{"id":6174,"date":"2025-02-18T12:45:20","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T16:45:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/?p=6174"},"modified":"2025-02-18T12:45:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T16:45:24","slug":"metal-building-in-a-week-scaling-up-at-mcdonald-farmstand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/2025\/02\/18\/metal-building-in-a-week-scaling-up-at-mcdonald-farmstand\/","title":{"rendered":"Metal Building in a Week: Scaling up at McDonald Farmstand"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7860.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7860-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6178\" style=\"width:587px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7860-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7860-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7860-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7860-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7860-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7860-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7860.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Jacob Mills started vegetable farming in 2017 and, after a few years of building the business, faced the reality that washing and packing out of the end of a greenhouse wasn\u2019t going to help him meet the goal of working full-time on the farm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He was coming to a crossroads realizing that if this was going to become a full-time venture the farm needed to upgrade into a dedicated, efficient, and clean space for washing, packing and handling the produce.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>McDonald Farmstand is located in Danville, Vermont and sells both wholesale and retail, out of their farmstand on the side of Route 2.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They were able to start farming without much of a packshed as many of the key crops they grew then don\u2019t require much in the terms of packshed infrastructure: corn, winter squash, pumpkins, etc. With the recent addition of root crops and high tunnels full of greens, they had increased need for washing and packing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About McDonald Farmstand<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Danville, VT<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crew: Family members and few seasonal workers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Main Crops: Tomatoes, greens, pumpkins, corn, roots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>6 Greenhouses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>10-15 acres in production<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$100-300k in sales<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2153 Wholesale, \u2154 Retail<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wash Equipment: Greens wash tanks, green\u2019s spinner, barrel washer, stainless packing table<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>20 x 30 feet Wash Pack (1,200 sqft)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the Interview&nbsp;from Jacob<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Upgrading the Wash\/Pack at McDonald Farmstand\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Z7GpIxxKYro?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Building<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Jacob considered both stick-framing a structure with lumber and putting up a metal building. He ended up going with a metal building as he found a pre-purchased, but not assembled kit for almost \u00bd the price of new. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.torosteelbuildings.com\/?fs_ppc_ext=22900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Toro Buildings<\/a> kit already included doors, but Jacob worked with them to get the proper insulation package and additional parts to suit his building project.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7659.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7659-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6179\" style=\"width:839px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7659-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7659-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7659-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7659-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7659-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7659-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7659.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A local contractor put up the building since they had experience assembling metal buildings. Once the site work was done and concrete was in place the structure went up in just about a week.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/Floorplan.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"852\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/Floorplan-1024x852.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/Floorplan-1024x852.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/Floorplan-300x250.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/Floorplan-768x639.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/Floorplan.jpg 1448w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The building is 30&#8217;x40\u2019, which Jacob reflects is adequate, but could be larger. On a typical day they harvest in the morning, and work inside the shade of the building with 2-3 people working in the area at a time. It can feel cramped at times with all of the product and equipment filling up the space. One idea he shared was placing the cooler in another building to open up more working space. When all is said and done, he reflects, \u201cAs long as it\u2019s organized, it\u2019s functional\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7646.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7646-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6181\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7646-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7646-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7646-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7646-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7646-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7646-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7646.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Jacob sketched a few layouts ahead of construction and continues to adapt the space with new equipment, but the utility room, bathroom, cooler, and kitchen are in fixed locations. The garage doors were also set where they are from the original kit design which has worked out pretty well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Construction Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of the project turned out to be about $100\/sq. ft. or $120,000. This included the building ($20,000), Contractor labor ($10,000) concrete ($25,000), plumbing, electrical, a walk-in cooler, interior walls and site work. Overall the project \u201cturned out to be a little bit more of a project than I anticipated.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7576.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7576-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7576-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7576-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7576-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7576-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7576-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7576-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7576.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cHaving a good plan helps to make a project like this feasible.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Favorite Features&nbsp;<\/h1>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7708.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7708-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6183\" style=\"width:519px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7708-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7708-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7708-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7708-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7708.jpg 1333w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Good Drainage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BEST Feature: The walk in cooler \u201cjust makes it possible to handle all the vegetables that come in and out and keep from spoiling. [The refrigeration unit] was built a bit oversized, but helps having a quick recovery time to remove the field heat.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Future Upgrades<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the challenges of this space is managing moisture, there is a lot in there and the addition of a dehumidifier, or a heat pump is being considered. This would further condition the space which could help better maintain the produce quality as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eventually he would like to add a loading dock, designed for a pick-up truck height, to support unloading products out of the fields. A porch area around the building is also being considered to use as a covered space for spraying off some heavily soiled crops outside.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of the kitchen, he wishes he had a break area for employees to have lunch and have cubbies or lockers for gear etc. Shoes, change of clothes, snacks\/lunch etc. All these ideas are nice to have upgrades, but this building has been a great investment thus far.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7765.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7765-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7765-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7765-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7765-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7765-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7765-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7765-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7765.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Advice for other farmers: \u201cBetter off to make it a little too big than to be cramped.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How has this space saved you money?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Building this space has saved the farm money largely by reducing the amount of waste. Because they have the space to handle, wash, package, and store the products in the walk-in they are able to make the time to market the surplus to wholesale accounts. Previously the seconds would just get left in the field, or tossed back into the field since there was no space to store it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7525.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"6187\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7525-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7525-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7525-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7525-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7525-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7525-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7525-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7525.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7531.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"6186\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7531-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7531-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7531-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7531-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7531-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7531-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7531-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7531.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7709.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"6185\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7709-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7709-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7709-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7709-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7709-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7709-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7709-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7709.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7608.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"6188\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7608-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7608-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7608-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7608-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7608-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7608-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7608-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7608.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Produce Safety Upgrades<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The produce safety investments that made a big difference included stainless steel packing tables and stainless steel wash tanks. The building also houses an employee bathroom and hand wash sink and a cooler to keep the produce cool.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7509.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"6191\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7509-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7509-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7509-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7509-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7509-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7509-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7509-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7509.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7540.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"6190\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7540-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7540-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7540-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7540-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7540-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7540-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7540-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7540.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7561.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"6192\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7561-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7561-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7561-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7561-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7561-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7561-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7561-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7561.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7720.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"6189\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7720-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6189\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7720-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7720-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7720-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7720-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7720-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7720-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7720.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cOverall it has made us a lot cleaner and more efficient.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Virtual Tour<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/kuula.co\/share\/collection\/7Zqjk?logo=1&amp;info=1&amp;fs=1&amp;vr=0&amp;zoom=1&amp;sd=1&amp;thumbs=1\">Click here<\/a> to explore the building with a virtual tour where you can click, drag, and look around the space.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kuula.co\/share\/collection\/7Zqjk?logo=1&amp;info=1&amp;fs=1&amp;vr=0&amp;zoom=1&amp;sd=1&amp;thumbs=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"497\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/360-McDonald-Farmstand-Thumb_2-1024x497.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/360-McDonald-Farmstand-Thumb_2-1024x497.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/360-McDonald-Farmstand-Thumb_2-300x146.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/360-McDonald-Farmstand-Thumb_2-768x373.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/360-McDonald-Farmstand-Thumb_2-1536x746.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/360-McDonald-Farmstand-Thumb_2-2048x995.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/360-McDonald-Farmstand-Thumb_2-1568x762.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn More About McDonald Farmstand in this Podcast Episode<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-the-farmer-039-s-share wp-block-embed-the-farmer-039-s-share\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"JFKmsnAZir\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thefarmersshare.com\/2024\/05\/15\/jacob-mills-of-mcdonalds-farmstand-ep20\/\">Jacob Mills of McDonald\u2019s Farmstand: EP20<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Jacob Mills of McDonald\u2019s Farmstand: EP20&#8221; &#8212; The Farmer&#039;s Share\" src=\"https:\/\/thefarmersshare.com\/2024\/05\/15\/jacob-mills-of-mcdonalds-farmstand-ep20\/embed\/#?secret=228GiHYHnP#?secret=JFKmsnAZir\" data-secret=\"JFKmsnAZir\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explore Additional Post Harvest Case Studies<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-uvm-extension-ag-engineering wp-block-embed-uvm-extension-ag-engineering\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"QGzcpTXsiN\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/post-harvest-case-studies\/\">Post Harvest Case Studies<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Post Harvest Case Studies&#8221; &#8212; UVM Extension Ag Engineering\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/post-harvest-case-studies\/embed\/#?secret=tN7w4mlaLO#?secret=QGzcpTXsiN\" data-secret=\"QGzcpTXsiN\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/phcs\">go.uvm.edu\/phcs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Share This Post<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/mcdonaldfarmstand\">https:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/mcdonaldfarmstand<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jacob Mills started vegetable farming in 2017 and, after a few years of building the business, faced the reality that washing and packing out of the end of a greenhouse wasn\u2019t going to help him meet the goal of working full-time on the farm.&nbsp; He was coming to a crossroads realizing that if this was &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/2025\/02\/18\/metal-building-in-a-week-scaling-up-at-mcdonald-farmstand\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Metal Building in a Week: Scaling up at McDonald Farmstand&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4505,"featured_media":6175,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[523959,50616,43530],"tags":[523911,15975,20145,50637,50638,6521,262721,52834,571540,50636],"class_list":["post-6174","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-case-studies","category-refrigeration-and-storage","category-washing-and-packing","tag-diy","tag-farm","tag-food-safety","tag-pack","tag-packshed","tag-post-harvest","tag-produce-safety","tag-small-farm","tag-vermont-farm","tag-wash","entry"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7750-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2024\/12\/IMG_7750-600x600.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Andy","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/author\/achambe4\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6174","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4505"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6174"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6174\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6245,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6174\/revisions\/6245"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6175"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6174"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6174"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6174"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}