premise: Most meat rabbit breeders only have 25-50 does and are not in a position to market to retail
Aim: eradicate the 18-month rabbit business syndrome and provide much needed income to area farmers
Commercial Tennessee Valley Market Demand for: Chattanooga, Cleveland, Knoxville
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Current demand estimate is 350 rabbits per month
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Within 3 years as the farm-to-table movement grows, this could expand to as much as 1000.
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Eventual expansion goal within 2 years to include Nashville
Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan:
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Partner with regional ARBA and commercial leaders
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Regional training classes with breeders and UT-Ag Extension office
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Band together as one unit to provide:
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the numbers restaurants demand to give consistent supply
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feed discounts
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quantities of scale to provide manure to nurseries
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Processor: Utilize FDA-approved Foothills Pilot Plant
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Pay: provide great pay for growers to reward their efforts
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Provide a "Made in Tennessee" product, not China or Mississippi
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Develop regional distribution network for manure
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Establish grower guidelines to standardize quality
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Standarize the feed to control quality of meat
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Pattern ourselves after the successful Western Carolina group that setup the Foothills Pilot Plant
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Potential grants or micro-loans to new startups
Eventually help $1M processor be setup in Cleveland
12-18 Month Goal
At least 3 100-doe operations and a total of 10 area breeders with 20+ does