Momentum Continues for The Farmer’s Cow: From USDA National Pilot Program Talks and Local Media Spotlight to International Awards for The Farmer’s Cow Calfé

Norwich, CT – December 17, 2025 – FC Development Corp. (FCDC), the brand management and expansion partner for The Farmer’s Cow, continues to experience remarkable momentum as the cooperative’s proven Family Farming Security Ecosystem gains national attention and its farm-fresh dining concept earns global recognition.

Just over a week after returning from a highly productive meeting at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C.—where executives and cooperative Chairman Jim Smith presented a de-risked blueprint for a proposed national pilot program to support America’s small family farms through diversified revenue in retail, restaurants, and clean energy—the brand is celebrating new milestones. The December 9, 2025, announcement detailed clear next steps with USDA’s Office of Rural Development and Rural Business-Cooperative Services, positioning The Farmer’s Cow as a scalable model for food security, rural jobs, and energy independence.

Building on this national momentum, the recent New Britain Herald feature (November 19, 2025), “Mooing Up Success: Farmer’s Cow Keeps Everything Local,” spotlighted the Calfé’s commitment to scratch-made, locally-sourced seasonal offerings—like the caramel apple liège waffle featuring apples from Blue Hills Orchard in Wallingford, CT—and its growth from a 2003-founded cooperative of six Connecticut family farms into a beloved New England brand with expanding retail products and Calfé locations in Berlin and Willimantic.

Now, this local-to-national narrative reaches an international stage: The Farmer’s Cow Calfé has been honored with two prestigious awards from LUXlife Magazine—a premier global publication celebrating excellence in luxury lifestyle brands—for their annual Food & Drink Award series. These dual accolades recognize the Calfé’s exceptional farm-to-table dining, innovative menu driven by high quality & local sourcing, and welcoming community spaces that embody sustainable, high-quality experiences. These international honors from LUXlife Magazine are developed by a dedicated in-house research team to identify and evaluate standout luxury lifestyle brands worldwide.

Best Farm‑Tech Growth & Innovation Company 2025 – USA


Most Dedicated Family Farms Support Consultancy 2025 – USA

“These awards affirm two critical elements: First, the profound impact of our team’s dedicated efforts is now resonating far beyond our local Connecticut communities, it’s something people everywhere embrace. Second, they validate our strategic positioning within fast-casual vertical—a market position we have intentionally cultivated and strengthened over the past four years,” remarked Steve Lane, President of FC Development Corp. “As we approach our significant capital raise on StartEngine in Q1 2026 and prepare to share The Farmer’s Cow® story on a much larger scale, the momentum is undeniable. The Farmer’s Cow® is not just a brand; it is a mission with extraordinary potential, leading a vital movement for the future of American agriculture.”

This surge of recognition—from local media features and USDA advancements—stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering dedication of our farmers, and our team, since The Farmer’s Cow® was founded in 2003. The materialization of this long-held vision serves as an inspiring catalyst, propelling us forward with extraordinary momentum toward our Q1 2026 capital raise on StartEngine and the broader mission to redefine the future of agriculture. For more on the LUXlife awards, visit https://lux-life.digital/winners/the-farmers-cow-calfe/. Read the USDA announcement at fcdevcorp.com and the New Britain Herald feature here.

About FC Development Corp.

FC Development Corp. (FCDC) serves as the premier management and development entity for the esteemed Farmer’s Cow brand of Connecticut. With deep expertise in managing family farm brands, FCDC is committed to growing and managing the cooperative’s brand. With a strong background in handling large agribusinesses, environmental regulation challenges, and financial opportunities, FCDC excels at identifying, and safeguarding the future of small family farming operations nationwide. With expertise across finance, technology, operations, and energy, FCDC is especially responsible for founding multi-million-dollar companies and raising millions in capital.

About The Farmer’s Cow

The Farmer’s Cow® is a cooperative of six family-owned and operated multigenerational Connecticut dairy farms that joined forces in 2003 to bottle and market fresh local milk under one trusted brand. By pooling their milk and delivering it to stores within 48 hours of milking, they offer some of the freshest dairy in New England. Longtime advocates for farmland protection, Chairman Jim Smith of Cushman Farms and other key founding members were instrumental in shaping and passing the landmark 2018 Farmland Preservation Act that strengthened Connecticut’s easement program. Today their six farms protect thousands of permanently preserved acres—the largest single block held by any cooperative in the state. This commitment, and over 20 years of proven success, earned them the prestigious Connecticut Legacy Recognition Award in 2023, affirming their contributions to manufacturing, retail, restaurants, brand development, and clean energy—the sole recipient for the state. The Farmer’s Cow shows that when family farms stand united, they can safeguard both their land and their legacy.

For More Information

Contact: FC Development Corp. at info@fcdevcorp.com