Bluebird Grain Farms founders Brooke and Sam Lucy will be honored this week by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Winthrop operation recognized by SBA
Bluebird Grain Farms, the Methow Valley-based producer of legacy grains, is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Seattle District’s 2022 Rural Small Business of the Year.
The Seattle SBA office made the announcement last week.
Founded in 2004 by Brooke and Sam Lucy, Bluebird Grain Farms is a certified organic producer and processor, specializing in ancient grains, fresh-milled flour and whole-grain handcrafted blends, with headquarters on Rendezvous Road north of Winthrop.
According to an SBA press release, 18 years ago the Lucys recognized a lack of locally grown grain available in the Pacific Northwest. “With years of farming experience under their belts, they began their journey as processors and distributors with a mission to ‘cultivate and mill the most irresistible, nutrient-rich ancient grains we can, while leaving this land healthier for the next generation,’” according to the release.
“What started as a grassroots business venture to provide organic ancient grains to their local community has expanded well beyond their small rural town to become an award-winning, vertically-integrated, value-added business that supports eight employees, a regional network of grain producers, and serves more than 19,000 customers,” the release noted.
“Having a business in a rural setting poses a unique set of challenges, and opportunities,” Brooke Lucy said. “I really appreciate that the rural aspect of being a business is being recognized with this award. The Methow Valley has been a critical part of our story.”
Success for Bluebird Grain Farms has come with no shortage of challenges, according to the SBA release. Seasonal wildfires have forced evacuations and threatened crops. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the business found an unprecedented demand for local food products coupled with the challenges of operating in accordance with evolving health and safety concerns.
Bluebird Grain Farms was able to retain and hire the staff they needed with funding from SBA Paycheck Protection Program. Additionally, funds secured through the SBA COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provided the Lucys with the financial stability to navigate their business through changing circumstances and prepare for growth, the release said.
New facility
In August 2021, the Lucys broke ground on a new 6,700-square-foot processing and manufacturing facility. The expansion will allow Bluebird Grain Farms to increase production capacity and to expand their supplier network of Washington grain farmers, the release said. The new facility will also incorporate a retail storefront and serve as a community space for local schools and tour groups to visit and learn about local food production.
A celebration honoring local SBA winners from Washington and the SBA Seattle District will be on Wednesday (May 4) at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.
The SBA Seattle District Rural Small Business of the Year award recognizes rural small business owners who demonstrate staying power and substantiated history as an established business with at least three years of business operation. Winners must also show growth in net worth and business expansion, increase in jobs and sales, innovativeness of products or services, response to adversity and contributions to community-oriented projects. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/nsbw. The Seattle District serves Washington and northern Idaho.
Visit https://bluebirdgrainfarms.com for more information about the company.
