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JOHNSTON -- The Trumbull County Farm Bureau has named Firefly Ridge as the recipient of the 2026 New Farmer Expansion Grant.
Mandy Orahood, organization director for the Trumbull County Farm Bureau, said 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 in Johnston is owned and operated by Justin and Ross Treffert and is an agricultural-based body care business built entirely around their productive herd of dairy goats.
Orahood said with a background deeply rooted in hands-on livestock management and the careful formulation of farm-fresh products, the Trefferts utilize 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.
"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. 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," Orahood said.
Firefly Ridge is focused on maximizing what the farm already produces without compromising on handcrafted quality. By upgrading their infrastructure and mobile logistics, the Trefferts plan to process more of their farm's raw materials into finished goods while keeping the goat herd at a sustainable, manageable size.
The Trefferts said Firefly Ridge will use the grant funds to eliminate equipment bottlenecks that limit their production. To move past the current 80-bar production limit, they will invest in professional-grade manual equipment to scale up operations.
They said part of the funding will be used to upgrade milking stands and chore tools to boost 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.
Orahood said the opportunity for the grant was made possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who is passionate about supporting the next generation of agriculturalists.
She said 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.
For more information about the New Farmer Expansion Grant and future opportunities, visit www.trumbullfb.org.