Beats Per Minute

Overview

Beats Per Minute Farms, based in Kansas City, is a veteran-owned, disabled-owned business that has taken the local grocery scene by storm with its high-quality, hydroponically-grown basil.

Founded by David Payne and his partners (Karen, Mike, Josh, Heather) Beats Per Minute Farms leverages Freight Farms’ technology to deliver fresh, living herbs to over 50 grocery stores across Kansas City. Their journey from concept to thriving business is a testament to their resilience and strategic planning.

Background

David Payne, a veteran, and his business partners decided to venture into hydroponic farming after identifying a gap in the market for fresh, locally-grown herbs. With no prior experience in controlled environment agriculture, David and his team were driven by a desire to create a sustainable business that would serve their community while also providing a steady income. Their business name, Beats Per Minute, reflects the rhythm, consistency, and heart healthy living they aim to bring to their farming operations

Freight Farming as a Business

Launching the Farm

The decision to start a Freight Farm stemmed from David’s interest in sustainable agriculture and his team’s research into viable business opportunities. They discovered Freight Farms while exploring different methods of hydroponic farming and were impressed by the efficiency and potential for high yields. With the support of a bank loan, they purchased their first Freight Farm and placed it on Karen’s family farm, leveraging the benefits of already-owned farmland to avoid zoning issues.

Learning the Farm

Operating a Freight Farm was a new experience for David and his team, but they embraced the learning curve with determination. Their first crop was basil, a strategic choice based on market demand. The team’s hands-on approach and commitment to learning allowed them to quickly master the intricacies of hydroponic farming, ensuring a successful start to their business.

Growing and Selling Basil

Beats Per Minute Farms specializes in growing basil, which they identified as a high-demand product in the local grocery market. Their entry into over 50 grocery stores was a result of strategic relationship-building and delivering a product that exceeded expectations. The team’s approach included taking sample menus to buyers and offering a unique living herb program that filled a gap left by other basil farmers in the area.

Packaging and Delivery

Beats Per Minute Farms developed custom packaging to meet the needs of their grocery store clients, ensuring the basil stays fresh and appealing to consumers. Their delivery process is efficient and streamlined, with David and his team taking a hands-on approach to maintain positive relationships with store managers. The customized farm stands Beats Per Minute built, have become a favorite among grocery stores, as they reduce labor hours for the stores and enhance the customer experience.

Financial Success and Future Plans

As of now, Beats Per Minute Farms is at the breakeven point, generating around $2,500 per week from their delivery service and invoicing out $20,000, with $15,000 attributed to their Freight Farms container. David and his team have plans to expand the business by adding more container farms, hiring additional staff for deliveries, and potentially branching into restaurant sales.

Conclusion

Beats Per Minute Farms is a prime example of how entrepreneurial veterans can successfully transition into the agricultural industry using innovative technologies like Freight Farms. Their journey from novices to successful hydroponic farmers is inspiring, and their plans for future expansion demonstrate their commitment to growing both their business and their community impact.