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Trumbull County Farm Bureau is pleased to announce that the 2026 New Farmer Expansion Grant has been awarded to Firefly Ridge Farm of Cortland.

The $1,500 grant is awarded annually to support the growth and development of beginning farmers who are committed to advancing Ohio agriculture. Designed to alleviate early operational hurdles, the grant covers essential expenses such as fuel, equipment, and land rent to foster long-term agricultural sustainability.

Firefly Ridge Farm is owned and operated by Justin & Ross Treffert. Firefly Ridge Farm is an agricultural-based bodycare business built entirely around their productive herd of dairy goats. With a background deeply rooted in hands-on livestock management and the careful formulation of farm-fresh products, they use their own raw goat milk as the primary ingredient for their business. Through this sustainable approach, they successfully raise a healthy herd while building an incredibly loyal customer base.

 

The goal for this expansion is not to buy more land or pivot to mass production. Instead, Firefly Ridge is focused on maximizing what the farm already produces without compromising on handcrafted quality. By upgrading their infrastructure and mobile logistics, they plan to process more of their farm’s raw materials into finished goods while keeping their beloved goat herd at a sustainable, manageable size.

Firefly Ridge will use the grant funds to eliminate equipment bottlenecks that currently limit their production. To move past the current 80-bar production limit, they will invest in professional-grade manual equipment to scale up operations.

True to their farming philosophy, the livestock comes first. Part of the funding will be used to upgrade milking stands and chore tools, boosting operational efficiency while ensuring the absolute highest standards of animal welfare. Additionally, Firefly Ridge plans to invest in a trailer that will serve as a mobile storefront, allowing them to bring their products directly to the community in larger quantities.

“What made Firefly Ridge Farm’s application stand out was their ability to think outside the box. They didn’t just look at their herd and see a standard dairy operation”, said Mandy Orahood, Trumbull County Farm Bureau organization director. “They saw an opportunity to create unique, value-added products out of something they love. That kind of creative vision is exactly what keeps Ohio agriculture vibrant and growing- proving that with a little creativity and a lot of hard work, you can carve out your own unique space in the agricultural industry.

This opportunity was made possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who is passionate about supporting the next generation of agriculturalists. The Trumbull County Farm Bureau extends its heartfelt thanks to the donor for their investment in the future of agriculture and their belief in the power of new farmers to make a lasting difference.

Please join us in congratulating Firefly Ridge on this well-deserved recognition!  We can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes their business!