Roaring Shoals Farm is a small Black Angus beef farm in Breathitt County, owned and operated by Erik and Amy Holbrook. Both raised on farms in Breathitt County, Erik and Amy take pride in raising grain-finished, dry-aged beef that is born and raised on the farm.  

The beef business started in 2020 after a long history of different farming industries. Erik notes that he always wanted to try everything, from row crops to logging to cattle and direct-to-consumer beef sales. When the pandemic created a push for local food, the beef business took off. Since then, Erik and Amy have invested in on-farm technology to help make the process easier, such as automatic feeders. They’ve also been adding value-added products and expanding their markets to include summer sausage, beef subscriptions, and meal kits. 

In 2022, Erik and Amy attended the Eastern Kentucky Farmer Conference and were introduced to KCARD during an educational session about funding. They were connected with Business Development Assistant Terryn Varney, who helped them develop a written business plan and apply for the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG). 

“Our experience working with KCARD was 100% positive and I don’t know how people would apply for things like VAPG without them,” Erk notes. 

Erik and Amy have also received assistance from KCARD’s recordkeeping services and note that working with KCARD to get a business plan on paper has been invaluable in developing and understanding their business. Now, their farm consists of over 70 head and over 100 acres of hay/haylage. 

“I would say if you have the opportunity to work with KCARD, do it. There’s no risk involved and it’s great to develop a relationship with an organization like KCARD that will think of you and reach out to you with potential opportunities,” Amy says.