Blog
New Growth News
Business Pivot Empowers Others
With support from New Growth, Tyler Throckmorton launched We the People Cattle Company in Lincoln, Missouri, and later pivoted to create We the People Pets, a business that supports the community, promotes local partnerships, and addresses challenges in the raw pet food market. His efforts also fund mentorship programs for fatherless boys, highlighting the transformative impact of empowering rural entrepreneurs.
Peculiar Farmer and Farm Mentor Leads Farm to Fork
As host of the award-winning podcast Just Grow Something and owner of Wolf Creek Family Farm in Peculiar, Missouri, Karin brings expertise and inspiration to the Farm to Fork Summit to help small farmers succeed. Don’t miss her keynote on income diversification and breakout on making the most at farmers markets!
Connecting with the Farm to Fork Online Group
The free forum, Farm to Fork Heartland Facebook Group, is a growing online community connecting local food producers, buyers, and supporters across Missouri, Kansas, and the Heartland region. It serves as a hub for networking, resource sharing, and promoting local food businesses, fostering collaboration within the regional food system.
Lake Retired Volunteer Driver
Michelle felt a little isolated after retiring and moving with her husband from the city to a rural area near Truman Lake in Benton County. Looking for a way to stay active and connected in her new community, becoming a volunteer driver for New Growth Transit turned out to be the perfect fit.
Love Across the Miles: How New Growth Transit Brings Betty and Stanley Together
Betty, 85, relies on New Growth Transit to visit her husband, a Korean War veteran, at the Veterans Home in Warrensburg each week. With the help of her sister Phyllis and a caring volunteer driver, these weekly trips are not only a lifeline for Betty and Stanley but also a testament to the power of community.
Farm to Fork Summit 2025
Empowering the local farm and food entrepreneurs needed to make local food an easy choice for individuals, schools, grocers, and restaurants is the focus of the 7th annual Farm to Fork Summit taking place on March 7 in Nevada, MO
New USDA Funding Puts Specialty Crop Growers Front and Center
Applications close January 8, 2025. Register today for the December 19 webinar on this Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program!
Vital Farms Supports New Growth's Work
We're thrilled to announce national egg brand Vital Farms has recently invested $25,000 to support New Growth’s efforts to strengthen local food systems and grow food and farm businesses in rural Missouri. This partnership highlights the shared commitment to sustainable family farming and underscores the importance of initiatives like the upcoming Farm to Fork Summit in March.
Microloan Helps The Game Box Boom
With the help of a microloan and personalized support from New Growth, Jennifer and Kurtis Jones transformed their love for trading card games into The Game Box—a thriving community hub in Clinton, Missouri.
Rides for Rural Growth
Rides not only ease the challenges of rural life but also fuel local growth. Stories like Anna’s, a single mother and waitress, and Brent’s, who cannot drive due to a developmental disability, highlight how New Growth Transit helps them get to work. Volunteer drivers make a lasting impact on rural communities, one ride and one individual at a time.
A Ride to Work: Supporting Independence
Meet Dustin, a 24-year-old thriving at his job at Walmart, thanks to the reliable support of New Growth Transit. His story highlights how access to dependable transportation fosters independence, eases family burdens, and creates opportunities for individuals in rural communities.
Million Miles Making News
Our volunteer drivers' incredible milestone of one million miles of free rides in 2024 has been celebrated across multiple platforms, including a feature on KSHB Channel 41 News, an online story at KCTV 5, and local coverage in Bolivar’s Herald-Free Press. This recognition highlights the transformative impact of rural transportation and the dedication of the volunteers who make it possible.