Originally established in the 1770s by Isaac Manchester, Grandview Dairy Farm has remained in the family for more than two centuries. It was recently purchased by direct descendant Margie Pagliarulo and her husband, Joe.

Eager to keep the farm operational but not wanting to run it themselves, the Pagliarulos partnered with experienced young farmer Steve Magan through FarmLink, a non-profit organization that works to connect retiring farmers with potential successors.

Mr. Magan decided to turn to the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center to conduct a cash flow assessment. He saw the various opportunities to expand into new markets and improve operations, and seeked help in doing so.

Mr. Magan met with his consultants to develop a plan for building his organic dairy farm. The Pitt SBDC provided an operational and financial assessment of the business to help him better understand the areas that were most profitable and the areas that could be operating more efficiently.

The experienced consultants also conducted a financial analysis and benchmarks to compare Grandview with comparable organic dairies in Pennsylvania and across the country. Such market research further helped with the development of the farm.

With the recent construction of a new milking parlor, Mr. Magan plans to expand the milking from 75 cows to 150. He continues to work with the Pitt SBDC to develop value-added marketing opportunities, and he recently attracted a visit from Representative Tim Murphy of the 18th District of Pennsylvania.

Through the support of the Pitt SBDC, entrepreneurial farmers like Mr. Magan are helping to ensure that Western Pennsylvania’s economic foundation in farming continues through the next generation.