Langwater Farm just got featured over at the Farm Stories blog. They wrote about our business name, Stone Soup LLC, and the paradox of combining the Stone Soup story (which speaks to the power of community working together) with the LLC business entity (which is meant to protect us farmers legally). Farm Stories writes:
“The name of their business entity, however, was what was most intriguing. Stone Soup, LLC was the name that caught my eye. Their story speaks to several issues facing those who want to begin farming: namely, the high cost of acquiring land for those with farming dreams, and the legal and liability aspects of farm related businesses that most people don’t really consider.
Stone Soup, LLC as a name is a paradox. We do live in an age where Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farming is increasing all over the country as people want to know where their food comes from as they support their local farmers. The very way that CSA’s operate show an increased willingness of people to support each other, even financially, so that they can achieve mutual goals. This coincides with our increased awareness that we need to protect ourselves from those out there that would be all too happy to sue us if they thought they could take something from us.”
Interesting- I hadn’t thought of that before, though it is a very good point. The article emphasized that farming is a business, not just a lifestyle, and must be carefully thought through. The story ends:
“If you want to farm, there are plenty of customers out there who want to support you in your goal. Just don’t forget to do your business planning along the way.”
Agreed! We’ve been lucky enough to have good friends and advisors who have helped us in our business planning. It’s not the sexy part of farming, but it sure is important, and we think that getting the business squared away– the lease, the LLC, the accounting, all that stuff– will make the farming aspect go more smoothly over the long run. Anyways, thanks to Farm Stories!
